Author |
Message |
Klaussinator Samba Member

Joined: June 17, 2008 Posts: 1111 Location: Virginia
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:45 am Post subject: 9'x9' awning from Wal-Mart?!? ** new PICS ** |
|
|
Here in southern VA, our Wal-Mart is starting to get in some of their spring stock, and just yesterday I noticed a brand new item in with the tents & stuff. It is under their "Ozark Trail" name, meaning you won't find it anywhere but Wal-Mart. It is a 9' square dining canopy with a domed roof - uses fiberglass poles for the roof and includes (4) steel poles to go to the ground. Has guy lines, neat little carrying case, etc. Best thing: It's only $29.99!
I'm thinking I could sew some cow magnets into the one edge to hold it in the gutter, and then use two poles from the front corners to angle down to the wheels for support & tension. No guy lines required unless for wind uplift. Could even use sections from the other two legs to make a ridgid pole to go across the front like the EZ-Up has.
I realize this may not be the same quality as an EZ-Up, but let's face it - Not everyone can afford to pay $120 for an awning. Even if I had to replace it every other year or buy another as a backup, I'm still ahead! I've tried the tarp method and it works, but this would provide much-needed head room and allow for water runoff instead of ponding.
I'll try to get their SKU# next time. I checked their website and it's not up yet. The ones at our store are a nice dark blue which matches our bus really well... Guess karma says I hafta buy it
I'll post some pics and explain the mods to make it work in a few days . . .
-Klauss _________________ I have taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money!
____________________________________________
the Klaussinator - `73 hardtop Bay custom-built camper
Last edited by Klaussinator on Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:38 pm; edited 2 times in total |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
theizzardking Samba Member

Joined: June 13, 2008 Posts: 2097 Location: seattle
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:58 am Post subject: |
|
|
thanks for the tip as nice as a trap can be the ease of set up of a properly poled system would be nice! and 30 bucks is my price range for sure!
_________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
'71 westie "the wanderer" |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
1977_L63H_P27 Samba Member

Joined: January 17, 2006 Posts: 2345 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
So, I went to Walmart and...
I think it'll do fine. It's very compact when stored, and sets up quickly. Thanks for the tip! _________________
busdaddy wrote: |
...and try a few chubby ones until you find one you like.
|
1977 Westfalia P27
you can't spell Volkswagen without SWAG
M-code Plate
Full Moon Bus Club
Last edited by 1977_L63H_P27 on Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:26 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
MalibuLX3 Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2005 Posts: 839 Location: Ventura, CA
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
1977_L63H_P27 wrote: |
So, I went to Walmart and...
I think it'll do fine. It's very compact when stored, and sets up quickly. Thanks for the tip! |
Looks good. How do you have it connected to the gutter on the bus? _________________ 1978 Westfalia |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
1977_L63H_P27 Samba Member

Joined: January 17, 2006 Posts: 2345 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:06 pm Post subject: |
|
|
It's not connected yet. I'm thinking through the possibilities. Could be as simple as spring clamps, or so in some rare earth magnets. I'll let ya' know. Peace! _________________
busdaddy wrote: |
...and try a few chubby ones until you find one you like.
|
1977 Westfalia P27
you can't spell Volkswagen without SWAG
M-code Plate
Full Moon Bus Club |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
dreadnotmusic Samba Member

Joined: March 04, 2003 Posts: 880 Location: Guam, USA
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Can you post the SKU or exact name? That looks pretty nice! _________________ 66 Riviera |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
1977_L63H_P27 Samba Member

Joined: January 17, 2006 Posts: 2345 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
"9ft. X 9ft. Dining Canopy" It's an Ozark Trail product. The part number on the tag is WT98012-3 and the UPC is 8 18655 00402 7. It's in sporting goods, in a small rectangular blue and black duffel bag, approx. 4"x6"x2'. Peace! _________________
busdaddy wrote: |
...and try a few chubby ones until you find one you like.
|
1977 Westfalia P27
you can't spell Volkswagen without SWAG
M-code Plate
Full Moon Bus Club |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Klaussinator Samba Member

Joined: June 17, 2008 Posts: 1111 Location: Virginia
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
MalibuLX3,
You got the jump on me man!!! It's all good, I got mine today too.
I'm planning to use 1/2" pipe & clamps at each end to attatch to the gutter and some cow magnets in the center where I can't get a clamp. Should seal it up enough to keep water from running thru over the door. Gonna cut off the two little "corner thingies" at the gutter side and use that material to make the pockets for the pipe & magnets. Should have pics tomorrow.
I think this just might be the ticket for us poor-boys! _________________ I have taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money!
____________________________________________
the Klaussinator - `73 hardtop Bay custom-built camper |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
71_georgia_beetle Samba Member

Joined: March 24, 2008 Posts: 360 Location: Grayson, GA
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 8:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I'll have to keep a look out. All I can find is the below 13x9 and the 12x9. I might actually go for the 13x9.
_________________ 71 Standard Beetle "Big Bird"
74 Westfalia "Winifrid"
Call me if I need you!
www.burelphotography.com |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
p3acefr0gs Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2008 Posts: 101 Location: Canby/Prtland
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:28 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I love this cheap idea. I found a 10ft X10ft. My only questions is if it actually lines up with the bus when it is up. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
hatfulofhollow Samba Member

Joined: October 01, 2007 Posts: 282 Location: idiot out walking around...
|
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the info! I'm going there tomorrow... _________________ 1972 Squareback fuel injected--Daisy (sold)
1973 Westy Automatic--Abbey (Road)
ex-TOOB Member
Eventuality takes its toll |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Traveling Writer Samba Scribe

Joined: May 07, 2006 Posts: 1112 Location: Florence, Italy
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
FYI, in case it helps: The excellent system the Bus Depot's Ezeawning (sp??) uses is like this... a four piece metal pole that gets attached to the gutter side of the awning with velcro loops, and then gets clamped from the underside hard into the rain gutter. You could get a sleeve or a few velcro sleeves sewn into the gutter side and replicate this easily. Go for clamps... even in pleasant conditions, a few miles per hour of wind will take that thing and toss it (and the rare earth magnets) into the lake you're parked beside! _________________ Cheers,
Davi
1977 2.0 FI Westy
2011 1200cc Yamaha Super Tenere
1976 Feet (they work surprisingly well) |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
afhusband Samba Member

Joined: December 14, 2008 Posts: 282 Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 12:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the heads up on this!
It really beats putting up the side tent solely for the purpose of shade! _________________ 1974 TinTop Westy -I'm Lovin it!!
Glass blowing, banjo pickin, bay-window bus driver.
vWYo New aircooled club for Cheyenne WY and surrounding areas! |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
1977_L63H_P27 Samba Member

Joined: January 17, 2006 Posts: 2345 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
Traveling Writer wrote: |
FYI, in case it helps: The excellent system the Bus Depot's Ezeawning (sp??) uses is like this... a four piece metal pole that gets attached to the gutter side of the awning with velcro loops, and then gets clamped from the underside hard into the rain gutter. You could get a sleeve or a few velcro sleeves sewn into the gutter side and replicate this easily. Go for clamps... even in pleasant conditions, a few miles per hour of wind will take that thing and toss it (and the rare earth magnets) into the lake you're parked beside! |
This cheap one doesn't lend itself well to hooking it up to the rain gutter. When the corners are placed on the gutters, the center material pulls out about two inches. But it does have tie down ropes attached to each corner, and comes with tent stakes. Also the corner flaps (on the bus side) could be stitched or velcroed around a section of small PVC pipe, and then clamped tightly to the gutter. But I don't believe there'd ever be a way to get a water tight seal between this awning and the bus. Then again, that's not the idea is it?! Peace! _________________
busdaddy wrote: |
...and try a few chubby ones until you find one you like.
|
1977 Westfalia P27
you can't spell Volkswagen without SWAG
M-code Plate
Full Moon Bus Club |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Traveling Writer Samba Scribe

Joined: May 07, 2006 Posts: 1112 Location: Florence, Italy
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:25 am Post subject: |
|
|
1977_L63H_P27 wrote: |
Traveling Writer wrote: |
FYI, in case it helps: The excellent system the Bus Depot's Ezeawning (sp??) uses is like this... a four piece metal pole that gets attached to the gutter side of the awning with velcro loops, and then gets clamped from the underside hard into the rain gutter. You could get a sleeve or a few velcro sleeves sewn into the gutter side and replicate this easily. Go for clamps... even in pleasant conditions, a few miles per hour of wind will take that thing and toss it (and the rare earth magnets) into the lake you're parked beside! |
This cheap one doesn't lend itself well to hooking it up to the rain gutter. When the corners are placed on the gutters, the center material pulls out about two inches. But it does have tie down ropes attached to each corner, and comes with tent stakes. Also the corner flaps (on the bus side) could be stitched or velcroed around a section of small PVC pipe, and then clamped tightly to the gutter. But I don't believe there'd ever be a way to get a water tight seal between this awning and the bus. Then again, that's not the idea is it?! Peace! |
Actually, from experience, I think you'll find that a waterproof seal from the awning to the bus door is the idea! Otherwise, you won't even be able to open the slider when it's raining, and even a light rain will send water dripping right into your open door. I don't know about you, but I love sitting in the open door, maybe with a lawn chair facing in and a Coleman stove on the floor of the bus, cooking when it's raining outside! But unless you get that seal right, with a pipe of some sort sitting directly in the rain gutter and at least 2 clamps holding it there, the awning will only be useful as a sunshelter. Just my pair o' pennies, but again, if my awning hadn't had a watertight seal this past summer (2 months living in the bus, with rain up to five days straight sometimes), I would have been royally annoyed! _________________ Cheers,
Davi
1977 2.0 FI Westy
2011 1200cc Yamaha Super Tenere
1976 Feet (they work surprisingly well) |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
1977_L63H_P27 Samba Member

Joined: January 17, 2006 Posts: 2345 Location: Bristol, Tennessee
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Traveling Writer wrote: |
1977_L63H_P27 wrote: |
Traveling Writer wrote: |
FYI, in case it helps: The excellent system the Bus Depot's Ezeawning (sp??) uses is like this... a four piece metal pole that gets attached to the gutter side of the awning with velcro loops, and then gets clamped from the underside hard into the rain gutter. You could get a sleeve or a few velcro sleeves sewn into the gutter side and replicate this easily. Go for clamps... even in pleasant conditions, a few miles per hour of wind will take that thing and toss it (and the rare earth magnets) into the lake you're parked beside! |
This cheap one doesn't lend itself well to hooking it up to the rain gutter. When the corners are placed on the gutters, the center material pulls out about two inches. But it does have tie down ropes attached to each corner, and comes with tent stakes. Also the corner flaps (on the bus side) could be stitched or velcroed around a section of small PVC pipe, and then clamped tightly to the gutter. But I don't believe there'd ever be a way to get a water tight seal between this awning and the bus. Then again, that's not the idea is it?! Peace! |
Actually, from experience, I think you'll find that a waterproof seal from the awning to the bus door is the idea! Otherwise, you won't even be able to open the slider when it's raining, and even a light rain will send water dripping right into your open door. I don't know about you, but I love sitting in the open door, maybe with a lawn chair facing in and a Coleman stove on the floor of the bus, cooking when it's raining outside! But unless you get that seal right, with a pipe of some sort sitting directly in the rain gutter and at least 2 clamps holding it there, the awning will only be useful as a sunshelter. Just my pair o' pennies, but again, if my awning hadn't had a watertight seal this past summer (2 months living in the bus, with rain up to five days straight sometimes), I would have been royally annoyed! |
I agree with you. If you're going to be living in a bus...by all means spend $120 and get the better model. If, on the other hand, the weather man says sunny skies and you only plan to camp a few days, then this option is perfect. I for one do not camp in the rain. And if a shower drops in, I can close the bus up and play board games 'til it passes. Peace! _________________
busdaddy wrote: |
...and try a few chubby ones until you find one you like.
|
1977 Westfalia P27
you can't spell Volkswagen without SWAG
M-code Plate
Full Moon Bus Club |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Klaussinator Samba Member

Joined: June 17, 2008 Posts: 1111 Location: Virginia
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 11:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
Some really great ideas & tips here! Thanks all!!!
I agree (now that I've got it set up) that there is a gap of a couple inches between the material and the gutter. But other than that, THIS THING IS PERFECT for matching right up to the bus. The pole height matches the gutter height with no mods, and the overall height in the center is 8' !!! That's higher than the EZ-Up, judging by the pics I've seen.
Here's my solution: I'm on my way back down to the shop, armed with my wife's sewing machine. I'm gonna cut a piece of blue or silver tarp to fill in this long tapering space between the material edge and the gutter. This will be sewn on full length and will be long enough to allow for magnets or pipe to clamp it to the gutter. This will be rain-tight, but will not keep the canopy from being used as a stand-alone with all four legs, if ever needed for something else.
I'll be back w/ pics & explaination this evening . . . I know absolutely this will work, and work very well for our busses! Gotta love a $30 awning.
-Klauss _________________ I have taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money!
____________________________________________
the Klaussinator - `73 hardtop Bay custom-built camper |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Blackdawg Samba Member

Joined: February 05, 2008 Posts: 128 Location: Montreal P.Q.Canada
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 1:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Just coming back from walmart,,and there not available in Canada
Anybody knows how I could have one ship up here?? |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
smithe68 Samba Member
Joined: February 01, 2009 Posts: 180 Location: Spokane, WA
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Blackdawg wrote: |
Just coming back from walmart,,and there not available in Canada
Anybody knows how I could have one ship up here?? |
I would think through the walmart website you could order just about anything they sell. _________________ '71 Transporter "Stella"
'63 Beetle |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
MalibuLX3 Samba Member

Joined: October 02, 2005 Posts: 839 Location: Ventura, CA
|
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:43 pm Post subject: |
|
|
smithe68 wrote: |
Blackdawg wrote: |
Just coming back from walmart,,and there not available in Canada
Anybody knows how I could have one ship up here?? |
I would think through the walmart website you could order just about anything they sell. |
I was just looking for it on their website, but I couldn't find it. There is the link to the Screen Houses and Canopies
You might go in there and ask if they could order it. I have heard of people doing that with other things that one particular store doesn't sell _________________ 1978 Westfalia |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|