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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject: The Dave Vickery Inspired DIY Awning--Pride Pics |
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I became interested in finding an inexpensive, quick set-up awning option to help provide some shelter from the rain, when needing to cook outside (we have a weekender) or to gain some relief from the sun if our campsite has limited shade. So while discovering some inspiration from this thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5298871#5298871 I came across Dave Vickery's post (see page 2 and page 6 of that thread; Moderator edit: link goes straight to Vickery's post), where he attached a pre-fab tarp to the base of the pop-top tent.
I loved the idea. Simple. Inexpensive. No drilling into the pop-top nor the body of the van. It does not require special mounting hardware, or loss of space by having one more bulky thing to pack. I set out to install one of my own, but I didn't love the limited choice of tarp colors (dark blue and green). So, I found some polyurethane coated Cordura in a color that closely matches our pop-top tent. After several hours of measuring, cutting, folding, pinning, sewing, pounding in grommets and finally installing under the base of the pop-top....voila! I am quite pleased with the results!
While at a recent San Diego meet-up at our mechanic's 3rd annual open house (San Diego Westies), as usual everyone opened up their vans to share their latest modifications. I was quite delighted to see how many people admired our awning.
I also met another Vanagon owner who works for a company that manufactures textile products. She approached me about marketing/manufacturing these for our Vanagon community. She wondered how much someone would be willing to pay. So I put this question out to the Vanagon community. If you are interested in acquiring a similar awning that matches your pop-top, PM me with your interest and how much you would pay for something like this.
The awning rolls up tight via tent poles sewed into the hem of the front edge. It tucks up neatly under the pop-top, which closes easily. You can't even tell that it's there.
A borrowed grommet kit helped keep this project inexpensive. Your standard tent poles, orange tent-rope lines (with reflective material), and stakes keep everything sturdy and tight.
_________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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morymob Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2007 Posts: 4683 Location: east-tn
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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That's slick, how do u attach to the westy?? Been looking for one that is simple and stored out o sight. |
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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:16 pm Post subject: |
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morymob wrote: |
That's slick, how do u attach to the westy?? Been looking for one that is simple and stored out o sight. |
Hey there. Thanks. If you check out the original Dave Vickery post, you will see that you have to unscrew the base of the pop-top tent, slide the awning or tarp under the pop-top tent base then screw them back in together. _________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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joseph928 Samba Member
Joined: September 22, 2011 Posts: 2114 Location: flagstaff az.
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:19 pm Post subject: Awnings |
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Great idea! Would like to see tent poles go to jack points, aka the bus depot one. Let us all know the price you come up with! _________________ 1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug. |
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morymob Samba Member
Joined: November 09, 2007 Posts: 4683 Location: east-tn
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Posted: Sun Mar 18, 2012 2:23 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks, i'm 1st going to look at velcro to attach to westy, some are pretty tough, would like easier option of removing when replacement might be needed. |
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kuleinc Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2007 Posts: 1604 Location: East Bay Area, California
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16505 Location: Brookeville, MD
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CQ Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 546 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:10 am Post subject: |
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kuleinc wrote: |
That IS pretty cool, I too would like to see it attach to jack points on van instead of ropes and stakes...
Is that possible? |
The original Vickery link, he has a mod he made with PVC pipe from sprinklers that fit the Jack point.. the guy is brilliant! _________________ 82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday. |
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PDXWesty Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2006 Posts: 6247 Location: Portland OR
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:11 am Post subject: |
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Since it is just a canvas with some grommets, I wouldn't expect to pay more than $50 for it without the tent poles. The tent poles could be bought locally almost anywhere so you'd save the cost of shipping. The only problem with it for the NW would be that it isn't waterproof. It is really only a sun shade. I've done the same thing with store bought tarps many times. It is an easy way to go if you don't want to spend the $130 for a BD awning.
Isn't the point of a DYI awning is to make it yourself?
This was my first make shift attempt years ago with a blue tarp and some conduit a friend had laying around. Yours is by far much nicer and more refined, which I like.
_________________ 89 Westy 2.1 Auto
Last edited by PDXWesty on Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:39 am; edited 1 time in total |
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CQ Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 546 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:16 am Post subject: |
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Belladonna, quick questions what size is the material and where did you get, I also did not like all my tarp option I biought a green one, but I know it will look silly so I did not put it on. Got any info on this and is yours relatively waterproof, not that we need it much in SD except these last couple of days.
Thanks.
Oh and a Manufacture price I dont know I assume $75 (complete kit)depending on the tarp material. I think the Bus depot one is $130, so cant be more than that. _________________ 82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday. |
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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4492 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 9:28 am Post subject: |
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kuleinc wrote: |
That IS pretty cool, I too would like to see it attach to jack points on van instead of ropes and stakes...
Is that possible? |
I did that with a small awning, using short pieces of wooden dowel to fit into the jack points and then copper 45 degree fittings attached to them to hold the poles. I'll find some pix.
*EDIT*
Here's the link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bike2vcu/AwningMods# |
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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:09 am Post subject: |
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CQ wrote: |
Belladonna, quick questions what size is the material and where did you get, I also did not like all my tarp option I biought a green one, but I know it will look silly so I did not put it on. Got any info on this and is yours relatively waterproof, not that we need it much in SD except these last couple of days.
Thanks.
Oh and a Manufacture price I dont know I assume $75 (complete kit)depending on the tarp material. I think the Bus depot one is $130, so cant be more than that. |
Hi CQ,
Thanks for your input. I found the fabric at Discount Fabrics on Adams Ave. in Normal Heights. I am aware that you can also purchase it online at outdoor fabric retailers. The fabric bolt width is 60" and my finished length was 6' 6". _________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:11 am Post subject: |
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CQ wrote: |
kuleinc wrote: |
That IS pretty cool, I too would like to see it attach to jack points on van instead of ropes and stakes...
Is that possible? |
The original Vickery link, he has a mod he made with PVC pipe from sprinklers that fit the Jack point.. the guy is brilliant! |
Yup,
The PVC pipe/jack point is a great idea. I just haven't had time to replicate it yet for my use. Though I plan to. I think the tent lines may still be necessary to keep the awning stable in the wind. _________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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CQ Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 546 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 11:50 am Post subject: |
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Thanks. You think 7 feet would fit underneath. I will try to go by today afterwork. _________________ 82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday. |
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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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CQ wrote: |
Thanks. You think 7 feet would fit underneath. I will try to go by today afterwork. |
If I were you, I would get at least 7 feet of length. My finished length was 6' 6". You will need extra length for the hems.
I think I purchased 2 1/2 yards to be safe. Lift your pop-top and take a look at where you want to attach the awning
On mine I left a good 4" of space between the pop-top hinge in the back and the back end of the awning. I hope to install pop-top shocks in the future, and accounted for the space that might be needed.
On the front end, I attached the awning end point at the front end of the pop-top where it starts to curve. Hope that helps.
Oh, also, I used upholstery grade thread for durability and a zig-zag stitch on the sewing machine. You will need a full spool of thread. _________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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CQ Samba Member
Joined: April 11, 2009 Posts: 546 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:10 pm Post subject: |
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One last stupid question, did you hem it where you attach it to the vanagon before you put the screws through it.
Thanks again. One of these days I will make the SD meet ups. _________________ 82 Westy 'Betsy'
72 Bus 'Bertha' -Sold
Learning about 2.0L AFC Everyday. |
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Belladonna30c Samba Member
Joined: April 23, 2008 Posts: 206 Location: San Diego, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 12:12 pm Post subject: |
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campism wrote: |
kuleinc wrote: |
That IS pretty cool, I too would like to see it attach to jack points on van instead of ropes and stakes...
Is that possible? |
I did that with a small awning, using short pieces of wooden dowel to fit into the jack points and then copper 45 degree fittings attached to them to hold the poles. I'll find some pix.
*EDIT*
Here's the link:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bike2vcu/AwningMods# |
Campism: very cool. Thanks for sharing. I've been thinking about how I wanted to approach the jack point attachment for my tent poles, and I like the look of your copper over the PVC option.
Curious though, what diameter of tent/awning poles do you have? I think mine are 1". They look thicker than yours. Are there larger copper pipe fittings that might work for me? (I am unfamiliar with this stuff.) _________________ 1986 Weekender, automatic, 2nd owner
"A picture is worth a 1,000 words..."
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." |
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VanWilder Samba Member
Joined: October 09, 2009 Posts: 1349 Location: PDX-Weird Town, USA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 1:31 pm Post subject: |
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I would be careful storing your canvas awning up against your canvas Pop Top Rent. Too much pressure might create an undesired outcome.
PVC Jack Point poles. Cotter pins go through the pvc and the "foot" or "Kleet" of the metal awning poles to hold in place in pvc. If you don't lock the poles together and a big wind rocks up..... you had better watch out
_________________ VW
________________________
"83.5" Vanagon GL Air cooled "VanWilder"
VanWilder has given back to me more then I could ever put into it September 22, 2010
Malama Ka `Aina—"Respect the Land" |
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davevickery Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005 Posts: 2887 Location: Fort Collins, CO
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 4:17 pm Post subject: |
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This wasn't really my idea, I saw something similar and adapted it like everyone else. I want to redo it one more time and make it better without going crazy.
I've used it in heavy rain and it needs a way to push up the middle a little bit for run off. Maybe a tent pole through a sleeve down the middle that makes it into an arch.
And I'd like to make it bigger. Longer for sure, and maybe a flap that fold over and snaps onto the luggage rack cleat to extend more to the front of the van.
Dave |
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campism Samba Member
Joined: September 07, 2007 Posts: 4492 Location: Richmond VA
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Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2012 4:45 pm Post subject: |
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Belladonna30c wrote: |
Curious though, what diameter of tent/awning poles do you have? I think mine are 1". They look thicker than yours. Are there larger copper pipe fittings that might work for me? (I am unfamiliar with this stuff.) |
I haven't memorized the copper sizes but if you stand in the plumbing aisle at HoDepot for a few minutes you'll find something that will work. The wooden dowel is 1 1/8" diameter and it fits almost perfectly into the jack point. The big end of the street 45 (I do know that "street" in plumbingspeak refers to a fitting like this with a big and a small end, the small of which fits perfectly into the big of another just like it) fits over the dowel and the tent pole (7/8" diameter with a rubber cap for a total of about 15/16" diameter) fits into the small end of the 45. Find a dowel that fits and take that and a pole section with you to the store. You'll find something but you might have to cobble something together out of multiple fittings/adaptors. If your tent pole is larger then just get a 45 that is not "street" and it will accept up to 1 1/8" at either end.
I used 5" long dowel at the front and 7" at the rear to clear the slider. |
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