If we don't soon leave for Florida, I'm going to apply to Casita as a designer... Our 95 has louver windows, but have read a lot of peoples problems with rain coming in new sliding windows. I'm working on a late night project while wife is away.. A set of Awnings for the windows not covered by the large Awning...
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It's only in the early stages, but the only thing that will be attached to the camper is a thin track above window. When you want to set it up, slide the Awning in the track & stick the suction cups to the side & it's up !!!! No rain in the window & you don't need to spend $$ on the plastic louvers that block most of the window.... ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS MOD ?? I made this 1 from a old ATT vinyl poster & fiberglass rods from kites. It could be made from sunbrella material or anything to match the big Awning... KENN

Kenn,
Looks like a good idea to me. I have used fiberglass rods for some projects and you can get them at the local hardware stores as driveway markers, generally 4 footers and 6 footers.
Rick

I think anything you do to your trailer that makes it more comfortable for you...is great!

My only concern would be how much light a solid fabric would block. If it's gray and rainy, it's already "dark" outside and I'm one that needs all the light I can get. It would require more $$ and maybe some sewing, but you can purchase heavy clear vinyl to use as inserts in the awning to let more light in.

But, But...

If you want shade, like we usually do, this would be perfect.

Kenn,

We don't have or want an awning, but our Scamp 5th wheel came with a rail attached. I've wanted some protection from rain over the door and your idea just might work. Thank you for sharing.

Nita

Absolutely! I was commenting on this:

Donna has given a great idea CLEAR AWNINGS . This first 1 was just made with stuff i had laying around to see if it worked. But I may try to make 1 out of clear vinyl, could use the stuff the make furniture slip covers out of.. THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT

Ken, this is awesome! I could see someone doing this in a beautiful fabric or a colorful vinyl for all their windows - talk about looking homey & cute. I want to do it but alas .... hubby and I are not handy people (darn it) .

Somebody please do this and take pics - adorable! This mod would really make your trailer stand out!

Good job, Ken. I bet you inspire lots of folks!

Patty

That's exactly what I had in mind for my '89s kitchen window. It looks terrific! I used PVC for the frame over my A/C in the back window. Those fiberglass rods seem to be a great idea for the small one I want.

This is simple amd very clever. Good job!

How do you think it will hold up in the wind tho?

Iguess it would depend on how strong the wind is & how well the suction cup holds. This is only a mod in the making like I said I used stuff on hand... I was pleased it came out so well. kenn

Gina, I thought about using a tension strap on mine that hooked underneath the belly band. That wouldn't work on your Burro, but you might be able to rig something that could be secured to the lower part of the window frame.

I like this idea too.

You could interrupt the pocket for the bottom rod for an inch or so, stitch Velcro onto a 1" strap, put an adjustable plastic thingy to snug up the length and a plastic hook for the end by the belly band. The strap would be removable when it wasn't needed. Or, you could just buy a spool of bungee cord material and tie it to the rod and the plastic hook. It would degrade over the years but would be easily replaced.

Anyone have a web url for the track it would slide into? Knowing the channel width would be important in determining the rod and fabric or vinyl thickness to use.

I suppose UV resistant thread would be a nice touch also. I don't know about sewing vinyl on a home machine. Shouldn't be too tough if you don't use too thick of vinyl or fabric.

West Marine sells clear and tinted vinyl with UV inhibitors:
West Marine Vinyl

UV thread. I don't know anything about thread sizes, but this is probably pretty heavy for a home machine.

West Marine UV Thread

I wonder if an adhesive wouldn't do the job?
Vinyl Adhesive with UV resistance

I am gonna get some of that goop for my seats!
Thanks!

Gina,
We won't go near your comment
Kurt & Ann K.

It does sound like a vaguely personal hygene problem, doesn't it?

A good possibility for a track for the awning is the same as has been used for years for the main awning, the aluminum tracks are available in 2 or 3 designs and some are even a nice white in colour with a small rain channel. Should be available at any RV supply shop. Here are some pictures from the Coast Distributing catalogue.

With these you just need to make a rope hem in the top edge of the awning and put a lower hem in to support the fiberglass rod and as was prevoiusly suggested, the trusty old bungee cords hooked to the belt line for tension against the wind.

If there were multiple windows on 1 side you could just put a single track the length of the trailer, then fit the 2 or 3 custom sized awnings in the same track, this would give a real tidy and organized appearance.

Ouch! $600+

Maybe elsewhere in the catalog, or a RV parts place willing to sell a single length...

Whew! After searching for RV awning rail, found several spots selling bits. Since they tend to be rather long, might be best to look for a place that sells local, or make a deal to have them cut to reasonable length before shipping.

Steve, I purchased a small piece at a local rv shop. I don't remember how much it was, but it wasn't very expensive. Still have it. Intend on using it ... someday.

I think it was about 6' long and it was (most likely) less than $10.

Another suggestion for fabric is to look for a local awning manufacturer. They will surely have useable size pieces of fabric left over from orders.

Nita

I agree Steve with the $600+ ouch part. I usually buy that type of item that is shipped in bulk from my local RV shop in the smaller quantity that I need, actually I buy about 80% of my trailer things from them, the business relationship I have built with them over 25 years gets me some very nice cash discounts, and has moved me close to the front of the line if I needed service in a hurry.

I just happen to like the Coast Catalogue as a reference guide for pictures and variety, my RV shop can get anything in there.

By the way, the link I put up to that catalogue is the Canadian version so the prices will be adjusted to cover the $ exchange and import duties. The US price on the same item is about $427 for 160 ft. about 1/3 less!!!

Hi: Check out http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com They might sell just the material only??? but they have nice looking stuff. Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Here are the awnings that I made for my crank out windows.

What a happy looking trailer! I'd love to see photos of the inside too. You must have to give lots of tours!

Your awnings look great. Do they stay in place when it's windy? How are they attached?

Jeanne

Hi Nina, welcome to Fiberglass RV.

Those are cute, as is your paint job.

Thanks Jeanne, it is a happy little trailer! I haven't been in much wind with the little awnings so.... so far so good. There is a sort of an S shape at the end of the rods to fit into a small hole on the window frames, top and bottom. Here are some inside pics.

Hi Gina, thanks. Instead of paint I had vinyl graphics made (and I got to help). It was fun making "stickers for big girls".

Thanks Nina for the peek inside. It's so charming - I really love it!

Jeanne

What ever happened to "The Bat winged Boler"?

Nina, your Scamp is absolutely adorable inside and out! I love what you have done with the interior. Did you do the sewing and decorating yourself? Precious. And... I love the little awning too. We ordered our Casita without decals so that we can put our own on or have some custom painting done on the outside. We aren't sure which way to go yet - we're waiting until the spring or summer to do it and eventually, I want to get awnings too.

Thanks for sharing your pics!

Patty

This is a great idea! What are your updates on the project? Has anyone ever used a "Shadyboy" awning?

Sharyl

Sharyl, here's a previous discussion we've on the Shadyboy: Awesome Awning

Here are some closeup pics of my awning and construction.
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Thanks Nina for posting the detailed photos of your awning's construction. It's a very elegant design, and you've done a great job of executing your vision. They're a perfect match for your sweet trailer!

Jeanne

I know this thread is almost a year old, but I am very interested to do much the same thing to my 07 Casita. While in Colorado last year it sprinkled so I left the window open. Did not rain in but the water dripped into the open window because of the curve at the roof. So I am considering adding a rain gutter on the side windows and was wondering how you were attaching the rods. I am thinking of riveting and glueing.

David

I sure am happy to see some of these older threads brought forward. Lots of good information around here.