Front rock guard modified to create an awning who has done it?

[LRS30]

Can somebody point me into the right direction of finding a thread on modifying my front rock guard on my 1996 16' SCAMP into an awning? Pros cons?

[Thomas G.]

Google is your friend.
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/m...d+awning&sa=Go

[honda03842]

Ryan,

I turned my Rock Guard into a window shade. It has worked well for 3 years.

Like others I used two tywraps to turn the rock guard's top two hanging points into hinges. It simply requires tightening two tywraps around the connection point with the guard in place.

I then took two pieces of PVC and use them to support the front of the rock guard, resting one end on the belly band and the other on the Rockguard's lower latch.

To keep the PVC pipe in place, I run a bungee cord up the center of the PVC pipe and hook it thru the Rock guard's lower latch. The bottom end of the bungee cord wraps around a screw that goes thru the belly band. The lower bungee cord goes around the lower part of the screw and the pipe sits over the top of the screw. I can provide pictures of this if you like. I cut the lower end of the PVC pipe on an angle.

This mechanisim holds the rock guard in place in normal weather. In a severe weather with high winds I run another bungee cord from the lower latch to the belly band screw.

Just drop me a line if you'd like detailed pictures. You could look under Modifications/Preparing a 1991 Scamp. I can't remember if I had more details there but glad to supply them.

The following picture shows two Bunge cords on top. These are not used. This was an early attempt before someone on the site suggested two tywraps at the top.

[LRS30]

I would love some detailed pics of it. All the ideas are great but my latches are different from a lot of the ones posted.

[Donna D.]

I made a PVC pair for my Scamp's gravel guard.. followed the ala Joy A's version: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...html#post39316

[Otters]

Mine came with metal support brackets that the PO must have made. Just a different version of what others have done here. I wanted to "glamp" up the rock guard though. Today I cut out a fabric cover for it that matches my larger awning. Its basically a slip cover that is form fitted and slips over the guard. It will have 3 sides that are scalloped like the main awning and snaps along the top edge to hold it on. I'll stow it with the other awning and only put it on when the rock guard is in the awning position. I'll post pictures eventaully, but won't be going to visit the scamp for another week. Have fun with whatever version you make.

[Brian Van Snell]

The Front Window Rock Shield is standard equipment on Escape trailers:

Ladybug, site B11, Silver Falls State Park, OR | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

In the open position it does make an "awning" over the front window.

[Gilda]

I have simply used the two bunk bed posts to support my rock guard. The hook end of the post rests in the latch of the guard. I prop the blunt end of the post on top of the belly band. It's a bit precarious so I only set it up this way when there is no wind and I am at the campsite. I like other people's ideas and may modify mine a bit as a result. Sorry, no photos.
Happy Camping,
Gilda

[Nancy]

We also use Joy's design. It is great.

Nancy

[Carol H]

I made mine with PVC using Joy's design. I used small hose clamps through the top hardware to keep it secure to the trailer.

[Donna D.]

The only change I made to Joy's version, is I don't screw on the caps to hold the PVC to the hinge hardware. I leave the PVC open at the top and have been known to use the openings for a US flag and a Oregon State flag. Easy way to display them! I've seen pictures where someone else did the same, used put solar yard lights in the openings.

[LRS30]

Thanks for all the info ! It has given me some idea on how I plan on making mine.

[David Tilston]

Please forgive me, I lead a sheltered Trillium life. I thought all rock guards were awnings. What do you normally do with it when you take it off?

[Raz]

The Scamp rock guard is not hinged at the top. When open it seperates from the trailer. Raz

[honda03842]

It's very easy to make it hinged at the top. It only takes two tywrap. I'll post tonight.

[Carol H]

I originally used plastic tie wraps at the top to hinge my rock guard but I had a couple fail so I switched to using a very small metal hose clamp - after 4 years of use its still good.

Photo of the top of rock guard hinge with hose clamp & the rock guard in up position using the set up that Joy posted:

[David B.]

I replaced mine with 100 watt solar panel. It hasn't even gotten a bug on it when traveling, as my Lifted Jeep is as tall as the trailer, and so is my Dodge truck with fiberglass cap. It is rated to withstand golf ball hail at 50 mph.
Happy Trails
Dave & Paula

[Carol H]

Cool idea - I often use mine to put my solar panel up on top of. Size is just right and people dont even notice it there but it keeps the panel up and off the ground and no risk of being knocked over (although I do have a stand for it).

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Please forgive me, I lead a sheltered Trillium life. I thought all rock guards were awnings.

It was news to me, too, David! My old Shasta has the same setup as the Trillium, too, so I guess I thought everyone did it.

On that note:

I'd bet one could find the sliding arm/hinge setup on many old scrapped-out trailers and retrofit to a Scamp so that the whole thing stows the way ours do.

Francesca

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

I'd bet one could find the sliding arm/hinge setup on many old scrapped-out trailers and retrofit to a Scamp so that the whole thing stows the way ours do.

Now that I look at it, I think I get it. The front window of Trilliums is square, on a flat section of fibreglass. This makes putting a hinge on the top of the window trivial. The Scamp has no such straight line to put a hinge on.