Okay, don't laugh! (Awning)

[Filbert V.]

Alright, I wanted an awning, but didn't want to spend hundreds of bucks on one, so this idea came to me at 3 AM (like most good ideas). Cost all of maybe ten bucks using new supplies and old stuff sitting around, but it works just fine keeping the sun out, so I'm happy. One 4X6 tarp, 4 Command hooks, a grommet kit, some old PVC pipes, rope, and tent stakes. I made a sleeve for the tarp by using grommets only, and used Command hooks on the roof to hold the tarp on the trailer side. So far so good. We had some good breezes to day, and it didn't budge!

[AKSCAMP]

Great stick on hook idea! I like it.

[Filbert V.]

Those are strong and tough little guys! Look like mini shark fins when the tarp isn't on them.

[luvrOlife]

Ingenious!

A fabulous testament to "Necessity is the Mother of Invention"! lol

Great Job, Filbert V.!!!

[Filbert V.]

Aw shucks, thanks Vanessa!

[RRJR]

It always feels better to build something from you our thoughts and needs rather than to have to buy one.
Good JOB Fil.

[Mike Magee]

Looks like you went fishing for a solution, and caught a TARPon.

And you never even had to bait the hooks!

[Filbert V.]

Okay Mike, dn't quit your day job yet. You're on a roll, but make mine cinnamon. I fell for your joke hook, line, and stinker! And Ron, it is nice when one of our wild ideas actually works.

[Rick Mooyman]

WOW that is awesome. I love it. And if you ever want to get rid of it does it have those pull tabs to remove the adhesive tape?

Rick

[kirkman]

Now that's thinking out of the box!!!
Or should I say thinking out of the egg!
I like it

[Filbert V.]

Yes Rick, they are easily removable, but really strong once they're in place. We had a good breeze going through the carport yesterday, but nothing gave way. I'd like it better if the hook part was deeper, but this was the best I could find for self-stick hooks. I didn't want to drill any more holes in my egg. It has enough already! http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M...4529207&rt=rud

[NEWFISHER]

Nice work! Also the first time I have ever seen a tarp used under another tarp lol

[Gilda]

I've often wondered how these suction cup dent pullers would work as a tie-down on the roof. TEKTON 5652 4-Inch Suction Cup Dent Puller - Nail Pullers - Amazon.com

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Gilda

I've often wondered how these suction cup dent pullers would work as a tie-down on the roof. TEKTON 5652 4-Inch Suction Cup Dent Puller - Nail Pullers - Amazon.com

The suction cups only hold as long as the vacuum is maintained. I never found any that seal perfectly, and stay sealed. It would be a long shot. Those pressure sensitive tapes have been getting better and better over the years.
The use of the tarp and adhesive hooks is a great idea for an awning, I might copy it some day. My Scamp came without one - the previous owner lost it to wind. And, I would also hate to pay big money for one. They are about $900 as a factory option!

[Filbert V.]

No chance of losing mine, as we'll just take it down and throw it in the bed of the truck. Goes up in 5 minutes and down in about one with help. Oh, the blue thing above it all is one of those triangular sun shades until we finish installing the corrugated metal roofing panels for our carport roof. We don't get a lot of rain here in San Diego, but we do get plenty of sunshine which is rough on the paint and interiors.

[Lynn Musgrave]

Filbert...don't all the best ideas come at 3am ??? Around my house that is the rule! and by 6 you better be ready to start working on it.

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? Looks good and works! what more can you ask.

[gage]

Oops I sorry, you said don't laugh! Here's a pic of my awning. It only cost me about $250 and also goes up in 5 minutes.

[Night Sailor]

The only one laughing is you. It is a might clever, and nice looking awning.

Awnings are fantastic. I hate the sun, which Is why I Iike to sail at night.

One thing I learn with sailing is hollow cut sails don't flap. A hollow cut is when you remove material in a smooth arc between two points under tension. I've often thought about making a four sided hollow cut awning--pulled real tight it would hold up to high winds better than most.

[Filbert V.]

Pretty swanky there Gage! I like yours too. Now that I know how to install grommets, I can always upgrade and get some fancy striped Sunbrella fabric which will give yours a run for your money. I like the cabana stripes over the El Cheapo Walmart tarp. Baby steps, baby steps.

[TPMcGinty]

That's a great idea! I think I'm going to try it! Now I need to find a camo tarp!