Crafting A Camper Awning: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make an awning for a camper

If you're looking to create a DIY awning for your camper, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to purchase a tarp and use telescoping poles, paracord, washers, and nylon spacers to create a canopy. You can also use eye hooks, carabiners, and a pole to hang the tarp. Alternatively, you can buy a heavy-duty tarp with grommet holes and use Quicklinks, key rings, and adjustable tarp poles to create an awning that slides into the aluminium awning rails.

Characteristics Values
Tarp size 10x12 ft or 6x8 ft
Tarp material Heavy duty with grommet holes
Tarp color Silver, black, or blue
Tarp attachers Paracord, washers, and spacers
Poles Telescoping or adjustable
Pole attachment Carabiners, quicklinks, or tent stakes
Additional items Tent stakes, paracord, and eye hooks

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Using a tarp, poles, paracord, washers, and spacers

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a tarp, two telescoping poles, paracord, washers, and spacers. Adjust the size of the tarp to fit your camper. For example, a 10x12 tarp can be folded in half to create an 8' width.

Step 2: Create the Tarp Attachers

Cut the paracord into 12 equal pieces and burn the ends to prevent fraying. Then, string a washer and a spacer through each piece of paracord, followed by stringing the paracord back through the washer and tying a simple knot. These paracord assemblies are your tarp attachers.

Step 3: Attach the Tarp Attachers

Push the spacers, with the attached paracord, through the holes of the tarp, adding an attacher at each hole along one side. You should have two attachers left over. Ensure that the spacer is on one side of the tarp grommet and the washer and knot are on the other.

Step 4: Thread the Spacers

Before raising the camper, thread the spacers through the pre-existing C-channel on the camper, left from the original canopy. Run the spacers down the channel until you have one at each end. This step is much easier to do before the camper is raised, as it will be at eye level.

Step 5: Raise the Camper and Add the Poles

Raise the camper and add attachers to the tarp holes at the two exposed corners. These attachers will connect to the telescoping poles. Raise the telescoping poles to the desired height, keeping them lower than the original canopy C-channel to allow for water drainage.

Step 6: Secure the Awning

Stake your lines and tighten them to secure your awning. You can also use paracord to provide additional stability to the awning by tying it to the top of the camper.

Now you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the shade provided by your newly crafted awning. This DIY project is not only inexpensive but also effective in providing protection from the elements during your camping adventures.

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Attaching the spacers to the tarp

To attach the spacers to the tarp, you will need to make 12 tarp attachers from the paracord, washers, and spacers. Cut the paracord and burn the end to prevent fraying. Then, string a washer, followed by a spacer, and then thread the paracord back through the washer. Finally, tie a simple knot to secure the attacher.

Once you have made the 12 attachers, push the spacer, with the attached paracord, through the holes of the tarp. Add an attacher at each hole along one side of the tarp. You should have two attachers left over. When attached, the spacer should be on one side of the tarp grommet, with the washer and knot on the other.

Before raising the camper, thread the spacers through the camper's pre-existing C channel. Run the spacers down the channel until you have one at each end. This step is much easier to do before raising the camper, as it can be done at eye level.

After the camper is raised, add attachers to the tarp holes at the two exposed corners. These attachers will connect to the extending poles. If you are unable to find one of your attachers, the tarp can be easily attached to the poles with a piece of line.

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Raising the camper and adding corner attachers

Once you have your supplies, it's time to start constructing your awning. The first step is to create 12 tarp attachers from the paracord, washers, and spacers. Cut the paracord to the desired length, burn the ends to prevent fraying, and then string a washer and spacer through each piece. Next, thread the paracord back through the washer and tie a simple knot to secure it. Repeat this process until you have 12 attachers.

Now, it's important to work with the camper lowered if possible, as it will be much easier to access the necessary areas. Before raising the camper, thread the spacers through the pre-existing C-channel, left from the original canopy. Run the spacers down the channel until you have one at each end.

At this point, you can raise the camper to a suitable height. If you have a tall enough person assisting you, you can add the attachers to the tarp holes at the two exposed corners before raising the camper. These attachers will connect to the extending poles. If not, you can add them after raising the camper.

Now, you can move on to the next step of setting up the telescoping poles. Adjust the poles to your desired height, making sure they are secure and stable. Remember to consider the height of the original canopy's C-channel to ensure any rainwater will drain off effectively.

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Raising the poles and staking the line

Now it's time to raise the poles and stake the line. If you haven't already, invest in some telescoping poles and tent stakes to anchor the poles. You can find these at Home Depot or Lowe's. You'll also need some paracord or a similar type of cord to stake your line.

Before raising the poles, make sure the spacers are threaded through the camper's pre-existing C channel. This will be much easier to do before the camper is raised, as you can work at eye level. Once the camper is raised, add attachers to the tarp holes at the two exposed corners. These attachers will connect to the extending poles.

Now, raise the telescoping poles. You can adjust the height of the poles depending on your preference. If you want any water to drain off in the rain, keep the poles lower than the height of the original canopy C channel.

Finally, stake your line and tighten it. Pull the cord taut and secure it with the tent stakes. And that's it! Your camper now has a functional and inexpensive awning. You can sit back and relax in the shade, enjoying the fruits of your labour.

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DIY awning vs. buying a commercial alternative

DIY awnings for campers are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your camping setup. They can be made from various materials, such as PVC pipes, fabric, tarps, and rope, and can be customised to fit your specific needs and preferences. While DIY awnings offer a cost-effective solution, they may require more time and effort to construct and might not be as durable or convenient as commercial alternatives.

On the other hand, buying a commercial awning for your camper provides a ready-made solution that is often more durable and convenient. Commercial awnings are typically made with high-quality materials and designed for ease of use, offering better protection from the elements. They usually come with all the necessary hardware for installation, saving you time and effort. However, they tend to be more expensive, and you may need to choose from a limited range of styles and designs.

One of the biggest advantages of a DIY awning is the cost savings. By making your own awning, you can significantly reduce the expense compared to purchasing a commercial alternative. This is especially beneficial if you are handy with tools and enjoy the process of creating something yourself. Additionally, with a DIY awning, you have the freedom to choose the materials, colours, and designs that suit your unique style and preferences.

However, constructing a DIY awning takes time and effort. You will need to source the materials, follow instructions or tutorials, and put in the necessary work to build and install the awning. It may also require some trial and error to get it just right. While DIY awnings can be functional, they might not offer the same level of durability and protection as commercial options.

Commercial awnings, on the other hand, are designed and manufactured specifically for campers. They are typically made with high-quality materials that can withstand the elements and provide better protection from sun, rain, and wind. Commercial awnings often come with detailed instructions and all the required hardware, making installation more straightforward and saving you time.

Ultimately, the decision between a DIY awning and a commercial alternative depends on your budget, preferences, and the amount of time and effort you are willing to invest. DIY awnings offer cost savings, customisation options, and a sense of accomplishment, while commercial awnings provide convenience, durability, and a professional finish.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a tarp, telescoping poles, tent stakes, paracord, washers, and nylon spacers.

You can use "Quicklinks" and key rings, or eye hooks, to attach the tarp to the camper.

You can use a pole with a small two-pronged end to place carabiners onto the hooks.

The cost of making a DIY awning for a camper can vary depending on the materials used, but it is generally inexpensive. For example, one person spent $80 on a heavy-duty tarp, "Quicklinks", key rings, and adjustable tarp poles.

The size of the tarp will depend on the size of your camper. One person used a 10x12 tarp, while another used a 6' x 8' tarp.

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