How easy to make a sun canopy?

[Silky]

My new van has been molested by chintz, although the seat covers aren't bad, the curtains are definitely a relic to the 80's (alongside some frilly cushions to match - bless!) As I'm dusting down the sewing machine to make some new curtains, I just wondered about making a sun canopy at the same time. Is it as easy as it looks (rectangle with awning tape and holes for two poles) or is it a little more complex?

Silky

[dirtygertie]

I made the one in my avatar simply enough......... but you can go simpler - you need to attach some awning piping
to the edge that you wish to attach to the van so that you can attach it to the gutter rail (with poles / clamps or fig 8 strips)

probably best to use some sort of lightweight waterproof fabric ripstop is ideal

probably a good idea to put some nylon tape along the edge you plan to add poles to to add strength.....


or you could always buy a cheap tarp and add the piping to that

[Silky]

Thanks Karen, that's similar to what I was thinking. Yours looks fab - has it a domed top? How did you do that?

Silky

[albertramsbottom]

Av a look at this

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=67287

Albert

[dirtygertie]

has it a domed top? How did you do that?

Silky

I made a sleeve at the front and threaded a pole from a tunnel tent through it........it is a little on the low side but that's ok for me as i'm a short ar5e - if you used a longer pole it would be higher

[Silky]

Great ideas - I like the domed front as it's less likely to sag.

I've just looked at the previous thread and spotted someone using a standard tent canopy - not a bad idea in itself either although less easy to customise. I want something fairly "open" on the van, the tent canopies fit the bill and are cheaper than awnings.

Off to look at ripstop fabric now, I do like a project

Silky

[big s]

have a look here not a million miles away from you
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/tarp-3243880/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
steve

[albertramsbottom]

have a look here not a million miles away from you
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/tarp-3243880/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
steve

I have one of those, works OK

[Silky]

I looked at the sail type canopies originally, I'm not sure how sturdy they are, or practical with the long poles, but they're a good sun shelter...http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 1676wt_911

I suspect I'll go down Dirty Gertie's route, I do like a little project.

Silky

[lloydy]

Might work out cheaper
http://www.justkampers.com/shop/camping ... 13311.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Less hassle anyway, Lloyd