Page 1 of 1
How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:00
by 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
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:08
by 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

Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:26
by 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
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:31
by albertramsbottom
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:39
by dirtygertie
Silky wrote: 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
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 19:58
by 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
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 19 Jul 2010, 22:35
by 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

Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 20 Jul 2010, 09:32
by albertramsbottom
I have one of those, works OK
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 20 Jul 2010, 13:19
by 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
Re: How easy to make a sun canopy?
Posted: 20 Jul 2010, 14:35
by lloydy
Might work out cheaper
http://www.justkampers.com/shop/camping ... 13311.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Less hassle anyway, Lloyd