Our 130 awning

[Nat130]

Hi all,

Just new to this forum, thought I'd share with you our awning that we made to go on the side of our 130.

Takes 5 minutes to put up/down, slots into sleeves on the roof rack and is supported by two poles - no guide ropes needed :)

Here's a couple of pics....still got a few things to finish off on it.

11691170

We are now in the process of making a roof top tent and I was wondering if anyone else has tried making their own?

Cheers Nat

[spudboy]

Hi - that's more than just an awning! Looks good.

A rooftop tent would be a BIG job, but it looks like you've got the equipment to build canvas stuff.

Cheers
David

[Nat130]

Makes setting up camp nice and quick. All up it cost about $150 so it was pretty cheap to make.

Folds up to about the same size as a small one man travel tent and the frame is aluminium so its nice and light.

Also means you can sleep in the tray with all your gear just under the awning.

[hiline]

very clever indeed :D

looks nice and easy as well :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Nat130]

Copes fine in the rain. It is made out of a waterproof nylon (so as to keep it light and easier to sew).

We need to make one change and that is run two dome poles crossed over to support the roof. At the moment we have only one and water can build up in the corners.

This was the first one that I made and we have learnt a lot in doing so.

Bit nervous about the jump from this to roof tent but the other half believes it will be 'easy' :(

[spudboy]

Do you have a special sort of sewing machine (heavy duty etc) or is it all done on a standard one?

[Nat130]

This one was made with a standard sewing machine, it did struggle with the velcro (the three walls can be attached as needed).

I have just bought an old singer sewing machine (1920's model) ready to sew the canvas for the roof tent. Tested it last night on four layers of canvas and it sews like a dream - only cost $5 and sews these things better than my new machine :)

[FenianEel]

Welcome aboard!!!

Great rig and v. impressive little "attachment" - you've got me thinking now.

PS - Whereabouts are you (helps if you put it in your profile).

Slainte

;)

[Nat130]

Hi,

Sorry about that just updated it then...from down in Geelong Victoria.

Our main reason behind making this was the cost of buying a commercial awning... they were quite expensive given that they were just a tarp rolled out onto two poles and they all have dreaded guide ropes.

Our poles are double spiked so there is no need for ropes :)

[FenianEel]

Sweet,

More pics please.
I was looking at roll out awnings (they type on the side of roof racks etc ), awhile back - they wanted $2000 + etc., - get real!!!

Although they look slightly flasher than this:D
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2006/12/97.jpg

[Nat130]

Haven't got any good ones on the PC at the moment sorry, but heading away this weekend so we can take some more.

If you have the time its worth doing and does save a lot of $$$. If I made this one again I would make the roof out of lightweight canvas just to make it a bit more durable but I would still use the nylon for the walls, you can't be it.

It restricts you in the same ways as a roof top tent but given that it takes 5 minutes to put up its not really a problem.

Cheers Nat

[Nat130]

Sorry for the delay but here are some more photo's of what started out as 'just an awning'.

1444 1445

1446 1447

1448

[spudboy]

That is well excellent

[mcrover]

We have a hannible roof top tent and the only thing I don't like is the weight of it.

It would be great if it had nylon sides and canvas roof under the nylon fly it already has and maybe something like fibreglass over a thinner ply for the base as the ply base is 15mm 5 ply.

All in all though it is the best investment we have made so far, we just spent the long weekend in it, that was the first time we spent more than a night in it and it got more comfy each night.

It was even cool enough to have a sleep in the middle of the day when it was parked in the sun most of the day (but I was pretty tired from the night before) so I am very very happy with it.

Now I just have to get another 3 mates around to take it off again....

By the way, love the awning, I might do the same of the rack on the disco.