Today I installed my DIY awning.




I know I’m not the first person to do this, but I thought I’d share my setup.

It’s cheap, light, reasonably sturdy, very versatile, and can be used with any kind of roof basket or roof rack that has tubing.

First, I got some tube clamp mounting brackets that were advertised for mounting off road lights to a bull bar:





Then I added my own fasteners:



Then I cut/drilled/painted a steel bar so I could extend the front bracket to the length I needed and mounted it up:





For the awning, I just use a normal 5x7 tarp, two telescoping aluminum poles, and then guy it out with some paracord and tent stakes.




Just put the tarp grommets over the upward facing bolts and spin on a wing nut. Then guy it out.

Here’s what it looks like set up:





The brackets weigh a total of maybe 1 pound, and the tarp/poles/stakes/paracord all weigh about 1 pound.

Everything you need is in this bag. Tarp, both poles, stakes, and paracord:





Setup takes 1 person less than 2 minutes. Tear down is even faster.

Plus there’s the added benefit that everything in the kit is easily replaceable and multi-purpose: especially the tarp and paracord.

And because only small brackets remain on the roof basket, there’s nothing up there to add weight, drag, and nothing to tempt would-be thieves when you’re not using it.

Here’s what it looks like torn down:



Enjoy!

EDIT: If I end up using this a few times and find that I don't need to make any modifications, then I'll add the same mounting brackets on the other side as well. Then I could run the tarp on either side (or both!) without forethought.

Looks exactly like what I finally worked out was the best for me/my camper van. I tried a more permanent mounted awning but it was heavy and cumbersome for 1 person to setup or take down, which was brought into strong focus one night when I slipped while camping, wife got to thinking about how she could get us out of there if I'd been hurt and the awning was beyond her. At least with this kind of setup she can handle everything.

I also really don't like stuff hanging off the outside of my vehicle for multiples of reasons.