derekp
New member
I did a search of "DIY" and "do it yourself" but it returned nothing. I know that is incorrect but I blame it on the internet connection we have here at GTMO. With that said, I'll post anyway.
I've been thinking of less expensive was to make my 4R more comfortable for camping. My old '01 Tacoma was dang near perfect for our camping trips (we just needed something bigger since the kids were growing). I was able to C-clamp a tarp to my roof-rack rails and extend it out for a great awning. The roof rack on the 4R doesn't allow this due how it is set up. I'd love to drop $500-$1K for a killer roof-rack carrier and awning set-up but it isn't really an expense that we need to take on.
So, my redneck genes kicked in and came up with an idea and would like y'alls take. I know there will be some that say go buy a store-bought awning, store-bought this, store-bought that, etc. but I'd like to explore another route in this thread.
The square tube material with holes, that many road signs use, would be my starting point. I found that it comes in different sizes and I could get it to slide into itself for transit/storage. I figure an overall length of around 96" would work for several applications, i.e. awning (tarp) sizes, lantern hanging, etc. so two 50 inch pieces of different diameters would be a starting point. 3" U-bolts would attach it to the cross bars of the roof-rack. Additional nuts/bolts would be needed to secure the tarp and strengthen the tubing when extended (at the roughly 4" section of overlap).
This set-up could be used on either side of the vehicle or set-up for use on the rear. Outer tent poles would be needed, per personal preference. Price for parts, before I left the US, was at/about, $60-$70 depending on location. This, I think, is easy to add and remove so you don't have to drive around with it all the time.
I hope this makes sense, it does in my head but I've been told that some just b/c it makes sense there it won't make sense outside.
I've been thinking of less expensive was to make my 4R more comfortable for camping. My old '01 Tacoma was dang near perfect for our camping trips (we just needed something bigger since the kids were growing). I was able to C-clamp a tarp to my roof-rack rails and extend it out for a great awning. The roof rack on the 4R doesn't allow this due how it is set up. I'd love to drop $500-$1K for a killer roof-rack carrier and awning set-up but it isn't really an expense that we need to take on.
So, my redneck genes kicked in and came up with an idea and would like y'alls take. I know there will be some that say go buy a store-bought awning, store-bought this, store-bought that, etc. but I'd like to explore another route in this thread.
The square tube material with holes, that many road signs use, would be my starting point. I found that it comes in different sizes and I could get it to slide into itself for transit/storage. I figure an overall length of around 96" would work for several applications, i.e. awning (tarp) sizes, lantern hanging, etc. so two 50 inch pieces of different diameters would be a starting point. 3" U-bolts would attach it to the cross bars of the roof-rack. Additional nuts/bolts would be needed to secure the tarp and strengthen the tubing when extended (at the roughly 4" section of overlap).
This set-up could be used on either side of the vehicle or set-up for use on the rear. Outer tent poles would be needed, per personal preference. Price for parts, before I left the US, was at/about, $60-$70 depending on location. This, I think, is easy to add and remove so you don't have to drive around with it all the time.
I hope this makes sense, it does in my head but I've been told that some just b/c it makes sense there it won't make sense outside.
