tassie_ml wrote:how did you make the awning and have you got any pics of it extended ? I am about to get one myself and considering making one if its worth it.
thanks
I made the awning out of a heavy duty silver tarp, from memory it was 2.5 x 2.5m and some of the plastic fabric that Spotlight sells for waterproof table clothes (probably not the best description) but it was the only time I actually paid attention whilst in Spotlight with the missus. I also bought 3m meters of heavy duty zip whilst there. It pays to have access to someone who can sew, my wife used her sewing machine to sew 2 pieces (each side of the bag) of the plastic fabric to the tarp with enough overlap at the top to sew in 3mm rope that is used to secure the awning to sail track which is mounted to the roof bars. Cut the 2 plastic flaps to size allowing enough room for the rolled up awning and poles and then sew int he zip.We also included 3 velco loops to hold the rolled up awning which helps when zipping up the bag.
I couldn't justify at least $300 for an off the shelf awning and whilst it might not look as flash it does the job well. All up it cost just over $100 for the tarp, plastic material, sail track, zip, 2 x tent poles and 2 x guide ropes. Even less if you have some of this gear lying around.
I don't have any pics available now but I'll take some this weekend and post them up if that helps.