Awnings

[Nullifier]

Well secretly I have had this desire for a nice roll up awning like my dad has on his RV LOL. :suning: I think I may have found it finally. This company named Fiamma makes a good looking unit. It is light and will fit a roof rack cross bar. With the mounting kit it is just shy of $350.00! It has an aluminum encloser that keeps it secure so it should hold up when expesed to light debris. I definetly do not expect it to survive a roll over

The F-35 PRO unit is 6' long and about 15Lbs! which is just about perfect for mounting on the taco! :jump: What do you guys think. I might add this to my Christmas List LOL

Fiamma f-35 PRO (http://partners.fiamma.it/images/usa/cat2005/usa218-05_14.jpg)

Fiamma web site (http://partners.fiamma.it/usa/home_usa.html)

[Nullifier]

Ha this gets better they have a florida show room about 45 minutes away from me. Guess I know what I'm doing next monday!

[DaktariEd]

That appears to be the same awning they use on the Horizon Adventure Trailer:Horizon Trailer (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/Horizon/Horizon.html)

Looks great! :camping:

[BajaTaco]

Just for comparison, check out this one (http://www.countryhomescampers.com/awningfaq.htm) . I have no idea if it's any good, I had just seen them before and they claim to have good prices.

[Scott Brady]

I have used this one: http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/AP_awning.html

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/adventure_equip/sportmaster/images/Copy%20of%20awning%20055_jpg.jpg

[Nullifier]

Ya know I'm gonna give them a call but it sounds like a come on. I mean they give you prices on the upgrades and even go so far to tell you how "high" their competators prices are but there prices are "to low to print so call" sounds like a load of crap on the pricing, but I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

I mean if their pricing was really that good, they would have taken total advantage of that on the site. Instead they promoted their competition, what bunch of dumbasses LOL! I mean why would you promote your competition and with hold valuble purchase decision making info on your own product on your own site! It took me awhile to come up with the unit I listed. Now thanks to your post and their site I have 2 others I will be investigating as well.

Thanks for the link I'll investigate it and let you know. :victory:

[Nullifier]

Yea I saw the write up on that unit Scott. I thought it was ok but thought it would be more of a pain in the *** to set up each time I wanted to use it.

[Scott Brady]

yeah, not an easy set-up and not very wide coverage. Other than that though :p

[gjackson]

For awnings it is hard to beat the Hannibal. Very easy to set up because it has no ground poles, large coverage and has zip on sides as well. Has served me very well. One of the best accessories I put on my truck.

http://www.deertracktraders.com/GImage/Awning.jpg

cheers

[Life_in_4Lo]

Hey guys, what's with posting pictures of awnings that are giving no shade? Is this some photo joke? :p



hehe, seriously tho that Hannibal one looks trick. Do you have a direct link?

[Scott Brady]

Graham,

I have always liked those units. But I just cant get over the fact that so little structure supports that big sail.

How do they do in the wind. From an engineering perspective, how is it designed to not be damaged in even moderate winds?

Thanks for indulging me :coffee:

[gjackson]

hehe, seriously tho that Hannibal one looks trick. Do you have a direct link?

Nathan at Pangaea sell them:
http://www.pangaea-expeditions.com/hannibal/index.html
Scroll to the lower part of the page to see the awnings.


How do they do in the wind. From an engineering perspective, how is it designed to not be damaged in even moderate winds?

Scott, my awning does great in the wind. I've had no problems with it. The fold out beams are triangles and are box alloy, so are pretty strong. It easily supports the 3 sides which are made of heavy canvas. The truck starts to lean before the awning ever shows any stress. I think I could hang from the end of the support beams, but I've never tried it. One cool thing is you can move the truck with the awning out to recapture shade as the Earth moves. Great if you are stationary for a long time.

cheers

Graham

[Nullifier]

Just out of curiosity what does it wiegh? I have gone Heavy in some areas of my build early as to not compomise durability of high wear parts. As a result keeping things like awning light are critical to avoid overloading the truck and my 4cyl.

[gjackson]

Just out of curiosity what does it wiegh? I have gone Heavy in some areas of my build early as to not compomise durability of high wear parts. As a result keeping things like awning light are critical to avoid overloading the truck and my 4cyl.

It weighs 27lbs. And remember that's the 8' awning. They also come in 7' and 5'. My Defender also has a 4cyl, so I don't think you'd be too badly off!

cheers

[BMAN]

Do you have any closer detail shots of the awning mechanism? I guess I'm not fully grasping how they work. Does the canvas roll out? Or is it removed completely then folded?

[gjackson]

If you're talking about the Hannibal then: The canvas of the awning has a rod through the front and back (outside edge and carside edge). The outside edge rod has clips on it that connect to holes on the ends of the triangle support beams. The beams swing away from the truck and the canvas unrolls so the clips can be attached to the support beams. The whole thing is one unit except for the sides. I'll try to find pics of it rolled and unrolled to give you a better idea.

Hope that isn't too unclear. . .!

cheers

[BMAN]

I've actually been looking at some pics on other sites but am still unclear as to the "rolling" process. I get the clips deal at the front (canopy extended) but just cant figure out how it rolls up and stores. Are the 2 sides (folding A-frames) offset so that one sits inside the other?

[paulj]

A rather different style of awning is the Kelty Carport - it is, in effect, an arched leanto that attaches to your truck's roof rack.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Tents.ShowProduct&type=shelters&ID=14

http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/ewithcarport

One qualification - depending on the height of the car, and slope of the ground, the portion of the tarp close to the car may be too close to horizontal to drain rain water effectively. This is solved by raising the backend of the ridgepole, so the water drains forward toward the windshield.

I have also used a tension tarp (MSR Vistawing). With this I address the drainage issue by rigging it with a peak in the middle.

Camping in the Pacific NW, I mostly use an awning for rain protection, rather than sun shade.

paulj

[gjackson]

I've actually been looking at some pics on other sites but am still unclear as to the "rolling" process. I get the clips deal at the front (canopy extended) but just cant figure out how it rolls up and stores. Are the 2 sides (folding A-frames) offset so that one sits inside the other?

From the extended position, you unclip the outside edge rod from the side supports. You then roll the canvas up, using the rod to roll it around. Once it is rolled up, the side supports swing in parallel with the car, one on top of the other. There are straps to secure the whole business in place. Attached are pics of the awning stowed. It looks really bulky because I have the sides rolled up and strapped behind the rest of the structure. Don't think I have a pic of it stowed without the sides. The roll you make out of the top sits above the sides when they fold in. Can be seen best in pic 3.

Hope that makes more sense.

[BMAN]

Graham,

Thanks for the pics and the input. Exactly what I was looking for! I couldn't quite figure out if the tarp actually retracted back onto another rod or if you had to manually roll it back. It all makes perfect sense now. Thanks again.

I really like the idea of not having any down poles and guy wires out at the edge to trip over or bump into in the dark.

[calamaridog]

I can see the benefit of the Hanabal awning which moves with the vehicle but the ones you have to stake down I'm not sure about.

Why not use one of those folding, free standing units. It seems more versitile. Or is it the weight/space issue?

[Desertdude]

on the 05 Baja trip our new friends from Vancouver with the aluminum Landcruiser had a very cool awning set-up - does anyone remember it?

[VikingVince]

Yo Pasquale....yeah that was an EXCELLENT awning...well designed with lot of shade cover. It's made by Technitop
www.technitop.co.za
Click on products, click on shade awniing, watch the slide show

I started looking for a dealer here in the USA...didn't find one immediately. Offroad Academy in Canada sells them...haven't inquired if they'll sell/ship to USA. Their website has a price of $180 Canadian on the awning!!!...good price!. www.offroadacademy.com/gear.php

For those of you not familiar: Think big triangle...one apex, instead of being a point, is cut-off at about 5' wide...this attaches to the vehicle and the rest of the triangle is the awning. It extends out 10' to 3 poles and is 12' wide. PLUS (and this is good design and appealing)...there's a permanently mounted 5' track on your vehicle...the carry bag holding the awning just slides onto this track and you open up the awning. You can also get optional attaching sides, making it more or a room or blocking wind. The design and function is very slick and goes up quite quickly.

AhHaa...I just found a USA distributor for Technitop ($135) www.safaritrailers.com

[Desertdude]

I new I could count on my Baja Bohemian friend to get me there :bowdown:

That's the one I am planning on this awning on the back of the 80 series Landcruiser - this way I can pull it out off the load bars and have protection while I am accessing the back of the vehicle-

they also have then here (http://www.safaritrailers.com/index.cfm?action=catalog&catID=2) for 135.00 us - I emailed them to see about availability

[VikingVince]

Yo Dude with the magic guitar fingers:bowdown: ...I just found the safari trailer site and was editing my post when you posted yours. Yeah...that'll be a great way to use it...I think I wanna get one too. I just read on one of the site that the awning can either be attahed to the tent or your roof rack. The track mount is part of the tent...am hoping that the track mount can be purchased separately and attached to my flippac...

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I enjoy doing "much with Very little".

Here is my simple design that I used for the first time camping at the In~Ko~Pah outing last weekend. It's a heavy duty 9' x 12' tarp, silver one side and brown on the other side. I picked up two adjustable tent poles (I may get more later).

I set it up this way because it's winter and cold at night and I face the "wall" side to the wind. I also have two more tarps like this, so I can even wall off the whole living area in case of real bad weather.

In summer, the tarp can just go straight off the back with no walls.

I was in a hurry to get it set up that night as the sun was setting.....and the Boston Mangler was eating all my chips and salsa!....hehe

I later went back and used more rope to tighten the sag along the top.

Affectionately known as ....."The SWR Easy~Shade".....!;)

[Desertdude]

I hear ya on the light and simple - this is a 4'X8' piece of wild nylon cloth and a few poles/rope Baja shade photo (http://bajataco.com/baja05/enlfr.htm?29) Thanks to Chris (baja taco) for the killer photo :sunny:

Vince - Lets tag team 'em and see what we can come up with :coffee:

[Mike S]

[QUOTE=Life_in_4Lo]Hey guys, what's with posting pictures of awnings that are giving no shade? Is this some photo joke? :p QUOTE]

There are no 'roll out awnings that I know of that are large enough and configurable enough to provide good shade and shelter as the sun moves across the sky, :sunny: or when it disappears behind rain clouds.:rolleyes:

We like the MSR Para Wing $229 msr... http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/parawings.asp

It's simple, very well made, backs small, AND IT'S NOT ATTACHED THE YOUR TRUCK, SO IT CAN STAY SET UP WITH YOUR CAMP GEAR UNDER IT.

M

[paulj]

[QUOTE=Life_in_4Lo]Hey guys, what's with posting pictures of awnings that are giving no shade? Is this some photo joke? :p QUOTE]


Enough shade here?
http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/image/49030858/medium.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/image/49030733/medium.jpg
This is the Kelty Noah 12, rigged with 8' aluminum poles (that came with a Walrus Armadillo 150 tarp). At least in British Columbia and Washington I use it more for rain shelter than sun shade.

paulj

[paulj]

I just noticed that Kelty has come out with a Carport Deluxe. The side panels are larger, allowing closer fit to the car, and they've add poles to support the outter corners off the ground.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Tents.ShowProduct&type=shelters&ID=16

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/Images/Products/Tents/CarportD.jpg

other tarps ranging from ponchos to the large MSR Outfitter:
http://www.backcountrygear.com/tent/tarps_wings.cfm
these people also have a good selection of wing tarps, and lots of setup photos.
http://www.backcountry-equipment.com/tents/tarps.html

[paulj]

If you want to experiment with rigging your own awning, I know of a couple of clip systems that may be useful for joining tarps, lines and poles without sewing:

http://www.shelter-systems.com/who-we-are.html
sells 'grip clips' in various sizes, along with an assortment of dome designs.

Their 'pro' model looks interesting, though I haven't yet figured out how to make use of it yet:
http://www.shelter-systems.com/grip-clip-pro-1.html

http://cbcproducts.com/EZG/EZGHome.htm
sells tubular 'grabbit' tarp holders. Their latest offer is a canopy system
http://www.cbcproducts.com/UCS/CanopyPole1.htm

[VikingVince]

Paul,

The CBC link is interesting...call me "slow," but for the life of me I cannot figure out how the poles in the canopy system actually work/function...the pics and videos don't really demonstrate it very well...at least not that I could see. Have you seen it in use?...re the T-joint pole that is shown - are ropes passed through that T-joint or other poles attached to it?

[paulj]

The only CBC product that I have is a couple sets of their mini-grabbits, which consists of a plastic cylinder that is placed on one side of the tarp, and sleeve that slides over it from the other side, clamping the tarp between. I think the pole system uses a 20" long grabbit on the end of each pole.
http://www.cbcproducts.com/LG500/LG500Home.htm

Here's the system description:

Each kit contains a duffel bag to carry the poles, a lantern holder, 5 perimeter poles and 1 extension pole. Each perimeter pole contains 1 Long Grabbit 500 Tarp Holder, 2 guy ropes, 2 RockBuster Ground Stakes and 2 EZ Adjust Rope Adjusters.
Price: $150.00


I expect the simplest use would be to attach one pole/grabbit to the center of your tarp, raise that, and tie down the corners. A more elaborate setup would place poles at points around the tarp perimeter.
http://www.cbcproducts.com/images/CanopyPoleA3.jpg
In this picture, 2 guy lines attach to the top cylinder of the grabbit.

In the illustrated 'circus' tent, it appears they use 2 or 3 poles to form the ridge line, and 3 poles along each side.

For a car awning I would use several grabbits to attach one side of the tarp to the roof rack (or to a spreader bar that attached to the rack), and then 1-3 poles to raise the outboard end. For just sun shade 2 poles near the corners would be fine. In rain I'd want to use a taller pole to form a water draining ridgeline or peak.

paulj

[VikingVince]

Thanks Paul...that makes it clearer...I read everything on the site except the contents of the bag!:rappel:

[VikingVince]

Pasquale...did you hear from SafariTrailers? It's been a week and I've heard nothing.

[Desertdude]

Pasquale...did you hear from SafariTrailers? It's been a week and I've heard nothing.

Hi Vince - I was just thinking about this item yesterday - I have received no word either - I may try and call or keep searching for this elsewhere.
let me know what you find out :lurk:

[seth_js]

I hear ya on the light and simple - this is a 4'X8' piece of wild nylon cloth and a few poles/rope Baja shade photo (http://bajataco.com/baja05/enlfr.htm?29) Thanks to Chris (baja taco) for the killer photo :sunny:

Vince - Lets tag team 'em and see what we can come up with :coffee:

Perfect! I am very, VERY simplistic. Less is more with me. Where did you guys get your telescoping poles and how are you attaching the tarp to the poles?

-Seth

[Desertdude]

with my cloth I wrapped the rope around the cloth and the end of the pole.

I have had my poles for years think they came from a local camping store


Still wanting the technitop awning... guess I might have t make one :elkgrin:

[flywgn]

... Where did you guys get your telescoping poles and how are you attaching the tarp to the poles?

-Seth

I purchased a REAL CHEAP tent at K-mart 20 years ago, discarded the fabric, and kept the adjustable poles. Still have them (in Baja) and they still work.

I will probably purchase another set for use up here and think I'll give the ones from Cabela a try. (p. 552 in Master Catalog; or part no. FG-51-2285 (878). $13.99 + S/H

[seth_js]

I will probably purchase another set for use up here and think I'll give the ones from Cabela a try. (p. 552 in Master Catalog; or part no. FG-51-2285 (878). $13.99 + S/H

Sweet, thanks!

-Seth

[ShearPin]

Hey - a little late joining the discussion. I would second the recommendation for the Hannibal awning. My wife and I huddled with my brother under his in a hail storm in Colorado and watched our tent blow away. It stayed waterproof but did sag very little with the collecting hail - simply dumped it off every now and then.

In the sun you definitely have to park just right - it would benefit from either side curtains or a flap folding off the front to the ground (I think all are available). It is incredibly rigid though - flapping awnings aren't relaxing.

Henry

[Ramdough]

I really like the Hannibal awning design, but I am just curious:


1. How far off of the roof rack do the rack bars reach?

2. How strong of a wind can they resist?

3. What keeps the arms open in the wind? Is there a latch or does the tarp hold it square?

Thanks in advance.

[Mlachica]

Anybody have experience with the Kelty Carport (http://www.shop.com/op/~Kelty_Carport_Deluxe_Shelter-prod-27019246-35803095?sourceid=298)? It seems pretty versatile and probably a comparable price to hannibal awnings. I'm sure the hannibal is easier to set up - no guy lines.

[ShearPin]

Ramdough

Hannibal sells the awnings in different lengths - my brother's is the 9 ft. It's built stout. It works by two metal supports folding out on each end mounted on polyurethane bushngs. The awning canvas then unrolls with a solid full length bar at the end that locks into the side support beams.

I spent a couple of hours under it in a hail storm in Colorado. The wind was gusting something awful - blew my tent away. The hail was collecting on top of the awning. We cleared it from time to time but there was minimal sag and no flapping (the worst problem with awnings).

In the sun I've found you have to park right with 9ft. You can see the shade is off-centre in my previous picture. Again, parking with the awning and the movement of the sun in mind would make a big difference.

There are a few more photos of my brothers set-up at:

http://www.4x4freedom.com/hmcs.htm

Henry

[Ramdough]

Thanks ShearPin,

How fast was the wind blowing?

I have been camping during a tropical storm on the coast of Texas. The wind was up to 40 mph. We had to build a dome tent inside of a dome tent and then we rigged extra lines to the poles and tied them to burried logs.

the 9' is the width right? I am trying to figure out the length of the hinged poles. Is the awning a 9' x 6' awning? 9x5? 9x4? etc?

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Camping above Hermosa Creek just north of Durango two weeks ago.

I was headed to Little Molas Lake...........but the skies were dark and the lightning was flying everywhere!

I turned around and went up the Hermosa Creek trail. Found a camp site and got set up just before the big rains hit ALL night long!

When the rains came........

I put up my other tarp and closed off the two open sides.

one ~ 9' x 12' heavy duty tarp. (or two to wall the whole thing off)

two ~ adjustable tent poles (may get two more poles for a drive away camp)

several tent stakes and string/rope.

Benifits ~ Light weight.....Low cost.....takes up VERY little space!


Next time out in cold weather I am going to bring a canvas to drape along my rear bumper and down to the ground to help stop a breeze from blowing in from under the truck.

The long dip on the side facing you in the pic is my "rain gutter". It sends the water up toward the rear wheel and away from my living room!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2006_0919Summerinthesanjuans0094.jpg



I was warm, dry and cozy all night long!

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/ScenicWonderRunner/2006_0919Summerinthesanjuans0122.jpg

[VikingVince]

Pasquale,

How are ya dude? Looking forward to seeing you and Kristina at Expo Rally!
Just wondering...did you end up getting the Technitop shade awning for your Alaska trip or did that never work out? Did you install an awning for your trip...which one?
C ya soon,
Vince

[Desertdude]

SWR - that is the way to do it nice and easy!


Hey VV - what up?

never got a response from any of the venders - Slee off-road up in Co was scheduled to have a few come in his container from Aus. but they never came in his load... I decided to go with small nylon tarps a few poles and some ropes/stakes - it all worked out better in the end

see you at the trophy dood :victory:


http://idisk.mac.com/desertdude/Web/Sites/iWeb/80.series.landcruiser/maggiolina.tent_files/IMG_3807.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Now that's using your ......Pinzennoggin..........!!!!:friday:


http://www.rmpinzgauers.org/photogallery/coldbutt2005/IMG_3650.JPG

[OverlandZJ]

Here's a pic of a 20x30 camo tarpauline with two Jeeps under. Obviously this setup has it's drawbacks with heavy wind. We carry the 20x30 and two 10x10's for some flexibility. I'll see if i can find a better pic..

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/HPIM1867.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Looks Sweet John!

Nice set up! I like the glow of the hanging lantern......and the cowboy TeePee Cooking action over the fire!

.

[OverlandZJ]

Looks Sweet John!

Nice set up! I like the glow of the hanging lantern......and the cowboy TeePee Cooking action over the fire!

.

That's Cowboy's tripod and dutch oven setup....it's awesome. We routinely cook Bison Roasts and such with it. I want to get the hanging grill unit for that tripod.

Here's a sideshot of that same setup...provides for a nice sized area in foul weather, which we routinely see in Pa's Grand Canyon.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d24/ExpeditionXJ/HPIM1869.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Awesome set up John! Looks Great!!!!!!!!!!

Now....it looks like you have 4 tent poles.....right?. So you can easily just un~tie from your trucks and go exploring for an afternoon and come back to your camp set up....right? Although I don't like leaving anything much of value behind.

I need two more tent poles to be able to do that. I've just been trying to limit how much crap I have to carry!

[OverlandZJ]

Awesome set up John! Looks Great!!!!!!!!!!

Now....it looks like you have 4 tent poles.....right?. So you can easily just un~tie from your trucks and go exploring for an afternoon and come back to your camp set up....right? Although I don't like leaving anything much of value behind.

I need two more tent poles to be able to do that. I've just been trying to limit how much crap I have to carry!

SWR...my apologies, i thought i responded to your latest questions.

Those pics use 5 poles...three along the far end with two on sides in center (rope tied between to act as a roof like ridge) with the rest tied off to the vehicles. With three aditional poles it can be made freestanding if added to the vehicle end. Then we just back under and pop the hatches.

The setup with 5 poles...you can just bungie the vehicle side down to ground with a few stakes if you dont have 8 poles and leave camp.

I agree about leaving valuables behind....all of our gear purchases recently are of Earth tone colors as much as possible. We attempt to setup out of view as much as possible to eliminate any problems. However, with that said....we'v never been hit in camp by a thief in close to 20 years.

Poles....were using mostly steel poles which need replacement every few years. My bud has two he picked up at REI that are made of stainless steel....these are far superior to the throwaways. I just have a problem buying from REI (personal opinion) and we have been looking for poles elsewhere.....which has led us to also looking at heavier canvas tarp and stronger poles. However the latter is considerably more expensive.

Been looking at something like shown on this site... http://www.coloradotent.net/

:campfire:

[Redback]

I have an awning similar to this, mine is a Bob Burrage Awning made from HD canvas and is 16'x10'
http://www.oppositelock.com.au/images/products/RT70-1.jpg

This is it but on my mates GQ Nissan.

http://forum.australia4wd.com/uploads/1103446358/gallery_1_21_1105658883.jpg

Baz.