2 SUV Canopy options south of $150

[latinoguy]

I am about to make a decision on one of these two awnings...Which one is the better option based on my rack configuration? The pricer options while nice, are out of my budget...

Kirham's Auto Canopy
"Auto Canopy attaches to most multisport and factory roof-top racks with crossbar spreads from 12" to 60". Comes complete with poles, stakes, adjustable guy lines, and storage bag."

Seems easy to set up and to mount to a roof rack
Not crazy about the flat top in case it rains...
A very attractive price of $90 plus shipping...

http://springbar.com/explore/canopies/auto.html

Bus Depot Awning
"Use it on virtually any make/model vehicle - a Eurovan, SUV, van, minivan, or pickup truck.
Use it on the any side of the vehicle - front, rear, left, or right - anywhere with a relatively flat surface. "

Comes with addtional accessories for various staking and tie down scenarions...
Dome top is nicer for rain protection
A nice price for $121 plus shipping...

http://busdepot.com/details/awning.jsp

I wonder what would be a better option for my rig..with the conferr roof rack...

[JackW]

One of my club members bought the Kirhams awning - he said it's about what you expect for $90 - I take it he's not real impressed with it.

That Bus Depot awning looks like a lot better design for not that much more money - I think if Ross sees it he'll probably return the Kirhams and buy the Bus Depot one.

[Corey]

If you want to spend a little more, I am very impressed with my Camping Labs awning.
http://www.campinglab.com/

Check out my review thread for more info on it.





You get what you pay for, it is very nice.
Here is how you attach it to most racks or Yakima or Thule crossbars.

[Maximus Ram]

I was looking throught the Cabela's Atoumotive/ATV 2008 catalog and saw a sport shade canopy in there....it might be an option. I've not seen one, but did have a sports tent for the bed of the truck and it held up nicely.

[latinoguy]

The camping labs awning is very good. But I will have to go with one of the two options I mentioned...I read your reviews Corey, very detailed and informative. Nice set up you have there..

[hoser]

Homemade option:

http://lcool.org/technical/sunshade/sun_shade.html

[John E]

While I like the looks of the various roll out type awnings. I went megacheap on what I'm planning. Went to the local army surplus store, picked up a heavy duty, reflective silver 8'x10' tarp, will either trim it to fit onto my Rola roof rack and will then use some inexpensive tent poles and guy lines. Total cost so far, about 10 bucks.

I am intrigued by the idea of making some sort of storage tube for it out of PVC.

I'll use some inexpensive carabiner type clips to attach it to the roof rack, with possibly some short loops of paracord if needed.

[latinoguy]

I am all ears...but I need to have some shade for Death Valley in a couple of weeks..

[John E]

in the building of my canopy today.

I bought (2) 4' sections of 1.5" ABS pipe, a PVC connector and (2) end caps. Also picked up some adjustable velcro straps.

I'll be gluing the connector to one of the pipes along with the 2 end caps. When I want to set it up, I will attach the connected pipe to my Rola rack using the velcro. I will then attach an 8'x10' tarp to the ABS pipe, probably using some sort of clip and loops of webbing. The ABS pipes is to give the vehicle side some rigid support for the 8' side of the tarp.

That gets extended outwards from the vehicle and I'll be using some 8' collapsible tent poles and guy lines with stakes to hold that end up.

I plan on simply breaking it all down and then wrapping the tarp around the various pipes and tent poles, might try to either make or buy a stuff sack to put it into, it will then be attached to the roof rack for transport or left in my garage.

Total cost so far, less than 20 bucks, including the tarp but not the tent poles. Bought the tarp at a local surplus store, rest of it at the local OSH hardware. I'll pick up the tent poles and stakes at another surplus store later this week. Already have the guy line material.

I'm also planning on using this for work sites as well as for travel trips, give myself some shade when on film locations.

John E

[go4aryd]

I've seen the Cabelas awning, there are many of them in the returns bin - broken. You may want to consider Kelty's car tarp. I like that I don't have it mounted on the rack until I choose to use it.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/products.php?id=153

I prefer to roll up the outer edge - and if I need more shady area, I place the poles on the far corners. Works fine and holds great in the wind. Not as convenient as the CampingLabs, but works for me. It packs very small and usually stays in the rig.