When are awnings not the best solution for shade?

[Chance]

I have two questions after looking at this picture:

If done this way on a ProMaster that is about 6 inches lower, would there be enough head room under awning to not feel boxed in? Headroom should be OK but I'm not sure if this type of install makes awning feel too close to head; particularly if parked where a concrete pad is higher than vehicle's tires.

And if parked off a concrete pad where it is not possible to stake the legs, how much weight is required to hold them down for "typical" wind protection. Do you guys use 5 pounds per leg or 50 pounds? Just want a rough range of what's needed to hold them down safely.


By the way, what I do presently won't work on a new future van because I'd like to plan based on not having to carry an outside storage box/container, and I also don't want to carry a dedicated heavy base to support an umbrella. That's why I'm asking about alternate solutions.

[Ocsmb]

I love the Fiamma 45 mounted on the rain-gutter of my rig.

Doesn't take up space like a portable solution would.

Provides shelter from rain and sun.

Takes less than 5 minutes to setup or break down.

Even if it doesn't provide shade directly underneath it provides shade for the interior of that van for most of the day. Plus once Tapatio comes over and installs led lights on the frame it'll be cool as heck.

[rob_gendreau]

Originally Posted by Chance

I have two questions after looking at this picture:

If done this way on a ProMaster that is about 6 inches lower, would there be enough head room under awning to not feel boxed in? Headroom should be OK but I'm not sure if this type of install makes awning feel too close to head; particularly if parked where a concrete pad is higher than vehicle's tires.

And if parked off a concrete pad where it is not possible to stake the legs, how much weight is required to hold them down for "typical" wind protection. Do you guys use 5 pounds per leg or 50 pounds? Just want a rough range of what's needed to hold them down safely.


By the way, what I do presently won't work on a new future van because I'd like to plan based on not having to carry an outside storage box/container, and I also don't want to carry a dedicated heavy base to support an umbrella. That's why I'm asking about alternate solutions.

Using weights to hold one down is possible, BUT you'd better assess the strength of the hardware holding it to your van. Better the awning goes than something that damages the attachments to the van. Yeah, 50# would probably hold it but if you need that much it's time to take it down. It depends as well on the angle of the wind, height, etc.

You seem to have realized that trying to decide if that awning works in the abstract is virtually impossible. Something like what's depicted would be useless to me, but others might find it a necessity.

Why not start with some tarps in your driveway? and in a couple of trips? If you find you hang out right next to your van doors in campsites where that works then you'd know if a fixed awning like this will work for you. They're not cheap, so don't buy one unless you need it (or unless money is no object).

[BroncoHauler]

Currently, I use a stand-alone canopy and use these leg weights. A bit bulky, but low profile so I can store them fairly easily. 22 lbs a piece.


http://www.impactcanopy.com/products/im ... r%20Weight


Herb

[EDIT: If you're considering these weights, they're at a spectacular price right now @ Wayfair, either directly, or via Amazon. I bought a set of four for about $80 including shipping which was a great price at the time. Now, you can get a set of four for $28.09 + less than $10 shipping via Amazon. They are big, so know that going in. Something like 18" x 18" x 2" high, and like I mentioned, 22 lbs a piece. Put all four in a box and it's awkward and heavy to move.]

http://www.amazon.com/Impact-Canopies-R ... cr_pr_pb_t
http://www.wayfair.com/Impact-Canopy-Le ... P1009.html

[Chance]

Originally Posted by rob_gendreau

.....cut........

Why not start with some tarps in your driveway? and in a couple of trips? If you find you hang out right next to your van doors in campsites where that works then you'd know if a fixed awning like this will work for you. They're not cheap, so don't buy one unless you need it (or unless money is no object).

When awning mounting hardware is attached to van, is it the same after the fact? Do they bolt through van's skin and ribs? Or is it only from outside?

I don't like to waste money on stuff I won't like, but more important, I don't want anything hanging off my van permanently if it doesn't serve a useful purpose. An awning makes it harder for me to park at home too.

[Chance]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Currently, I use a stand-alone canopy and use these leg weights. A bit bulky, but low profile so I can store them fairly easily. 22 lbs a piece.


http://www.impactcanopy.com/products/im ... r%20Weight


Herb

......cut.......

So it's about 100 pounds total? Don't know awning weight but difference probably no big deal. Storage space for non-awning options seems more important than weight.

Thanks for link, I may experiment with a couple of weights to see if it can support my patio umbrella without tipping over. If so that would give me another option. They seem to make some that can stack that can hold flags. Maybe single pole umbrella may work too.

[chromisdesigns]

Originally Posted by Chance

So it's about 100 pounds total? Don't know awning weight but difference probably no big deal. Storage space for non-awning options seems more important than weight.

Thanks for link, I may experiment with a couple of weights to see if it can support my patio umbrella without tipping over. If so that would give me another option. They seem to make some that can stack that can hold flags. Maybe single pole umbrella may work too.

We see a lot of campers who have portable canopies using gallon jugs filled with water and/or sandbag weights.

[larrie]

It would seem that those weights may also be able to be used as leveling blocks.

[daveb]

I hate awnings except when I can get out of the weather (no major wind) and I set up my propane fire (especially during no fire restrictions) inside my closed off enclosure. Priceless when it's possible.

[dhally]

We had a manual awning on a past van. It had a mounting rail on the high top and a sunbrella tarp with poles. It was hard to erect, since we had to thread the awning into the rail. I think we used it two times in the 5 years we had the van.

We usually park the van somewhere flat, and then set up camp under a tree or wherever a nice spot is. We try to stay away from the van, especially if we're having a fire. So an attached awning really doesn't fit our needs. We have talked about bring the shade canopy camping, but it takes up a lot of space.

If we were camping without trees this could be a different story.