[jagarcia89]

This awning looks interesting.


https://www.thule.com/en-us/us/roof-rack/awnings/thule-hideaway---rack-mount-_-490008

Agreed it looks interesting but at $799, not really a budget awning and is close to the Fiamma in price.

 

[jagarcia89]

I've long used easy ups and pop up bug shelters but I definitely need something attached to van. For starters, it rains in florida a lot. So it's nice to have something that covers the door for going in and out I also hate taking up space with a 4 foot long bag in the van and having to put it away wet.

I like the 80/20 idea and even saw a promaster in parking lot this weekend that had a nice one. I just don't know much about it and the sizing etc... I'll try to find medicineman 4040's.

I bought the AA Covina from amazon, but I think I will return it. Just doesn't meet my needs.

 

[jagarcia89]

At this point I plan to spring a fiamma or thule awning. Just need to figure out the roof rack to mount it. Starting to like the looks of doing an 8020 custom deal. I priced out 2-146" long bars for about $150.

I really considered doing the whole Fiamma rack and awning set up and save on freight as they are down the street. But the roofrack doesn't look like it has much load capacity.

As for the awning vs tarp vs easy up debate. Prior to the van I had a pop up (no awning) and before that a toy hauler (with awning). Definitely want the awning for entry and exit and ability to put a little door mat outside. Downside to the tarp is I am 5'7 and my girlfriend 5'4. The vans roof is about 8.5 feet tall not counting a rack. I'll need to pack a step stool to even get it up and down.

 

[jagarcia89]

So I ended up with the AA rack from Amazon and was going to return it, but decided to keep it as the PM adapters it came with were worth most of the cost. But it as some issues- for starters its quite tall. The second issue being where my Maxxvan is going in the rear roof panel- it would interfere with a crossbar.

So I decided I want a way that will allow me use crossbars at any interval and closer to the roof. One idea I had was to get some aluminum C- channel and mount that sideways to adapters. Then use a combination of my existing crossbars and 8020 as needed. Or use unistrut or superstrut the same way.

I'm curious though if the 8020 or the holes in the unistrut would make much wind noise???

As for the awning, I keep going back and forth between the Thule and a cheap tarp set up. Since I'm indecisive, I will start with the tarp and go from there as it will just be about $40 in poles and fabricating a way to extend the front of the tarp to over the full width of the slider. If it's too tough for my short self- I'll get the Thule.