Help with homemade awning, please

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: Mounting Side Tent on the Driver's Side of the T@b.

Mega

I have the Tab. For now I was going to use 3/8" poly rope and tarp for an awning. I had a lot of troible running it along the keder rail and it pulled out easily. Any suggestions?

Hvtymwiltravel

I used a 3/8 sail slide which I purchased from West Marine.  Model # 2690865 | Mfg # PA017/5 | UPC # 687758029066     I attached the slides with plastic wire ties to the awning. (a Noahs Tarp from Scouting days)   I made two stops from a non hardened 3/8 bolt to keep the slides in place.  I cut the head and threads off the bolt, flattened one side with a grinder and then tapped it to a 10-32 thread.   I purchased 10-32 knob bolts, fender and rubber washers from Lowes.  Each stop is around 1/2 long.

Hvtymwiltravel

If you purchase the sail slide from that model number make sure you order the 3/8 slide.  They come in other sizes under the same model number.

Luckyj

Sail slide, nice, I did not know this could be purchase as a complet thing.  Thank you guys.

Homebodyatheart

@Mega carefully spray the channel with silicone spray. Have paper towels handy to wipe off what drips down the side. It helps. Also as your tarp softens up it will be much easier to slide in. Having a 2step step stool is also helpful unless you're tall (I'm not...)A second set of hands makes it all go faster, too. I'd love to see a pic when you're done setting up! Good luck!

pthomas745

Could we see some pictures of the sail slides in action?

Hvtymwiltravel

I have only set it up once and did not take a picture.  The Noah's Tarp is around 9 feet square so it is not cut to fit perfectly to the rounded track.  It has multiple tie off points so it can even be tied to an overhead tree branch if one is available.  I have a couple of nesting 6 foot aluminum poles that can also be used to hold up the end opposite the camper.  The material being straight cut will not stretch tightly along the track, but the material is light and I am mainly looking for shade when needed. Here is a picture of the slides and slide stops that I made.

Hvtymwiltravel

Oops too small a picture again

pthomas745

That is excellent, thanks.  I have one of the "sunshade" type triangular shades, and I never seem to be able to figure out a way to mount it up.

Mega

@Homebodyatheart. I started with silicone but as I moved along the rope with tarp folded over it pulled out of the rail. Not at the end. I also pushed it in along the rail. I though maybe a bigger rope would work next size up was too large. Think I'll have to break down and order the visor in order to use the rail.