Question for T@B Visor owners

Tampakayaker

@DesertDweller, that's when we are taking our inaugural run with our T@B, the visor, and the window awnings she made to match the visor.

Homebodyatheart

@DesertDweller congratulations! I’ve got both the visor and tarp awning. I apologize for not answering your questions earlier. Yes, I bought a hardware store tarp and used my regular sewing machine, polyester thread. Sometimes the XL visor is all I need and sometimes I want more covered area. Happy camping!

DesertDweller

@Homebodyatheart No worries, and thanks for letting me know.  If I ever learn how to operate a sewing machine I may try it.

As it is, I used the XL visor over Veterans' Day and it worked well enough.  I did make an enlarged opening on the driver side of the T@B and used a tarp set up on that side simply to keep the strong desert sun off the window and wall.  Even in mid-November, the mid-day sun is very strong out in the desert.  

Tampakayaker

   

This was the awning and shades my wife made.

DesertDweller

Very nice!

Tampakayaker

@DesertDweller, thanks.  She did a great job and they came out really nice.

Blueespy

Michigan_Mike said:

DesertDweller said:

@Homebodyatheart  Looks like a very nice set up.  I am torn between trying to make my DIY tarp work, ordering the visor or the awning.  I already have the side tent, but it gets very warm in direct sun and is really a bit much for an overnight trip.

IMHO you will be much happier with either a visor or an awning.  I use the visor for quick setups when traveling as it goes up in a flash and can be easily taken down on a moments notice should a strong weather front be eminent or if you want to remove it quickly.  Whether you have a tarp or any outdoor structure, whether it’s attached to the trailer, staked down, portable structures, etc. high wind conditions will dictate when to use good judgement and protect your investment. 

I have used the Paha Que’ visors, awning and side tent on my former 320 T@B and the visor and awning on our 2019 T@B and we have really enjoyed them as they are durable, rugged and well made products. I still have my Paha Que’ Cottonwood XLT 10x10 XLT canopy with the sewn in Keder rope too as we use it for camping and family events.  

One thing I will say about the awning is that we have really enjoyed it on the 400 because you can raise the side flaps for more air flow and they can be also be lowered to  provide added privacy in campgrounds where foot traffic is heavy and eliminate some of the gawkers when you prefer to just sit back, relax, enjoy a cold beverage, read s book, etc.  If the awning is staked down it does take some good wind gusts, but my rule of thumb is that when winds start hitting 20-30 mph and above consistent or prolonged wind conditions it’s time to protect the investment.  

And let me reiterate what Marceline notes above, that the Keder rail on these trailers isn’t coming off the trailer and have never heard of this happening.  It would take a Wizard of Oz event for something like that to occur.  If that does happen and you are out in the hinterlands, just click your heels together.  😉

This is the awning we use on our t@b.  Only difference is we carry plastic water jugs (just over a gallon each when filled).  They compress flat when not being used.  We fill them and use them as anchor points instead of stakes.  Found at times a few State parks that have prohibited use of stakes for canopies and the water jugs allow us to anchor our awning on gravel/concrete/or asphalt. Plus when boon docking, it's extra water.

K_C_915

A game changer for me with the Visor is to add two additional lines to the loop where the visor is tied to the trailer.  These additional lines are then staked to the ground and have tensioners on them. (They are from my Overland Awning that is mounted on my truck).
I have been in some sudden strong Arizona breezes and it has prevented the visor from flipping up over the trailer, cracking the poles.  However, even this system will not hold up in very windy conditions.
I also have the PahaQue awning that as the other commentors say is great, but a bit of work to set up.  It does get a lot easier with practice however.  It also does quite well in windy conditions. 

lino

I have been attaching my XL visor to the ground using a long stake for years

It has never come out out or  the visor turn inside out by wind

My engineer friend was impressed 

ColleenD2

https://www.dotyhilldesigns.com/

Dotty Hill Designs made ours and it's super cute as well as functional. 

Blueespy

We carry both the visor and Paha Que awnings.  We don't use stakes but collapsible 5gallon water jugs.  On one occasion we used both awnings when it was really hot.  The visor on the driver's side and the Paha Que on the passenger.  

PhilPlanck

Trying out awning suggested above. Will see how holds up in wind. out awning suggested above