$25 Heat Shield/Awning for the Basecamp

[Rhyder]

The 10'x12' silver tarp is from Lowes (around $18).The poles are 3 10' plastic electrical conduit ($1.50 each). There are two plastic couplers ($1.25 each).

The 10' side of the tarp is "north/south" or "front/back"
The 12' side of the tarp is "east/west" or "left/right"

Before affixing the tarp to the BC, open the fan vent (it's nice to have air circulating under the heat shield)
Use an allen key to tilt the radio antenna rearward to horizontal

On the roadside (left):
Use nylon cord to tie tarp to "nerf bar" (front two gromets)
Use nylon cord to tie next two gromets to roof rail
Use nylon cord to tie rearmost gromet to left door top hinge (wraps around it, and does not interfere)

Hint: You do not have to tie every gromet; do what seems logical.

On the curbside (right):
Tie one of the 10' conduits to all the north/south gromets (loose loops w/nylon cord)
Cut the other two 10' conduits to a reasonable vertical length (mine are about 6'6")
Stick the three together w/couplers.
Use two tie-downs to tent pegs. We used very long tie-downs at Burning Man because of the high winds.

Hint: Use the 10' pole to push the tarp over the top before affixing it to the BC.

I carry the ladder-like ramp for my motorcycle, which I use for a ladder when affixing the tarp on the roadside (left).

I can set the thing up in about two minutes (although it took me awhile to get to that time!).

I can also tell you that it was a life saver at Burning Man; I was the only guy in the Airstream camp who was able to comfortably nap inside the trailer in the 120 degree heat of the day.

[JazzDad]

Do the poles flex in the wind, and if so, is that a good thing?

[Rhyder]

They do flex slightly ... and I don't know if that's good, bad, or neutral. They have never "let go."

Also, in the rain, water will find the edge. If you tap the picture of us seated (easier to see when super sized), that edge is the third grommet from the right - I generally remove that nylon cord loop to speed up drainage.

If the wind is really blowing I tilt the bottoms of the poles toward the BC.

The awning has turned out to be a very useful addition in all kinds of situations and weather; it's not just Burning Man specific.