Rope and pole awning design

[deer4200]

We had an awning made for our 25' Tradewind. It is 15' long, as long as the channel on the trailer, and extends 8' out. It sags too much in the middle and towards the trailer. We are thinking of having it shortened to 10' long. This awning has a pocket that we can slide a rod in the entire length. We tried 1-1/4" PVC, but it adds too much weight and adds to the sag. Would we better off to put a stretched rope through that pocket? Or there some sort of aluminum rod available that would not sag?

Any advice on this project would be greatly appreciated.

[idroba]

Replace it with a Zip Dee which was the standard Airstream awning back in 1972.

I am sorry, could not resist. Giggle. I just like Zip Dee's.

I honestly wish I could help but really have no helpful ideas for you at all.

[A W Warn]

I am assuming you are not using a tensioned roller, that you are making a tent out of your awning. Are you trying to get by with poles at each corner of the awning with two ropes and stakes driven in the earth as supports for each corner pole? If that's what you are doing, add a center pole that is a foot or so taller than the corner poles, to create some slope.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

We travel with milk baskets that are stacked as a ladder to insert and pull the the canvas through the awning rail, and three 7 foot 1-1/2"D bamboo poles, one of which has a tennis ball end to support the middle canvas.

The rigid poles are stored in the under-bed bin with the milk baskets which serve a multitude of function including guest seating.

The center pole is positioned so as to prevent the door from brushing the awning. The milk basket that supports the center pole serves as the coffee table.

That's how "Us Hillbillies" roll...

[Zil]

Be careful, the plastic milk crates will break while you stand on them. I have had the bottoms burst through.

[KrisE MN]

Originally Posted by ALUMINUMINUM

We travel with milk baskets that are stacked as a ladder to insert and pull the the canvas through the awning rail, and three 7 foot 1-1/2"D bamboo poles, one of which has a tennis ball end to support the middle canvas.

The rigid poles are stored in the under-bed bin with the milk baskets which serve a multitude of function including guest seating.

The center pole is positioned so as to prevent the door from brushing the awning. The milk basket that supports the center pole serves as the coffee table.

That's how "Us Hillbillies" roll...

. What type of AC is on your roof please.

[hamiltonmj]

Neat. What is the awning fabric? I've thought about using extendable paint poles for the awning poles.

[ALUMINUMINUM]

KrisE ME, My AC and shroud are original 1968 Armstrong TAC 110.

hamiltonmj, The awning fabric is from Sunbrella. If you shop for "roll ends" you can get it really cheap. We paid twenty bucks for enough fabric to make two awnings, We stitched the awning on our fifty year-old Pfaff. The bamboo poles were $4 each from the landscape nursery.

Zil, Thanks, I know what you mean. In the olden days, when Milkmen could lift six gallons, the crates were rectangular. I hoard the old welded steel rectangular milk crates, and have a few old plastic rectangular ones that are as tough as Delrin (if you know that plastic). I think the modern square baskets are junk because there is so much loss expected from theft.

[Gnorts]

Simple and elegant. Nicely done.

[nickclifford]

hi all, my '72 Sov doesn't have an awning, and I'm not inclined to fork out a small fortune for a factory spec type, Zipdee? is that it... anyways I believe they're kinda pricey. So wondering how these work ? any feedback would be great, I need to do more research ..!

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/...-p/vts-400.htm

[55AS]

They work fine, just a bit more work to put up/down.
You can get one quicker and cheaper from Awnings by Kristi:
dfoster@bellsouth.net
Have bought two from her and been very pleased with the quality.
You can select color, pattern and size.
Measure your awning rail to get length and width is up to you.
Get some good quality telescoping poles.

[bellastream]

Hey jus to let you know Zip Dee isn't the only company that makes awnings for our trailers. I just installed a new Dometic Awning last year they make curved arm hardware kits specially for airstream trailers. My 27 foot awning only set me back like 1300 and has the aluminum protector for when it's rolled up.

[bellastream]

here is what the dometic awning looks like.

[bellastream]

838100D015 is the part number for the Dometic Airstream hardware kit it covers years from 1969 thru 1985

[StevieB]

Try the following website:

https://vintageawning.blogspot.com
She is also on Facebook at Kristi's Awnings

The owner is very responsive and makes custom orders. I have actually purchased two awnings from her previously that were dome shaped with tent shock poles inserted to make the dome. As a result, you had NO clearance issues for your door and the dome shape repels water. The only draw back was the maximum dome version she makes was 9'. Highly recommend.

[StevieB]

Here is a pic of the our dome awning on our Avion:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=3&theater

[ALANSD]

we had a Sunbrella awning made by MARTI in California. She did a great job and ended up making awnings for the small side windows and rear window to match. The pole awning om our 80 Excella cost a lot less than a zip dee and though it required a bit more time to slide in and set up it was great. We have one on our Overlander now. Gave the 1980 model a little more classic vintage look.
Also I striped the side to match