I was happy with my window awnings on our little camping trip last weekend, but I'm still not as happy as I could be with how I'm keeping them on. The hinge across the top of the window is full length, so I couldn't use those corners to help hold the awning on. I did sew on a small piece of elastic with a bra-clip which I slip around the arm that opens the window, to help hold it up, but mostly so if it blows off it won't blow away. I sewed pockets into the lower edge to help hold it on.
Shari, how do you plan to rivit snaps to the window frame? I assume there's glass under the edge of the frame.
Also, if they snap onto the outside, do you still have to take them off to close the windows at night?
All in all, it's been fun experimenting with them. I wish I'd had a sewing machine, so the seams had come out a little straighter, but they look fine as is. And for now the rubber hose clips are holding them on ok, but they get quite soft in the sun, so I wouldn't bet on them holding up in a good wind. So I'm kind of looking around for something better to hold them up.
Shari, how do you plan to rivit snaps to the window frame? I assume there's glass under the edge of the frame.
Stephanie ~
I think our windows are very different from each others...I have a Hehr framed window and I believe you have the Corning glass "frameless" type based on you year. On mine the frame is about 3/4" all the way around the glass so riveting a snap is no big deal. On yours, I don't know if that would work. The ones I saw were on a '63 and they did not have to be removed when the window is closed, so it'll be the same with ours.
Sorry, I don't have a great picture of the frame, but this one below will do to give you an idea of the difference.
Hang in there...I think you're on the right track!
I do not know if some would consider it in poor taste, but I care more about efficiency than looks I'm tinting all my windows, no not a dark limo tint, something medium should help without making the overlander look trashy. although some of the awnings I have seen don't look bad, kinda homey like a house with a white picket fence. but that's not my style. but i still wish you luck with it. dene
I don't think there's anything wrong with doing a tint either. The new ones have tints, so it'll probably make yours look more modern.
Since ours is a little vintage unit, the cozy/homey look is just what we're going for. That's the wonderful thing about Airstreams, everyone is different, and you can make them your own.
I recently heard about a product called "Solar Screen" which might be an alternative to tinting your windows. As I understand it, you can just install this material in your existing screen frames. I have no experience with it, but it might be worth checking out. Good Luck!
Does anyone have an update on the vintage pole type awnings. I think some of you may have been to 1-2 vintage ralleys since the start of this thread. No pictures to prove it tho
We have" solar screen" on our car windows.
Works great and keeps the dogs in the shade while in the back.
Just don't think of taking it off.
It took us over 7hrs to get it off the front windows - illegal in NJ - and lots and lots of hard work. You don't want to scratch the windows under the film. It's no easy peel off as advertised!
TrailerTrash -
I saw many stationed trailers in Corsica and Calabria that had that "extra room" made with just dark mosquito net fabric. It's not weather proof but still gives privacy and is bug proof. Maybe it can work for someone here where bugs are particularly nasty.
Stephanie -
Awnings look great, love the marine look. Congratulations!
Great find Shari, has anyone ever told those people about the forum? Seems like I've found myself visiting thier page all the time!
Their awning looks like it would be fairly easy to make from parts found at the hardware store, except for the spring-loaded part and adjustable uprights. The pockets for the poles are a good idea I hadn't thought of.
And of course I'm going to need a fringe
I'm still planning mine out and looking for a sewing machine so I can turn this bolt of fabric into an awning!
Especially 'cause our trailers are "twins"...same year, same model, both CA & only a couple serial numbers apart.
They are very active with the VAC and on the VAList. They are also members of the Airstream webring that this site is. So they have probably visited or lurked at one time or another.
I love that awning but the poles seem complicated to rig up.
Can you believe they got it at a garage sale? I may be tempted to try to make one too-poles and all.
I have read this thread with great interest, but I'm left with one question. If I go with a pole type awning (14 feet on our tradewind) will I be able to put it up by myself? Rhonda may not go on every trip.
Or, can we both raise the awning and preserve our marriage? We do survive backing the trailer together.
Jim, from personal experience I can tell you that it's much easier with 2 people. But, with practice and maybe a few favorite cusswords, it can be done by one person.
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