I’ve been thinking about getting a roll up canopy for the side of my van. You know, like they have on the sides of motor homes? Just something to provide a little dry work area in a customer’s driveway for those short jobs.
Stopped at an RV service center today to price them and they’re not bad – 10′ long (paralell to length of van) extending out 7′ is about 350 bones. Kind of wondering why I didn’t do this years ago.
Has anyone done this? Anyone have any thoughts? Warnings?
thanks – Jim
Learn the specific guidelines for location, spacing, and clearance for optimal safety.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Just the height of the drop on the low side.
When camping, we bolted a 2x6 on edge to the ears of the ladder racks. Hooked a blue tarp by the grommets onto the top edge. Pulled the other side off to a couple trees. Kept the lower edge up higher by not connecting to the drip rail. How high are you able to mount the bracket and will you need two poles to the ground when you extend it?
Sounds like a great idea when rain is always imminent.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
My ladder/lumber rack has vertcal posts about, oh, at least 6" tall. I was thinking of trying to affix the box to the side of those. The brand I looked at yesterday was what they call a "box" type awning. The legs drop straight to the ground. Of course, the majority of canopies I see on motor homes and trailers brace diagonally back to the side of the vehicle, but I'm not sure that would be better and I'd have to fasten hardware to the side of the van...not sure that's a good idea.
I was even thinking of a shorter canopy across the back, too. So there would be two dry areas. Might even be some way to interlock them at the back corner.
I've been tossing this around for a long time, thinking about a blue tarp and some of pvc pipe for the frame. But then you have that wet tarp, how you going to transport it without getting everything in the van wet - not a happy thought.
Surely SOMEONE has done or seen this before.
Jim,
What about getting something like something the EZ-Up canopy system ( can get them in 10x10 or 12x12, and with sides). That way you can set it up next to the van, or on the customers deck, or where ever you want to set up.
Think SAM's club has them for something like $200.
-m2akita
I have the 10x10 canopy. Works great when theres no shelter on site. Got mine at Costco $200. It goes up relatively easy and it came with sides and weight bags.
M2 has it right I think too. Affords much room, just size it to the above the door height of the van. Pull up close, use a flap up to the ladder rack. Velcro the seam.
Smitty had a stand up roof tent, remember the food / beer tent?
And you could do craft shows..........
Think of that set up. Could leave it on a safe job too, one set up, continual use.
And you could bring it to Ohio.
You've got to live in a wet region to really make this work. And if in that environment, a smart move.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I have thought about it for the pickup with my redneck wood ladder rack. As to transporting your wet tarp, fold it and put it in a trash/construction bag, dry it out later.
I considered some sections of pvc conduit or pipe across the top and a tarp. Another thought was to take the two extension ladders that are already there and turn them 90 deg and tarp it. Ugly but functional.
I have one of the 10x10 easy up shelter things I justified ($80) for this use but so far it has been used for three church functions and two family reunions.
My Dad installed a roll up canopy over a portion of his deck. It has a pair of horizontal hinged arms that extend when the canopy is cranked out. These arms hold the awning up so no legs are required. You would need some height for the attachment because the canopy does slope and might be a head banger if attached to a low van.
Sam's Club has a 10 x 20 canopy, with detachable sides, for $199. It's a pipe frame so assembly is required. One of my customers had one set up so I was able to use it this past year. Having protection from the heat of the summer sun AND from the daily rain storms was heavenly. Didn't have to pack up the tools just because of cloud drip. Plenty of room for the slider station and the table saw. And a couple of lawn chairs and the cooler.
Yeah, I have a 10x20 shelter with pipe (ridgid conduit) frame that I set up when I'm on a job in inclement weather for more than a day or so. And I have often eyeballed those EZ ups that the vendors at craft fairs and street fests use. Those are all real good ideas.
But what I want is something easier, that is always right there on the side of the truck, that I can pop out at a moment's notice. I go to a customer's house for an hour or two often enough that it would really be handy. And there's a reason this is called "The Great Northwet".
Checked my ladder/lumber rack today and it is actually 16" above the rain lip on my van, and darned if the front and back racks aren't just under 10' outside to outside. I think I just about got myself talked into a 10 foot awning on the passanger side. If that works out like I think I might even get another for the driver's side (that way I can park the truck once and work in the shade all day) <bfg>.
Post a pic, if you can, once you get it set up. Sounds like an interesting idea.
JIm,
Unless the rain is gonna be coming straight down , instead of blowing inwards, that 7ft wide tarp you are envisioning is just a pipe dream. If misting, perhaps OK...actual gusting rain storm...forget it.
Davo
Jim
We are planning on adding a sprinter to our inventory this summer and also plan to have installed a roll up awning as you wrote about. I had not given any thought to putting one in the back but, now that sounds like a good idea. I will see how that fits. The sprinter doors swing back and latch so that would make a very nice work space too.
GS Wilke
Post some photos, man. I can't believe we don't see awnings on all types of service vehicles here in the Great Northwet.
Hey- something I know a little about.
Box awnings are handy and simple to use - great for a bit of shade or getting out of the drizzle. Buyer beware -- you get what you pay for so look for people's comments on quality and ease of use. From a camper's perspective, Fiama and A&E make good versions. Almost all require staking - either to ground or against the vehicle. Against the vehicle is fine if prepared properly and attention is paid to setup/removal (to not scratch things). A stake-less version is made by a company called Shady-boy, but I'm not sure it'd survive too long. Box awnings, with care, last forever. I have a Transawn (A&E now) waiting on mounting hardware that's about 22yrs old.
Building? I'm learning. Camping? I can do that.
john
Jim , Ive used them alot . First Ive had them on campers for years.
I did flea markets for a few years out of a trailer 16 ft. It had a side door like most have and the awning I bought for it was 14 ft. If I ever did it again I would do it .
If you are setting up power tools beside the van , its a great idea. Those things fold and unfold in one minute. You need diagonal bracing. It lets you work from the van with out getting the tools wet too . Also a nice place to sit and eat lunch.
Tim Mooney
Jim
There are no pictures at this time since we plan on taking delivery this summer, however, once we get it set up I will post.