Spot on with this video, I truly believe that this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
If you avoid the nylock nuts with the plastic inserts in them, it'll make it easier to fit, as you'll have less friction that could turn the drop-in bolts out of position before they get tightened upto the rail. 🙂
This is so useful! We are currently building a van from the basics with my husband and we will definitely inspire with your awning. Keep doing what you do guys, because you do it great!
Like your idea. Am in process of buying a sprinter and been quoted $2500 - $3K AUD for an awning. Not sure if that includes installation. Was wondering about sewing a channel on one side of tarp and sliding in a length of pvc pipe to be able to easily roll up and bungee or tie off. Perhaps give stability and stop sagging. Just a few thoughts from grandma solo camper to be. 😊
Hi Tessienz, Congrats on getting your Sprinter! I'd like to hear how this idea works out if you choose to go with it. Good luck and safe travels in your Camper To Be!!
Oh my gosh guys, That is so cleaver. I love it! I actually have an awning but I’m physically not able to install that on my own, so it’s on hold. I think I could do the tarp on my own. And I love the poles. Thanks for great content from Bay Area, CA😀
New Subscriber today. My wife and I also have a Sprinter. It's a 2021. I appreciate inexpensive hacks like this. Some of the prices people pay these days for van accessories are RIDICULOUS. I get that the younger crowd are all trying to impress their friends with the latest greatest shiny, new toys, but I would rather spend my money on gasoline. I am way passed posing. Our build is very similar to yours but we haven't done as much as you...yet! Great to find your channel.
Cool! Glad to hear it. And yes, there are a number of ways to secure things. Glad you found something that works better for you. Thanks for the comment!
Never seen anyone use light stands before! I could see that making it a bit easier to put up. Is there a reason why you couldn’t have hooks set up in the rail permanently?
No reason - we just used what we had on hand. That's a good idea though. (and would be great if they could be hooked & unhooked without needing the ladder!) Thanks - we just might look into that!
Inexpensive is what we all like. I suppose on the windy days it can simply roll up then tie off with bungee straps. Very nice. And it looks warm at your camp site. Safe travels.
Yes indeed. I’m already thinking about how can I roll that thing up and secure it and no longer need the ladder so if I come with anything that might be a v2.0 video.
Thank you! Best and easiest I've seen. I dont have a railing, but I think I can "glue" one to the roof with liquid nails and go from there 🙂 I got elephant scope extension rods I can use.
That just might work with something as light as a tarp. But how will you secure it when you're not using it? I think you'll want to make absolutely sure it's secure so it doesn't blow off onto another vehicle while you're driving down the road. Good luck with it and thanks for the comment!
I would like to see a video of how you get the stakes out of the ground. I think if you used a quality tent pole and used 2 paracord lines per pole that your setup could withstand 20 to 30 mph winds.
If the stakes are difficult to pull out, just hit them sideways with the hammer a couple times. And wow good idea - we didn’t think of using more than one line per pole...
@@TimAndShannonLTD I use the 8" nail type stakes that I pick up at walmart for $1 a piece. I drive one in the ground straight in line with the side of the tarp and another straight in line with the front edge of the tarp. The method pulls it tight from the front and the side. I drive the stake into the ground at about a 35 degree angle. Unless it is very sandy soil the connection to the camper will more likely give way before the stake/pole setup will. Keeping the tarp tight reduces the "parachute" effect, which can cause more pressure on the structure.
thats pretty cool ! ive joined a van life group and looking through recommended products, people are paying 300 quid , for a vamoose awning rail , are you mad !
@@TimAndShannonLTD that’s like buying Levi’s jeans compared to Armani! They both do the same thing ! Crazy world , thankyou you both have some great ideas , knowledge is king 🏦
Good video, except the light stands linked in the video do not work. The threaded stud on top of the light stands is only about 1/4 inch. Not long enough for the tarp grommet, let alone the paracord tie down.
Excellent demonstration of your DYI..Efficient and inexpensive = a win-win ! THANK YOU for sharing.
You bet, thanks for watching!!
Spot on with this video, I truly believe that this amazing site needs far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the advice!
Thank you Juliee!
If you avoid the nylock nuts with the plastic inserts in them, it'll make it easier to fit, as you'll have less friction that could turn the drop-in bolts out of position before they get tightened upto the rail. 🙂
Yeah good call. Thanks!
This is so useful! We are currently building a van from the basics with my husband and we will definitely inspire with your awning. Keep doing what you do guys, because you do it great!
Thank you Marta, so glad you enjoyed this!
Like your idea. Am in process of buying a sprinter and been quoted $2500 - $3K AUD for an awning. Not sure if that includes installation.
Was wondering about sewing a channel on one side of tarp and sliding in a length of pvc pipe to be able to easily roll up and bungee or tie off. Perhaps give stability and stop sagging.
Just a few thoughts from grandma solo camper to be. 😊
Hi Tessienz, Congrats on getting your Sprinter! I'd like to hear how this idea works out if you choose to go with it. Good luck and safe travels in your Camper To Be!!
Oh my gosh guys, That is so cleaver. I love it! I actually have an awning but I’m physically not able to install that on my own, so it’s on hold. I think I could do the tarp on my own. And I love the poles. Thanks for great content from Bay Area, CA😀
Thanks! Glad you like it! Good luck with yours!
New Subscriber today. My wife and I also have a Sprinter. It's a 2021. I appreciate inexpensive hacks like this. Some of the prices people pay these days for van accessories are RIDICULOUS. I get that the younger crowd are all trying to impress their friends with the latest greatest shiny, new toys, but I would rather spend my money on gasoline. I am way passed posing. Our build is very similar to yours but we haven't done as much as you...yet! Great to find your channel.
Hello Alias, thanks for the sub! You’re speaking our language- Good to have you along and happy you like what you see here. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks! Just bought for my van. Bought sandbags for light poles. A lot faster
Cool! Glad to hear it. And yes, there are a number of ways to secure things. Glad you found something that works better for you. Thanks for the comment!
Never seen anyone use light stands before! I could see that making it a bit easier to put up. Is there a reason why you couldn’t have hooks set up in the rail permanently?
No reason - we just used what we had on hand. That's a good idea though. (and would be great if they could be hooked & unhooked without needing the ladder!) Thanks - we just might look into that!
Inexpensive is what we all like. I suppose on the windy days it can simply roll up then tie off with bungee straps. Very nice. And it looks warm at your camp site. Safe travels.
Yes indeed. I’m already thinking about how can I roll that thing up and secure it and no longer need the ladder so if I come with anything that might be a v2.0 video.
What advantage do tri-pod light poles give you over regular adjustable tent poles?
Hi David, probably not a lot of advantage, maybe a little stability but if you have adjustable tent poles I think those would work great too.
Well Done! I am definitely stealing this idea!!!!!
Sweet. Glad you liked it!
This is soooooo amazing and smart!! Thank you so much for sharing this!
You're so welcome!
good video. I think this is the route we'll be taking!
Hope you enjoy it!
Nice simple idea. Careful where you pound the stakes in. Campground may have service lines, power or water.
Good call - thanks for the tip!
Simple and effective. Great idea!
Glad you like it!
Thank you!
Best and easiest I've seen. I dont have a railing, but I think I can "glue" one to the roof with liquid nails and go from there 🙂
I got elephant scope extension rods I can use.
That just might work with something as light as a tarp. But how will you secure it when you're not using it? I think you'll want to make absolutely sure it's secure so it doesn't blow off onto another vehicle while you're driving down the road. Good luck with it and thanks for the comment!
Very simple and easy
Yeah we’re super happy with it!
I would like to see a video of how you get the stakes out of the ground. I think if you used a quality tent pole and used 2 paracord lines per pole that your setup could withstand 20 to 30 mph winds.
If the stakes are difficult to pull out, just hit them sideways with the hammer a couple times. And wow good idea - we didn’t think of using more than one line per pole...
@@TimAndShannonLTD I use the 8" nail type stakes that I pick up at walmart for $1 a piece. I drive one in the ground straight in line with the side of the tarp and another straight in line with the front edge of the tarp. The method pulls it tight from the front and the side. I drive the stake into the ground at about a 35 degree angle. Unless it is very sandy soil the connection to the camper will more likely give way before the stake/pole setup will. Keeping the tarp tight reduces the "parachute" effect, which can cause more pressure on the structure.
Thanks for the tips David!
Great job!
Thanks!
Thank you 👍
You're welcome! Glad this was helpful -
Awesome 👍
Thanks 🤗 Big Tom!
Great video
Thanks - Glad you enjoyed it
Solves my problem Tx!
Awesome - have fun with it!
Good，I like your ways
Thank you, appreciate your comment!
thats pretty cool ! ive joined a van life group and looking through recommended products, people are paying 300 quid , for a vamoose awning rail , are you mad !
Yeah and RV awnings can go for $1,500 easily!
@@TimAndShannonLTD that’s like buying Levi’s jeans compared to Armani! They both do the same thing ! Crazy world , thankyou you both have some great ideas , knowledge is king 🏦
Where did you get that roof rail with the groves
We got those from VanTech: vantech.us/product/sprinter-roof-tracks-144-170/ Here's our install video: ruclips.net/video/mSdEQ8h_Yk8/видео.html
Good video, except the light stands linked in the video do not work.
The threaded stud on top of the light stands is only about 1/4 inch. Not long enough for the tarp grommet, let alone the paracord tie down.
Hi Sam, are you able to unscrew and remove the larger part of the stud? (hoping they haven't changed that product since the time we purchased it).
Why not fix hooks to the rail for easier on and off procedures
Yes, that would make it easier. Good idea!