DIY 270 Awning for Wedge Camper

Can't wait to see it!

 

Agreed. Very cool and looking forward to more pics/info. Thanks.

 

Got the materials for the bag yesterday, only took 1.5 hours to make.

Should be good to mount it up this weekend. I’ll follow up with a more thorough process.

 

Awesome! What material is it and where did you get it from?

 

18oz. vinyl coated polyester from Rockywoods. It's pretty hefty and rigid - really easy to cut and fold a straight line. I used a 100/16 (medium-heavyweight) needle in my sewing machine with ease. I ordered 3 yards, which can easily make 2, potentially 3 bags total (61" width, and this bag is cut at 21" before hemming). You could make a bag out of 1 yard with a lateral seam in the middle to reduce costs.

https://www.rockywoods.com/18-oz-Vinyl-Coated-Polyester-Fabric-Black

I used a #10 coil zipper. Didn't think waterproof was necessary, as it's on the underside, and I don't really care if residual water gets in. The #10 is very easy to pull - it's not as sensitive as the #5s on the wedge tent.

 

Was the pattern pretty simple?

 

Oh yeah. Just a rectangle cut at 21" x 104"(?) with 1" hems all around, so the finished bag is 19" x 102".


Left side is the raw edge - made a line 2" in to fold to for a 1" hem. Right side has been basted.


After Hemming all 4 sides, I basted the zipper on - the tape adhesive backing is removed under the material, just left the ends attached.


Folded around and basted the other half.



Only after basting both sides, I separated the zipper and stitched them in place. Once the long edges were stitched, I zipped up the bag to baste the short tails of the zipper up the ends. Then again separated the zipper to stitch those short runs. I didn't order enough zipper - ideally those would have gone up the side completely, but what I have will do.

 

I know a lot of folks like plastidip but I'm not impressed with it, especially if there will be any contact as it'll rub off. If you want to go inexpensive, look at using appliance epoxy paint and just make sure you do a good prep then let it cure for the recommended time.

 

Haha, yeah. I did go all the way with Plastidip and regret it - contact points suck. I may attempt to strip it and go with your recommendation. I should have just gotten a quote for powdercoating.

 

I figure if the cheap bastards who built AKs like the stuff it must hold up pretty well. The inexpensive spray on bedliner sucks in my experience as well. This past summer I'd planned to blast the roof basket I made (since the paint I used isn't holding up) and try the appliance paint but I forgot about it.

When I had my sliders powder coated I dropped them off and told them I was in no hurry, just do them whenever they did another run of black so they shaved a little of the price- always worth asking.

 

Took me about an hour and a half to peel all the Plastidip off. I was dreading it a bit, but it wasn't terrible. I left the two 8020 brackets on the wedge with the dip, but everything in the bag is epoxy now. Also gave me the opportunity to weld on my tabs to the popup arms, as they were bolted initially. That appliance epoxy recoats super fast, which was great - 3 coats a few minutes apart. Should be able to finally mount tomorrow if all is cured.

Thanks for the suggestion @Bajatacoma

 

Cool, be interested in seeing how it holds up. I've read on AKfiles where it's held up even under the selector switch when it's been baked after application so I'd say that's a pretty good indication.

 

Still have to finalize the attachment points on the two corners not attached to the arms, but it’s on!

 

Legit, strong work!

I'm hoping to tackle the awning in the spring, and make a pattern for the canvas. I'll share when that happens.

 

wow crazy I use to be your neighbor. Nice looking rack.

 

So after using it for a bit, how would you say it has done?

Anything you'd change?

 

I haven’t used it at all in any real capacity. I’ve just opened it up a few times to show people, and a couple times for a few minutes. But it blocks the sun so, I guess pretty good? I know it won’t be great in the wind, but that’s mainly because of the tarp I used. Once this tarp tears a bit, I’ll sew a new one from something heavier duty. Tarp was good as a proof of concept, but ideally it’s not the long term solution.

 

I purposefully ordered a bunch of extra ottertex canvas with the DIYGFC build for an awning this shape and size.

Hopefully it'll suffice and fit in the bag well. It's definitely going to bring up the weight so 3/16" or thicker is probably going to be a must.

 

You should have plenty of room in the bag.

 

Did the flip up rain arms and caps end up working out well?

I only ask because the 9565K45 listed seems to be for smaller tube, maybe the 9565K46 is better since it fits 0.709"-0.805"?