Hi everyone, we're new to the grey nomad family. We've bought a pop top van and love spending our time outside when camping. We want to create a bigger 'outdoor' area by installing a track that we can slide a large tarp into. Any ideas? Anyone tried this?
Thanks, Chicka52
Explorer said
03:52 PM Dec 31, 2014
Chika Hi'
Welcome & congrats on the van! Enjoy.
Presume You mean on the kerb side, rollout awnings are available as after market, supplied and installed generally available at less than $2000.00
If You just want to use a tarp on either side the best IMO would be to use "Sail track" that would be available at most upholsterers or Camec. You would then need a tarp with a suitable size rope to one of the long sides with feeder/tie down tails. obviously pegs poles etc.
Mike.
exa41 said
03:58 PM Dec 31, 2014
Hi chicka52 ,I have just purchased 2 lengths. Of sail track from bunning's, about $15 for 3 mtrs . I pop riveted mine every 100 mm centers to make anti flap bars.
Papou said
04:49 PM Dec 31, 2014
Chicka, I was advised prior to purchasing my Van to have a sailtrack installed on opposite side of van to the awning for those times the sun may be a tad heavy on that side to have a shadecloth on that side help cool the van a tad more.
sailtrack is there but havent had the cloth made up yet but isnt far off the to do list thats fer sure.
Think its a good idea though a few extra bits to be carried around is all.
Dougwe said
07:27 PM Dec 31, 2014
Chicka, I answered your question in your welcome thread. Welcome again.
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:47 PM Dec 31, 2014
I have sail track along the side and across the back of the OKA.
It is held in place with Sikaflex 11FC. That is all. No screws, no pop rivets. Been there 10 years so far.
Cheers,
Peter
villatranquilla said
10:28 AM Jan 1, 2015
Welcome to the funny farm.
We purchased 90% shade mesh from Bunnings - took it to an upholsterer who hemmed it with the rope edge and put eyelet holes on the bottom edge (cost about $100). Just be aware that there are 2 sizes of track so make sure you get the right one to fit the roped edge. Bought the sail track from a caravan repairer.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Thursday 1st of January 2015 10:29:05 AM
Chicka52 said
11:42 AM Jan 1, 2015
Hi Mike, you've nailed what I require. The sail track sounds like the go. I've noticed some of the auto shops have the a six pack of lugs with hooks that fit into the track. Thanks for your help. Charles & Robyn
Chicka52 said
11:53 AM Jan 1, 2015
Hi Dennis & Yvonne, thank you very much for your suggestion re; sail track problem solved. happy travels, Charles & Robyn
Hi everyone, we're new to the grey nomad family. We've bought a pop top van and love spending our time outside when camping. We want to create a bigger 'outdoor' area by installing a track that we can slide a large tarp into. Any ideas? Anyone tried this?
Thanks, Chicka52
Chika Hi'
Welcome & congrats on the van! Enjoy.
Presume You mean on the kerb side, rollout awnings are available as after market, supplied and installed generally available at less than $2000.00
If You just want to use a tarp on either side the best IMO would be to use "Sail track" that would be available at most upholsterers or Camec. You would then need a tarp with a suitable size rope to one of the long sides with feeder/tie down tails. obviously pegs poles etc.
Mike.
It is held in place with Sikaflex 11FC. That is all. No screws, no pop rivets. Been there 10 years so far.
Cheers,
Peter
Welcome to the funny farm.
We purchased 90% shade mesh from Bunnings - took it to an upholsterer who hemmed it with the rope edge and put eyelet holes on the bottom edge (cost about $100). Just be aware that there are 2 sizes of track so make sure you get the right one to fit the roped edge. Bought the sail track from a caravan repairer.
-- Edited by villatranquilla on Thursday 1st of January 2015 10:29:05 AM
Hi Mike, you've nailed what I require. The sail track sounds like the go. I've noticed some of the auto shops have the a six pack of lugs with hooks that fit into the track. Thanks for your help. Charles & Robyn
Hi Dennis & Yvonne, thank you very much for your suggestion re; sail track problem solved. happy travels, Charles & Robyn