I bought a 2x2mt awning for my car after my first solo trip to give, but I find it to awkward to put up and take down on my own. So I've only used it on the odd occasion I have company. The hardest part is trying to roll it back up it's just to heavy. Any suggestions
Tie a guy rope to the centre of the outer rail, it only needs to be light weight as it's only temporary. Probably have to drill a hole through the aluminium extrusion.
Peg that to the ground & release the corner ropes. The only way to avoid scratching the car.
-- Edited by Whenarewethere on Tuesday 20th of July 2021 11:57:07 PM
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Hi Lucy , the shade awning is a must have and use .I am guessing you are a little new and perhaps a bit shy to camping etc .All the pull out awnings are similar and we all have trouble if its windy both putting up and putting down
Now looking at your avatar you have a suv and if your of smaller statue
1you need a step ladder or stool I dont recommend a milk crate as they can break and you dont want scars on your legs.
2Until you get the hang of it close a blanket in doors to protect side of car
3 Lucy you should practice alone at home or some place private so you can struggle without people offering advice
4 I roll mine up in the middle as tight as I can and then Velcro the middle then walk to the sides and they are loosely rolled so just tease them tighter (neaten them up) then Velcro them up and bag it
Lucy take a tip from me go to a hardware store and buy a wd40 type spray that has the silicon lubricant in it use the little red tube and squirt along the zipper and most have two zips I zip so the toggles hang to the rear.
Lucy regularly wash and re lubricate the zipper wash and lubricate will save the zip at home and during your travelling it will save you a struggle
Now my leaving words are you will replace your awning as they dont last I think they are a good bit of gear but they need pegging down and one corner lower than the other for water running off and be wary if moderate winds are forecast
Thanks for your kind suggestions, but unfortunately I permanently damaged my wrist/thumb when I was practising at home 12months ago and now realise that I will never be able to put the awning up, it was just to heavy for my damaged shoulder so my wrist took the weight and gave way. On bad days I can't even do up my flies lol.
So I now only use the awning when I have company.
However, I have bought and extra tarp and some poles and when I travel alone I wind a rope around the awning then when I stop I attach a tarp to it with shower curtain rings and some extra ties on windy days and use the awning guy ropes and pegs to secure it and it works fine. It's not my lovely awning, and I wish I hadn't given myself another injury, but it is what it is.
Luckily I have learned how to change a tyre using a spade, so should I be unlucky enough get a flat when I'm alone, because I can't lift that either.
At least when the awning dies ill already know how to substitute it with a tarp ha ha.
Lucy I hear and can relate to your injury and problems . I adapt and think how to be self reliant and think outside the box awnings are great but before we had tarps and poles and a beach umbrella. Can you still buy them I dont know , You can buy canvas chairs with their own overhead shade and if you have a mosquito net toss that over the top and enjoy a book etc. hope you find plenty of nice shade trees in your travels
Cheers Chris
Yes I had thought about a 180 awning, (after I injured myself) but as I have limited funds I have decided to stop spending anymore money and I am getting used to using the tarp, and on the positive side a tarp has more than one use and I could even potentially set up camp free of the car and go on day trips.
In the old days when the kids were little we used to camp using kmart tents and beach shade which worked pretty well until it rained so I guess a trap is a step up from beach shade because it's waterproof.
My 1st solo trip last year I didn't have the awning and saw everyone with awnings I came home and had one put on, but in all honesty unless it's going to rain or i can't find any shade; I prefer the simplicity of pack up, without one, especially on an overnight stop.
At least the awning hasn't increased my fuel consumption and it's there for non solo trips.
I digress now. Next trip hubby and I hope to go visit the grandkids in Melbourne in early Jan, let's hope the boarders stay open to let us in and to let us home again.
