Scott,
You're right about the simplicity/durability thing. I have thought about a
tubular frame (or frames) with a fabric skin glued to it (them) that would
flip over the westy top (before it was popped, obviously) to make a kind of
hard roof that didn't need all that support.

I've also discovered how nice and simple it it is to tie a tarp to the front
and back of the poptop and use a pole or two where convenient. I use
telescoping aluminum poles with a few guys and stakes. Plenty of
walking-around room, and a good sunscreen. The high front opening works
well, and in the right situation the fabric (mine is a 10 x 12 ripstop
nylon) also keeps the sun off the upstairs. Can be used on either side, ince
I just bungee or tie to the metal brackets front and rear, or, with a second
tarp, on both sides.

Jim

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 1:42 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans <
scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:

> what I'd like to see is one that deploys in one simpe, hassle free step.
> the ones I've seen where the legs are folded up into the tube along with
> the
> unit itself.........
> sure seems to me that it takes two people with 3 hands each to get they
> whole thing deployed properly with the support legs in their attchemnt
> points on the side of the van without the legs scratching the paint etc.
>
> the normal way to get that is have legs that are permantently sticking out
> of and down from the tube where the awning lives, which is more of a 'huge
> RV' thing than a sleek Vanagon westy thing.
> But that's my issue with most awnings that i've seen so for on Westy's.  I
> think I'd rather rig some 'sky tarp' with poles and staked out lines even.
> Plus........lot of stress on the sheet metal screws holding the awning tube
> to the van.........
> seen those pulling out etc..........then that just turns into an oversize
> rusty mangled screw hole, etc.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "brions cars" <zion-porsche-vw@Q.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, July 21, 2008 9:47 AM
> Subject: Re: Awning- which one?
>
>
> The silver tops are great. For the sides a tight woven material that lets
> wind through but blocks the dust is best. Strong supports are of course
> very
> important. Check out this link to see what stands up in the desert. There
> are a lot of un-related photos, so just check out the shelters. I don't
> believe anyone makes anything off the shelf that will be perfect for you.
> You may be able to obtain materials and then have something made for you or
> do it yourself. Good luck. I will be making my own for next years Burning
> Man. The desert is fierce. I live in it.
>
> http://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Man-Skills-2007/<
> http://www.instructables.com/id/Burning-Man-Skills-2007/>
>
> Brion S.
> ZNP, S. Utah
>
>  Two questions about awnings, specifically for hot/windy desert camping:
>>
>
>  * Which of the awnings has the best heat/UV blocking ability?
>> * Which would best stand up to high winds when fully secured?
>>
>
>  I notice shady boy advertises a "silver" fabric that blocks more sun,
>> and there's mention of someone getting a sunburn under a Fiamma.
>>
>