Adding to this:  as experienced campers, we always kind of plan ahead.  Like where the sun is now, where the sun is going.  Fragile tree branches above....that sort of thing.  We evaluate the situation, and plan accordingly.  If in a campground, like a formal one, you are assigned a spot....after that, you use your wits.

    On Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 05:16:09 PM PDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:  
 
  And ANOTHER thing that baffles me....Solar Panels.  They have on top of van in full direct sunshine....and then the van gets really hot for sleeping.  Sometimes they have extension cords....so van can be in shade and solar panels in sun...regularly adjusted.  Gosh....maybe I'm just too old....all seems like a boatload of hassle and equipment and frustrations.  But I think the answer just might be....your particular camping style.

    On Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 05:01:23 PM PDT, Alistair Bell <ragnarhairybreeks@icloud.com> wrote:  
 
 Oh golly Richard… where to start!

:-)
Ab

> On Aug 26, 2023, at 4:52 PM, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> 
> Awnings on a Vanagon have always baffled me.  I think it has to do much to do where you live and where you camp.  Sure, on Facebook and advertisements I've seen them all!  What are they for?....sun or rain?  I live in San Diego and mostly camp in the West; when I want some shade but don't have any, I simply move my campchair to the other side of van.  The rain we get out here is either a deluge or nothing.  When a deluge, I sit inside van; after the storm passes, I move outside again and enjoy the fresh wonderful smells.  I've even camped in 48 states in my van....sun or rain issues never seemed to be a problem.  I tried once building my own awning with Harbor Freight tarp and collapsible camping poles; to test, I even went up to local mountains during most severe thunderstorm....to my surprise, the rain actually hit the pavement in the campground and bounced back up!!!  Felt silly as I was being drenched.  Hey, I'm don't mean any bad intent here.  Still....am curious about awnings.  Seems like a lot of hassle and expense.