My 2cents on the awning issue:

Here's my favorite setup:

If it is raining, I use a large plastic tarp, ,..if just for sunshade, I
use a cool looking shower large curtain.....but instead of clipping it to
the rain gutter rail, I use carpenter's clamps to clamp it to the BOTTOM
EDGE OF the POPTOP when it is raised!   Then take two telescoping tent
poles to the front to corners. This is MUCH roomier and has great head
clearance, besides looking cool!   The tarp will of course be angled, but
this is an advantage if it is raining, because it creates a natural runoff
towards the rear of the van. No need to keep pushing up the center of the
tarp to drain the pools that gather.  Also, if your tarp is large enough
you can tie it to the front of your top luggage rack, thereby covering the
front door, which you can now keep open if it is raining.

Another trick if you have one of those HUGE tarps is to actually clamp it
to the OPPOSITE side of the poptop bottom edge (driver's side) and pull it
up and over the top of the van, then tie it off to trees, or whathave you.
It creates a great support for the tarp, and also covers the front window
of the poptop if you attach it to the luggage rack.

In winter, if you attach it to the rain gutter on the driver's side, and
basically "wrap the popcanvas", it keeps a lot of wind out, and heat in.

LouiZe

89 WEsty
72 WEsty