I've been using a similar setup for a few years now. Initially I used the
spring clamps, but found that in a viscious wind they would pop off. I now
use small c-clamps (about $0.60 ea.). I have a 8'x15' tarp and use 3
telescoping tent poles (center and both corners. This gives me an awning the
full length of the van.

Another good thing to do is get a can of the rubber goop used to coat the
handles of tools. I can't remember the brand name. Coat the ends of the
c-clamps to eliminate the possibility of scratching your paint.

Monty
'89 Westy

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brent Christensen [SMTP:bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM]
> Sent: Monday, June 14, 1999 9:04 AM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Poor man's awning
>
> Anyone ever rig up an awning to their van using a tarp and those
> spring-type
> clamps?  (I'm thinking about clamping the tarp to the drip rail in about 4
> spots, then using some aluminum tent poles and then staking it out with
> guy
> lines.
>
> The tarp is about $8, the four spring clamps are $1.80 each at Home Depot,
> and the tent poles are about $4 each....Total cost of awning - $25, and
> you
> don't have a big aluminum canister bouncing up and down trying to tear off
> your drip rail on rough roads...
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 Syncro Westy "Klaus"
> '95 Cherokee Sport