Just a thought,  If you use Rip-stop nylon for the tarp, I'd suggest that any
rough edges on the PVC might easily cut the Rip-stop.  You might want to
think about sewing 3 inches of  tough canvas onto the rip-stop to go under
the PVC part.    Malcolm S

Steve wrote:

> Here's an awning idea that I tried last night that seems to work well, is
> easy to fabricate (especially if you have the proper tools), and doesn't
> cost a lot.  For under $1 I got a piece of 10 ft. long 1/2 inch white PVC
> pipe.  I cut it into four 2.5 feet sections.  I then cut about a 1/3 to
> 1/2 inch section lengthwise out of each pipe section so that it now looks
> like a "C" (I used a hacksaw for this which wasn't the easiest or quickest
> method of cutting).  I then took a 8' by 10' tarp ($7) and laid the 10 ft
> side on top of the drip rail down the length of the passenger's side of
> the van and placed the "C" of the PVC pipe section over the tarp onto the
> rail.  It is easier if you do this one section at a time.  I then placed 2
> small rubber tipped clamps (the common silver with orange tips kind -
> $1.80 each) on each section of PVC pipe (one at each end).  I used these
> clamps because some other clamps I had wanted to slide off the PVC pipe
> and these seemed to stay in place well.  The clamps hold down the PVC pipe
> onto the rail, and the PVC pipe applies holding pressure to the tarp along
> the full length of the tarp. A couple of poles on the opposite side
> corners hold the tarp up at that end, and another pole in the middle can
> provide some added height if desired and better rain drainage (I used a
> grommet kit to place a hole in the middle of my tarp for this pole).  For
> about $12 you should be able to pick up one of those cheap dining fly kits
> along with poles, ropes, and stakes.
>
> The whole setup goes on and off quickly and the PVC pipe provides a good
> hold along the van-side tarp and it also eliminates any potential leakage
> spots on that side.  I was able to pull on the tarp from the opposite side
> with a significant amount of force and the tarp did not budge).  The whole
> setup is compact and stores in the closet or under the rear seat.  If this
> holds up well over a few trips, I'm going to replace the cheapo tarp with
> a ripstop nylon ($35 from REI) or possibly a canvas tarp.  One day I hope
> to get some mosquito netting material and enclose the whole setup using a
> combination of velcro and magnets so that I will have a cheapo screen
> room.
>
> Apologies in advance to those have had heard this before.
>
> Steve
>
> 89 Westy