You can create an adjustable awning that also serves to make a dry storage
space atop the van by staking a tarp to the ground on the side opposite the
sliding door, running the tarp over the van, and holding it up with poles.
I have a 20' x 30' tarp which I hold up with five poles... four corners and
one center pole.  You can get a cheap kit to add a grommet for the center
pole.  I cut some pine poles which bundle and travel on top of the van.

If you tie the tarp down between the poles, guy-wire style, your camp will
be extremely weather proof.  I've been the only one with an intact tarp
after big blows at numerous festivals.

Cheap yes... easy is a relative term :-)

J.Peter

>From: JeanneMaly <jeannemaly@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
>Reply-To: JeanneMaly <jeannemaly@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Poor Man's Awning
>Date: Thu, 19 Aug 1999 20:25:10 -0700
>
>Has anybody come up with a cheap & easy way to use a tarp for a down &
>dirty
>awning?  How to attach to van, tent poles or something?  How'd ya do it?
>
>Jeanne
>'87 Syncro Westy

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