Finally tested my super simple tarp awning. I used Lumbering Bear alien extrusion hangers with small carabiners. The LB hangers are great. They are easy to twist in and sturdy. For my awning, I just have to twist the LB hangers onto the extrusion and set up the poles with the guy lines. Pretty easy. It stood up to three days of light rain and light winds without any problems.
I did the same kind of thing with mine. Works really well for a cheap, simple, and quick awning. Works great if your on the fence about getting an awning, just not going to use one much, or just want a cheaper option.
I used stainless eyebolts I just leave mounted to the extrusion. I have them on both sides for more options. I wanted to do the same off the back, but never found a tarp the right size so I went with an actual awning in the back.
@GFC706 - Props on the setup! Do you mind listing out the parts and possibly sharing some links? It would be cool to see photos of the overall setup and what things look like once packed away as well.
While I’m sometimes a bit envious of those who do, I’ve been struggling with the idea of running an awning full time for a few reasons, and this might be a nice route to sort that out.
2 Poles
The poles I got from amazon are light, but fairly wimpy. Source poles as you see fit for your needs.
2 Rubber toppers to secure tarp
4 Stakes and guy lines
Your preference.
The lumbering bear hangers make this awning super easy to set up as they easily twist in super securely. I leave the hangers and biners attached to the tarp when stored away. That way all I have to do is twist the 4 hangers in place before setting up the poles.
Folded up for storage…
Guy lines and stakes rolled up inside.
nice simple lightweight setup. there are so many advantages over a heavy hard mount awning. the only draw back is time to put it up and take it down if it’s raining or snowing
I got a custom 4x10 tarp from here $43 IIRC to hang off the back
Great for the Rockies where it rarely rains. I have most of the parts and will set up at rear of GFC. Just ordered the Alien Hangers and will cut my own wooden stakes or buy some metal tent stakes for poles. My “painting” extension poles from Ace will have to have nylon cord duct-taped to them because they haven’t any fittings to take the cord but that should work ok. Can’t justify some expensive, bulky and complicated awning for using in the Rockies a couple of times per year.
@Rancho
I had meant to tag you on this. Thanks for making great these great extrusion hangers. The tarp setup is much easier with them.
I crushed one with my outside V1 strut, so I’m waiting for my order. Not a problem with the hanger; I just have to remember to unhook the hanger under the strut.
This type of awning setup also works with the Lumbering Bear hooks, as opposed to the Alien ring above. I’ll prob regret it one day when I encounter heavy winds that throw the tarp off the hooks, but so far I’ve had great luck using 3 hooks and a cheap tarp on the passenger side (no carabiners or clips needed, as the tarp goes directly on the hook). I use the plastic screw-in type stakes, taking mine to the ground, so no poles needed.
the only issue I hve had in high winds so far was the guy line stakes coming out of the ground. I’d like to test it out this winter at some point to see how much snow the lightweight REI half dome can take.
Would like to create a simple tarp like this. Unfortunately the LB Adventure Gear GFC T-Slot Alien Hangers do not ship to Canada. Anyone know if there’s something similar that’s available in / ships to Canada? Thanks!
