Cheap Overlanding Awning

Need an awning your vehicle? Don't want to spend the money to buy a vehicle awning from a company like ARB? Well in this video I show you how we put up shade and shelter off the side of our vehicle for only $50. The premade vehicle awnings are very nice and this is not a video to knock them down. This video is just to give people some options who can't yet afford an awning or maybe don't want to buy one. #overland #cheap #adventureisnecessary
Here is the list of gear I used (minus the guy lines)
Tarp
- amzn.to/3bFKfZb
Coleman Poles
- amzn.to/38x2gXJ
Please thumb up the video if you liked it and don't forget to subscribe to the channel! DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and helps me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

I recently created a new version of the Cheap Overland Awning, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3nOp4WHoa6WnM0

[@briarhavengardens4658]

Man, I want to thank you for your cheap overlanding tarp from 4 years ago. I have a 10 x 10 that seemed too big and watched a ton of videos without coming up with a solution until I saw this video

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad I could help!

[@SoulfulVeg]

Finally a project that I can do with limited tools and carpentry skills! Thanks!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You are welcome!

[@accurry8566]

This is wonderful! Don't be so quick to downplay it and make it seem like it's just a temporary cheap alternative to an actual commercially produced vehicle awning. The versatility in using these tarps and poles paired with the low cost (in my book) makes it way better than an expensive awning that serves only one purpose.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you! I’m glad you thought the idea was great. Thank you for commenting.

[@accurry8566]

@@EmbarkWithMark I just bought a tarp and some fluorescent colored rope to tie it down. I still need to get some poles but I plan on having a similar setup off the side of my car during our next trip. The other thing that I really love about your setup is how simple it is and of course the low cost. In fact I get kind of smug when I have a low cost option that does the same as a more expensive option. 😁

[@jestruck]

Totally agree... besides being cheaper in my opinion it’s smarter because its multipurpose... you can use it underneath your tent or as a awning besides your car or over trees.. . One downside of a fixed roof awning is that you are locked to where your car can park. If there is a nice spot to make a base camp where your car can’t go bye bye awning ... so this is pretty cool!

[@Nathan-vb5ys]

I used tarps for years, than baught a big 270 free standing ($1100aud) Sold it a couple weeks later, Tarps are just as easy to set up and way more versatile

[@ME98878]

Harbor freight has Kaleidoscope painters poles that reach 8 ft for 8 bucks.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Not a bad idea at all. I could think of a few more projects with these.

[@user-hx9tp9cn2h]

Innovative; practical; & economical! Since I camp in the back of my pick-up truck under a camper shell, I would anchor the canopy just in front of the cab door & extend it towrd the rear of the truck bed so that I would have a covered area entering & exiting truck door & rear door of the camper shell. Thanks for sharing!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

That sounds like a real good use for this type of awning. Glad you liked it and found it useful!

[@tmorente]

I’d rather use this. It’s traditional, covers more surface area, and is more practical then a lot of the rack mounted awnings.

[@xaploq1]

You literally just saved me 1k at the most for buying a batwing

[@birdy695]

You made that look so easy, I’ll be trying this, this weekend. 👍🏿

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you! Let me know if you like it.

[@tracyv5775]

Thank you for making this so simple!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You're so welcome!

[@zackarymartin110]

This rocks dude, thanks!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Your welcome!

[@rsab72]

You could entertain a bunch of people under that. Great idea. Thanks

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You bet! Thank you!

[@prns1]

Simply simple... The most reasonable awning!.. Thanks for sharing.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You are welcome!

[@prns1]

🤙

[@aleksanderkac1494]

Sweet! You could put a soup kithchen with tables an chairs under that thing. Or park half a dozen motorcycles. I like the simplicity and budget friendliness.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Very true! That would be a pretty unique use case! I like it!

[@fryncyaryorvjink2140]

I've been working outside a lot lately, gonna have to try this out. Definitely will be doing this when i work on my car from now on

[@EmbarkWithMark]

That's an unforeseen but excellent use!

[@wolffo999]

Sweet - I put the same kit years ago, I like to set it up free standing in a diamond pattern, and use pre rigged paracord lengths for tie downs

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Not a bad idea at all! I am thinking of switching the tarp out for something that is more light weight but still weather proof. Easier to pack and manage.

[@gabehernandez853]

That's cool man. I do my awning off the back of the jk with those same poles. But I might start using your setup. Thanks again. 👍🏽

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Off the back is a good idea too! You are welcome.

[@jeannemarlene]

That is great we have a 1995 beautiful GMC vandura but no rack I need to figure this out for it thank you for sharing and was glad to learn about those Coleman poles too ❤️

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You are very welcome! That should make for an excellent camping rig. Glad to hear you found the video helpful. Thank you!

[@ekspatvos6264]

Great idea buddy. Love it.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thanks 👍

[@alaine5083]

This is a great video I will be trying thankyou

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Hope you enjoy!

[@williamdomey7584]

Great video, Thank you for sharing.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannyeugenewaits9486]

Damn good idea!! Cheers from Montana!

[@IheartMayMay]

Incredible video!!!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you!

[@boymeetsbush8232]

Great stuff. I agree the mounted awnings have advantages (i have one mounted) but the weight hanging on one side is a big issue. 270 degree awning are even worse with weight. So I have mounted awning on one side and use a similar tarp awning for the back of my land cruiser. Thanks for sharing.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Very good point. I totally did not think about the weight disadvantage, if the awning is heavy enough.

[@elgoogsucks9005]

Thanks for sharing

[@bonmotnorth6332]

Nice and simple. One thought I have: If you put the hooks on the passenger side, then pass the tarp over the roof, it will eliminate the gap right over the driver's door by having the whole car pretty much under cover. That way you can access stuff in the car without having to deal with a waterfall. Also why I prefer this system over those 270° awning systems.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You must have a giant brain, that is seriously one of the best improvement on this setup I’ve ever herd. Thank you for that one!

[@bonmotnorth6332]

@@EmbarkWithMark No, the best improvement was your decision to stake down the front half to the ground. Oriented into the wind, that looks like it will do wonders for deflecting the wind instead of turning it into a parasail and ripping to shreds! Your solution is what made me abandon my attempt to put together an overly complicated (though maybe more convenient) 270° awning. I'm now using your idea and trying to put together one that will cover most of my Grand Cherokee plus 3 feet past one side and 5 feet beyond the back, where the kitchen will be. I'll be boondocking out of the Jeep fulltime for (hopefully) a few years so the shade and rain protection is vital. Given it will be a 12.5' by 15.5' tarp, that sloped wall is giving me more confidence in the concept, at least in theory. Fingers crossed!

[@OverlandTrax]

Nice video, keep them coming ✌

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you liked it, thank you! Ill be sure to do that.

[@antoniogreciajnr]

Fantastic video!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you very much!

[@CheaperJeeperTV]

Yes, very nice. Simple and affordable, and still takes up little space and weight.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Yes! Thank you!

[@jerrycollins4893]

Easy peesy! Nice setup..

[@AA-ou8kl]

use an A frame setup and it won't catch any rain

[@RockMonger]

I was literally think this was good for sun but not rain. Nice to know its good for rain. Since I'm in the PNW! THANKS

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad to help!

[@RockMonger]

@@EmbarkWithMark man I have a limited budget and this is the 2 weekends a month adventure I get with my little girl. She loves it so much so im always looking to perfect our setup and location. I really do appreciate it more than I could tell you.

[@RockMonger]

@@EmbarkWithMark i have a little 89 s10 blazer but I know I can make this work!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

@@RockMonger I fully understand the limited budget thing. Big props to you for doing what you and your child enjoy. I applaud you in a big way, it’s not easy to do this on a limited budget. I think you can totally use that vehicle. It’s just going to take some “out of the box” thinking. I am told that a TJ is one of the worst overlanding rigs due to space. But we make it work for us because it’s what we have. I think you can easily do the same!

[@Merlinsluck]

Nice Job. I would carry one myself for shade.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you!

[@Lupgaroo666]

Nice!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thanks!

[@dennisthatcher5167]

Just found this, Great!!!!!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you like it!

[@AmboyExpat]

Mark my s5 buddy! I was like wait I know that guy haha. Great tips. Will try this out for my next outing.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

😂 hello!

[@mccalltjtm]

Pretty Cool...thanks.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You bet. Thank you for watching!

[@cheryl1766]

much more versatile than the expensive fixed ones. DH wanted a fixed one,but i struggle with them..this..easy as.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

And much more affordable! Just not as cool 😎.

[@cheryl1766]

@@EmbarkWithMark character is cool😄

[@explorability_298]

Simple and effective

[@EmbarkWithMark]

I thought so too!

[@mochachinolatte4397]

Looks good to me

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you like it!

[@murphtahoe1]

This is awesome. I’m totally stealing your idea! This has a lot of great advantages.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you like it. Steal it and make it better!

[@JeepTJWheelin]

This would come in handy even in my driveway to shield my black '05 TJ Rocky Mtn. I'm not in the Southwest like you near death valley but here in the mid Atlantic, we have had some brutal summers over the past few years. Our one car garage is an oversized shed with my wife's, our son's and my Jeep stuff in it. So no place to put the TJ. I will say this, I got the best rain cover/sun blocker for the TJ. It's this one. Big Ant Car Cover for Wrangler 2 Door SUV Covers,All Weather Protection 100% Waterproof SUV Cover Custom Fit for 1987-2021 Wrangler CJ,YJ, TJ & JK with Driver Door Zipper, Gray. I didn't put the direct Amazon link since this is your channel. But by all means, add it to yours if you wish. This cover is excellent! O|||||||O 🇺🇸 ONLY IN A 2 DR 🇺🇸 '41 - '06

[@ljaysperspective1775]

Dam thats a great method to enjoy the outdoors should it rain or if its too sunny out. It's honesty a very simple but great effordable diy project! nicely done👍

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you!

[@ljaysperspective1775]

@@EmbarkWithMark definitely some people complicate things rather then simplify them.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Very true! Keep it simple and affordable!

[@ljaysperspective1775]

@@EmbarkWithMark As i get older i have an appreciation for this mentality and i try to practice often. I enjoyed the vid as a matter of fact consider me Subscribed!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you liked the video enough to subscribe. Thank you!

[@delrichardson8365]

Which part are you attaching the cord to and pinning to the floor with

[@Lee-ws3qq]

great vid - and i got to be thumbs up #420....double bonus!....*cheers*

[@codymcgonagill5392]

It works but I don't know if I'd want to listen to that poly tarp I live in the Texas Panhandle the winds always blowing at least two miles an hour most the time 20

[@EmbarkWithMark]

I completely understand winds. The desert I live gets very high winds at times. However there is a fix. Canvas tarps don’t make nearly the noise. I also don’t use such a large tarp.

[@jaekress]

How does it handle windy days? Usually when it rains around here we get some relatively aggressive wind with it.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

It handles mild wind alright. We get a lot of wind as well, as for that I use a much smaller tarp, the smaller tarp works very well.

[@adam__mark]

Hey, can you make a more in-depth video of how you connected the diagonal portion?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Are you talking about the part of the tarp that is anchored to the ground?

[@adam__mark]

@@EmbarkWithMark Hey man, thanks for the quick response. Yeah I guess I was wanting to see what the part that’s off camera looks like. The portion connected to the ground. But after watching again, I can kind of see that it’s just staked down. Thanks man. Great video.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

@@adam__mark oh yea, it’s just staked down. Thank you for watching! Glad you liked the video!

[@newhope925]

What size is that tarp ? I think it would be a perfect size for my Acura MDX

[@EmbarkWithMark]

You don't see many overlanding an Acura MDX, that is interesting for sure! The tarp is a 10x12, here is where I bought it amzn.to/3bFKfZb

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

What do you do if you do not have a roof rack?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

That is a good question, maybe something off the doors or the rear hatch?

[@StaticRome]

Them hooks 🪝 and cord is nice on top of the jeep… going to the two tarp grommets…. but wouldn’t rain 🌧 water flow down from the jeep roof down into the shelter? 🤷🏼‍♂️ Setup is good for sheltering from the hot sun. But how can your setup be better for down pours? Thanks for the vid 👍🏻

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Yes, rain does have a chance to come in. One fix would be to push the tarp farther back on the roof rack. I made this new overland awning, it's far better in every way. You can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3nOp4WHoa6WnM0 Thank you for watching!

[@rethasmit500]

What size tarp do you use?

[@EmbarkWithMark]

The one in the video was an 11' x 14' tarp. Currently, we use an 8' x10.

[@docink6175]

I like your hook idea, You can see my idea in my vdo "inexpensive tarp awning for any vehicle"

[@AlergicToSnow]

I tried those cheap tarps but found them way too noisy in any wind.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

agreed, canvas is the way to go!

[@ujayet]

I got a 98 jeep look like yours, but I dont have a roof rack. I have to find another way to attach the tarp.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

It would be a bit harder without a roof rack. Thank you for watching!

[@ujayet]

@@EmbarkWithMark thanks for replying,, I might use the roll bar dont see how that wouldn't work.

[@EmbarkWithMark]

The roll bar should work. I’ve used the roll bar to hang hammocks, works great!

[@TheTorkerman]

...until it rains

[@EmbarkWithMark]

In the past I used a 8x10 tarp in this configuration for rain. In fact, we were rained on so heavily, in the mountains of Utah, that certain areas started to flash flood. That smaller tarp setup help up perfectly fine.

[@torontoraptors2107]

But roofrack is not cheap.. i have to find a way-

[@torontoraptors2107]

But i really like the idea brother. Thank you

[@EmbarkWithMark]

True it does require a roof rack. I’ll try to come up with something that doesn’t. Glad you like the idea at least!

[@torontoraptors2107]

@@EmbarkWithMark i do like it. Tarp, poles and rope. Simple and easy. Thanks for the reply. Subd!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Thank you!! Sorry for the late reply. We were out exploring with zero internet for two weeks!

[@torontoraptors2107]

@@EmbarkWithMark hey no worries for a late reply brother. I only subs to those who reply. Its a simple way to say thanks for the video. Stay safe always. Ps: did tried putting on my tarp just now. One side of tarp sandwiched to the doors on right side of my jeep. 2 poles holding the other side. Good enough. Simple and easy. Thanks brother-

[@michaelmcdowell6670]

Any wind/rain would destroy that set up in a heartbeat, and if only genteel rain your awning set up would allow for a big puddle which soon would become a disaster, think everything under it and perhaps your meal being soaked...... keep trying your basic idea is good it just needs to be thought out more, Cheers!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

I typically use a much smaller tarp. Lower one pole and the water runs off without any issues. Like everything there is room for improvement. Thank you for your input!

[@michaelmcdowell6670]

@@EmbarkWithMark A real heavy downpour like we get up here in the Northeast many times during the warmer months would very certainly destroy that setup coupled with wind and being a sever thunderstorm with only two guy lines and all the slack it would be a mess..... again in a heart beat this is a fact... try it and see for yourself then you will believe, just don't take my word for it. Cheers!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Oh believe me, I don’t think this setup would handle severe down pours like you are describing. But, I think most awnings we see on rigs today would not handle that either.

[@michaelmcdowell6670]

Mine has survived these afore mentioned conditions many times.... I have been doing this since the early 70"s before all the gadgets came along and all the "Experts" came along on line (I don"t mean you tho) Cheers! @@EmbarkWithMark

[@timv4554]

Thanks for the video, for the money this is a great setup.

[@andrewallin7856]

Wtf is up with the advertisements that you can't skip lasting minutes on end. F KZbin

[@MonkeySpecs301]

just buy an owning for $200, you have resale value, that $50 is basically worthless, who's gonna buy used tarp and poles, lol.

[@BennieAndMe]

Having a roof top Thule basket that's huge amd a yakima 8ft rod box. I have no room left to attach a factory awning. This setup is light weight, cheap, and massive compared to a factory awning. Ideal!

[@EmbarkWithMark]

Glad you found the idea useful!