DIY awning for minivan camper

Welcome to a very small camper van, my channel all about my very small camper van - a minivan being transformed into a diy camper. #vanlife #minivancamper
In this video, I will show you how I made the awning for my minivan camper. I will also show how we set it up, take it down and how it is stored inside the van when needed.
Please take a moment to subscribe:
/ @averysmallcampervan
And visit my channel for more van build videos: / @averysmallcampervan

[@GrantOakes]

Your ingenuity is AMAZING! Your design, skill, quality and attention to detail made it look more like a manufactured unit, not a DIY project.

[@NoProGoPronto]

Who are you? Military, Engineer, Scientist? You are amazing! Even your instructional videos about the things you built are Awesome. In other words, I appreciate your craftsmanship and the time it takes to put these videos together. Great job and thank you 😃

[@averysmallcampervan]

Artist - Don't underestimate those artsy kids! Thanks so much for the kind words, it is really appreciated.

[@livingitup9647]

NoProGoPronto: Yes! I love your comment and wholeheartedly agree. I wish I had her ingenuity and tenacity. Very inspiring. That's why I subscribe. ;- ) . Many thanks to 'a very small camper van', for all your dedicated work, and for sharing it with the the rest of us.

[@jayhaynes5964]

A better question is who is the person with their face blurred out? LOL

[@walksandwheels]

❤

[@dorisatkinson7259]

Thank you! Not only are you wicked smart, ingenious, and a great teacher, you are very generous to share this with a world of strangers. Your ripples will go far into the world. Now, I’ve got a design at last!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Wow, thank you Doris, such kind words! I am sharing all this as a way of giving back for all the great videos I watched to plan, dream and learn on the way to building this camper van! Glad the layout is helpful to you!

[@jonathanhansen3709]

You did an excellent job building your awning. I’m lazy, and just broke down and ate the cost of an 8 foot ARB awning. I will say I always make it a habit of staking it down with four guy lines, and roll it up every night after sundown when I’m out in the desert. Had enough experience with 50mph winds coming out of nowhere at night.

[@averysmallcampervan]

You're not lazy! I probably put in the same time and money as it would cost to buy the ARB. I was thinking of your comment this weekend when a storm was picking up! gotta remember to stake it down even if it doesn't look windy!

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

I did this and switched to a porous fabric (to allow rain/wind thru) it is an excellent sun shade and can withstand wind.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Cool! I guess you are in a warmer and drier part of the world!

[@gracecallowayable]

Omg!!! You’re a genius!!! That’s awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@ElfNorthwest]

Your narration, with no wasted word, is peerless.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like it Pam! Just trying to make the kind of video I like to see!

[@dianebassett1930]

This is very impressive. It is beyond my capabilities but bravo on a job well done. I envy your skills

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks - it also helps to have access to the rigth tools and materials!

[@dougmary]

Love the attachment method! Good Design.

[@ycb6537]

Fantastic awning, now I can get rid of the zip ties. Thanks for the video.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad to help!

[@C4M3120N]

Your ingenuity and creativity is truly inspiring. The amount of detail you put in and share on your videos is greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing this treasure trove of brilliant ideas!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks so much and I am glad you found them useful

[@johnny07652]

Wow you are amazing, I'm so impressed! Great job and great video!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you so much!

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

Love how you made this! Looks super clean and easy to use. And adding the mosquito netting makes so much sense. We went with a tailgate tent for our Honda Pilot, then added netting and siding for bug protection and privacy. Awesome DIY - thanks for sharing!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it - I had a look at your tailgate tent mods on your channel; looks really professional, right down to the double zippers and tie-backs. I really like your build so far - my kind of making and building! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3KreZKcqdqjnsk

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

@@averysmallcampervan Thanks! Glad to have found your channel!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Good luck with your channel - your build is great, nice attention to detail

[@exploringwithbarbbex1363]

Genius! I am in awe of your skills!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Wow, thank you! All the compliments will go to my head :-)

[@pfsmall]

Amazing work! This is the first video of yours I have watched. I will watch more!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks and welcome

[@grandmapat5122]

Impressive....and to think that my family, friends and coworkers nicknamed me Ms. Macgyver.

[@averysmallcampervan]

It is a fine club to be a part of! Thanks for watching!

[@Dutcharmytent]

I made my Jeep XJ awning frame from square 25mm and smaller square 22mm tube that slotted into each other. Been 10 years now and still solid. I come off the back of the vehicle as the kitchen is there, handy when raining. Pictures on line called “Jeeptent” . Have subscribed as great content.

[@bayargelenkhuu8179]

You are amazing!!! There is no world to describe how fascinating is your work! I am so impressed! You beat all guys ( sorry, guys) when you thought of things. Just fabulous, fantastic!!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you so much 😀

[@nickparker4299]

An inspiring and amazing display of skills. "Rosie the Riveter" would have been proud of your videos. I MUST share these with my niece. I am sure that you will become a role model for her. Please keep doing the work that you do! AMAZING work!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks so much, and I do hope your niece finds the videos interesting!

[@GotMountains]

Love the attention to detail! This has a few clear upgrades from our first one! We're building version two that should be super compact and easy to set up. Hopefully will be posting the video for it soon!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Great to hear!

[@trhuyanh1996]

Thank you Ms/Mrs. Your design is awesome.

[@averysmallcampervan]

You're very welcome 😊

[@SurvivalistChick]

Wow, I'm impressed with your design and building skills. Well done.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you very much!

[@demon224]

Great design, will be utilizing this as a my blueprint for a similar project! Exactly what I was looking for!

[@JoyRoute]

I'm gonna try to make an awning for my van. Thanks for sharing.

[@averysmallcampervan]

So glad it is helpful!

[@lucyl.4356]

That is so awesome.... Great job!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you!

[@Birddog-4]

This is the best awning I've seen so far. Great job!

[@Environmenthrall]

Best DIY awning I've seen. Great job!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks so much! I'm still tweaking it, and for sure I should have used better poles!

[@laurajphillips]

Great Job!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks Laura!

[@maddyschweitzer]

Thank you so much your videos inspire me

[@uber2tuber]

That is super cool!!! Can you make one for me???? lol That's lots of fiddling, drilling, molding etc etc etc. Love it tho.

[@jopenhagenlongcut]

This amazing, so well done. I think I can apply some of what you did. Making molds and stuff is pretty next level.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Great! glad it was helpful - and yes, I have a lot of obscure skills but moldmaking is not for everyone

[@EricsVeganVan]

Another impressive build. I had the same experience with those extension poles when I bought for my tent. I even bent the inner tube trying to tighten it enough so it wouldn't collapse.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Yeah! I don't know why I have this weird compulsion to save money on things I put so much work into! Not worth it in the end.

[@markhall3323]

A roof rack or roof bars or whatever give a lot of possibilities for expanding the vehicle at the sides, at the back, on top. I just got Thule bars for my VW Golf and a Napier tent that attaches to back of the car I’m testing it in a couple of weeks I hadn’t thought of a side awning so you have given me some good ideas thanks.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi Mark, a lot of people love having roof boxes and all kinds of stuff on the roof but I have tried to keep the van as streamlined as possible. It is mostly for the gas mileage but also to keep the van as stealth as possible should we need it. The awning can be stored inside the van, under the bed, if we are doing a lot of highway driving. The solar panel used to store inside but I had to compromise because it was just too darn useful to have it on the roof all the time. Good luck with your car camping set up. Those Napier tents look great.

[@dondiego124]

unbelievable how well thought out this is.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks - it is the culmination (thought still ongoing) of 3 years of testing and building

[@handicamper101]

what a great design!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like it!

[@MacgyverSharon]

I am so impressed with your ideas and How To's! Shared your channel to my favorite ladies van dwelling FB group. Keep up the awesome videos and Thank You :-)

[@averysmallcampervan]

Awesome! Thanks so much. Right now the van is back to boring minivan mode waiting for spring :-(

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

😁 Watch it again! Thanks for sharing.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks for watching

[@coryhamilton8636]

Great video, Thanks.

[@irisqueen4376]

I'm 2 minutes in and already thinking of who I can pay to make this for me because my overstimulated DIY brain cannot comprehend the mechanics of such an aparatis.😳 Thanks for the instruction all the same.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hey, whatever gets the job done 😉 For me this is two hobbies in one - camping AND making things, so I get a little obsessed with the building aspect.

[@DelfiaC]

Brilliant!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@pixchick55]

BRILLIANT!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@momistaken]

Brilliant!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks Donna! Glad you liked it!

[@starringchristopher]

wow....excellent! thank you!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it!

[@mohawksteel2215]

I do not want you to get a swollen ego but you are a genius, lol. Thanks for giving us great ideas.

[@Trasher6]

Very nice job!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you very much!

[@trainwreck682]

Very nice. Gave me some great ideas. Thank you.

[@averysmallcampervan]

So glad!

[@flowrob6861]

Impressive . Thanks for doing R&D & saving me Stuck fingers 😁

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad to help ;-)

[@elementgypsy]

That's great!

[@averysmallcampervan]

thanks

[@Carole.P]

Inspiring and inventive 🌈

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks so much!

[@mizanmijan3836]

simple and nice 👍

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you 🙂

[@herdeefrancisco9161]

Genius🧑🏼‍🔧

[@peterad1529]

I’ve been looking for some ideas. I’m trying to come up with something that I can use with my Eurovan weekender without permanently mounting a really expensive awning. I’ll definitely be using this for some inspiration!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Good luck!

[@terristenacious2279]

Nice job

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@carolhughes312]

Brilliant

[@daniellatty1169]

Very nice and well documented I would like to have your whole set up for my Dodge minivan Happy Trails

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks, glad you liked it. Good luck with your Van

[@Belki23]

Friends, we send you greetings from Russia, let's be friends with the channels, we have already subscribed to your channel

[@hammerheadize]

You are incredible good creating, very good video

[@averysmallcampervan]

thanks!

[@ZWenMotion]

GOOD JOB

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks

[@nikahopper2178]

A++ this is great

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks

[@nolongerqualified4013]

Thank you for this video and on your build. Is it possible you could add a list of the items you used. Thanks in advance.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I`ll see what I can do, I am planning a full van tour, just haven`t had time to edit the footage, I'll maybe add a comprehensive list to that.

[@HacknBuild]

Great job! I've watched a few of your videos now and you have thought-out designs. I like that you took us through some of the things that didn't quite work out. What was the product you used for the swivel connectors? Also, it would be great to hear more about your process for the casting.

[@averysmallcampervan]

They are sold for Biminis (part of a boat- google it up :-) I got them via Amazon

[@jandecourtney4638]

Wow!!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

glad you like it

[@davidcook5994]

You have solved my problem. Thanks ever-so much. Can a purchase any of your fittings? Thanks in advance. BC, Canada

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad it was helpful - just look up Bimini fittings on amazon. They come in different sizes - 3/4, 7/8 and 1 inch diameter. I used 3/4 inch for the tarp poles but for the electrical conduit I had to make the 1 inch one bigger because the 3/4 I.D. is a bit over 1 in on the outside.

[@jandecourtney4638]

I wish I could hire you to fix up my Subaru station wagon!!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

So many vans/cars/station wagons, so little time!

[@RetrowTV]

Is this a setup you’d consider bringing to market? Or producing and selling to the public? I think it’s a great set up but my sewing skills aren’t up to par for a project like this!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Sorry, I'm not set up for making more of these. Just wanted to share the ideas, to give back to the community that gave me so many ideas!

[@Fingerprintguy]

Wow, now that's a nice build! Canadian Tire eh?

[@averysmallcampervan]

Oh yeah!

[@scottrosenberger8696]

Nice design and great video! Safe travels!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks! You too!

[@heathershaffer9731]

Would you consider making more canopies ?

[@averysmallcampervan]

This one is kinda based on ones you can buy, like ARB and others. There are lots of knock off awnings available on Amazon, etc. So not much point BUYING one made by me, it would cost more than a similar manufactured one.

[@CampingTherapy]

As someone that doesn't want to make one, was there a reason you didn't buy the ready made ones? I seem to remember seeing some for close to $100. Wondering if there's something bad that you know about them?

[@averysmallcampervan]

I guess the short answer is that I liked the challenge of making it myself - which is a recurring theme in my build.

[@sandrawillick6944]

What did you call those swivel fittings?

[@averysmallcampervan]

The ones that hinge the horizontal poles? Bimini hardware. They are made for the little awnings over the cockpits of small boats. You can find them on amazon

[@jj8526]

Well thought through which I imagine took a little trial and error but so easy and practical to use.. Very impressed..🚐👏👏☘

[@nicolebrewer1231]

When you talk about the hardware at the joints, I can't understand what you are saying. What is that piece called? Thanks!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi Nicole, the hardware that allows the poles to hinge out is called Bimini hardware. A bimini is a kind of awning that goes on a boat. Each hinging part is made up of an "external eye end" and a "jaw slide" that fit onto the ends of the poles and interlock with each other. A quick search for bimini hardware should turn up some images.

[@ccuento]

What hardware did you use to attach the poles together?

[@averysmallcampervan]

They are called bimini hardware. Bimini are (I found out looking it up) awning things on boats. An amazon search should turn some up

[@ccuento]

a very small camper van thank you

[@Still_I_Ride]

Maybe i didnt catch it. But what are the dimensions?

[@nitrobone]

Bonsoir à vous! J’aimerais savoir comment s’appelle les morceaux de métal qui pivotent et où nous pouvons les acheter? Merci beaucoup!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Ce sont de la quincaillerie pour les BIMINIs- genre de toit en toile pour les bateaux. Je les ai trouvés sur amazon sinon chez les fournisseurs de produits marines.

[@nitrobone]

@@averysmallcampervan merci beaucoup

[@NoraTTang]

Now send this to be manufactured!

[@averysmallcampervan]

They already make very similar ones - that's what I based my design on - the fun for me was the making!

[@lengthmuldoon]

Did you pixelate the fella because he's been part exchanged for a newie? Saucey!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Ha! no, same model for a quarter century. He just knows too much about internet security.

[@thomasn1278]

Dear god. Are you an engineer?

[@averysmallcampervan]

Nope, sculptor

[@umu-i-d2785]

I love women like you

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@C4M3120N]

Your ingenuity and creativity is truly inspiring. The amount of detail you put in and share on your videos is greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing this treasure trove of brilliant ideas!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks