DIY Camper Awning From PVC and a tarp

Join Tim in the shop as he shows how he used PVC pipe and a tarp to make an awning for the cargo trailer conversion. Three different sized pipes were used as well as some painters poles for legs. Thanks for watching! Please Like and Subscribe.

[@j.a.b.9976]

This is crazy but also a true story! In 2017, just around the time I was informed I had cancer and had to go through 45 rounds of radiation, and while still recuperating/rehabbing from a double bypass/main aorta vavle replacement heart surgery, I was in the process of designing this exact style awning but with a bigger door opening, but I never got around to it for obvious reasons. Crazy how people who never met had the same idea almost to the T! Nice job by the way.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks! Hope you’re doing well and get to build it one day.

[@chuckie4002]

I had a very similar idea too except mine had drain holes to keep water out and an extra conduit for pole storage.

[@AB-C1]

They say all ideas are out there and we merely "download" the idea from a kind of universal body of knowledge in the ether.. ALL the great inventors and thinkers like Tesla, Einstein etc believed this to be true that they were just conduits and research into hundreds of the top famous historical parents showed that things like the jet engine, Radio, and many many other ground breaking patents were Giles within hours of eachother from opposite sides of the world by people who had no knowledge of eachother complex designs that look strikingly similar! I also have had many ideas that I hadn't followed through on that later I found someone had patented and made lots of success and money from.(usually because I listened to others who said it wasn't a viable idea!) It's amazing that if this can happen to me on a number of occasions over the last 25 years, how many others does this happen to. Maybe ALL ideas aren't really our own as I'm not necessarily "created" by us but rather the concepts are "downloaded" and produced by us from a theory into what we know as "tangible" reality!? It sounds "out there" but having realised this phenomenon myself and looked into it it turns out that Fact is stranger than fiction lol!? (Anyhow just an explanation as I also have had a similar idea for this sort of thing but for the decking on back of my house a year or two back).. Hope you recover from your illness very soon and make put your design into a build.. Cheers from London England 👍😎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ramvan2284]

yes, mee too. sorry your not feeling well, peace and prayers on your JAB

[@laurentpfister2388]

Bonjour à vous Beau travail, bien recherché Félicitations 👍

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. And thanks for watching!

[@oddjobbob8742]

Very clever. Great project. Would not have thought this was so relatively easy. Much easier than working fur a week or so to pay for a commercial product.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@louissilva4180]

No:7q awesome that’s exactly what I was going to do now I can see someone else do it

[@marcih5776]

I love this! It would also be great to mount on the front of an open box utility trailer for a 'load cover' when needed! Well done!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! That would be a great application for this project. Thanks for watching!

[@jessegalvan4655]

Yeah It really cane out very nice thank you for sharing

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@larryloftis9064]

That is a brilliant idea, I'm going to make one for my truck bed camper. Thanks for the very detailed video.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and you’re welcome! Hope your build goes well. Thanks for watching!

[@BrilliantDesignOnline]

The end caps rotary hinge is a great solution.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Thanks for watching!

[@tompena7487]

Nice who would of thought . Thanks for sharing

[@MakingItWork]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@bugsy1254]

Very impressed. Looks great.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@jamesmichael3998]

Great job, and a nice looking camp set-up. Cheers from Jacksonville Florida 🌞

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! And Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelSmith-hs5iu]

Super great idea, we all think about doing something like this but, you actually did it!! Thanks for the great video

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@jayo7799]

Nice job, I love it

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you!

[@rar1001]

Thanks for sharing your idea. It looks great. I might do the same using/gluing car door trim edging for the slit awning opening believing it will further protect the tarp from cuts and maybe providing a smoother glide. And to keep the tarp from winding I’m thinking about spraying adhesive to hold a light thin half-round 1/4” wood trim halfway (or every 3’) across the tarp to keep its integrity while closing. And a couple of drain holes on the bottom of the pvc for ventilation/mold prevention. Cool video!

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! That is a great idea. Glad you shared. Let us know how it turns out!

[@franciscoburgos787]

Works for me. I like it! 👍🏼

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks! Thanks for watching!!

[@skruloos1]

This is very ingenious..I'm gonna build one for my van with a couple of tweeks..

[@MakingItWork]

Awesome! Let us know how it goes and what your tweeks are.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Fantastic idea! Frickin huge tarp😂👍

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and yes, yes it is! Lol

[@chuckpatterson8374]

Very well done sir.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you so much. Thanks for watching!

[@wally1957]

You stated that the big PVC was 3" and then later 4" and I am guessing it is 4". I plan to build similar for 3 slide out toppers with actual awning fabric. I paid like 10 bucks for a set of Dometic bracket arms that attach to the outside of the slide-out and hopefully I can adapt the PVC in between the two arms. I'm definitely not spending 2k but more like 300. Cheers!

[@MakingItWork]

Good deal. Thanks for watching. Hope it turns out well for you!

[@nathanaelszafranski3952]

Nice, one suggestion. Reverse the universal joint for the socket system. If the piece with the opening is on the outside a standard ratchet extension will fit perfect.

[@MakingItWork]

Great idea. Thanks for your input!

[@nathanaelszafranski3952]

@@MakingItWork thanks for sharing your project in the first place! It will come in handy.

[@ingluv]

nice work, Tim. I also have a suggestion, here. just put a socket into the reducer with the square drive pointing out. this way you could keep the "wobbly" out of the weather and use an extension with a 3/8" speed handle to wind up and down.

[@adampemberton7530]

Yes I was thinking why not tack something to the the steel pipe like an extension an should even fit thur opening of adapter! Great video

[@TXEROXT]

Most Excellent Idea and construction!!! 😎👍👍 Thanks for putting this video together!!! 🙏 👍👍

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and you’re welcome! Thanks for watching. Hope it was helpful!

[@fixit5897]

looks great in service.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you!

[@tomzaklu7002]

great job thanks for sharing

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@xbmarc]

Loved the video. Really killer idea.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Thanks for watching!

[@brennz64]

Ha! Tim this is freakin' Fantastic, Thanks for sharing your video. I kid you not... I drive a concrete truck here in New Zealand so I have a lot of "Day dreaming " time ....This last week while driving I thought...Id like an awning for my campervan...after an hour or so I "designed" in my head pretty much exactly the same as you have built (your design is better that mine) and was planning to build it later this year, just before our summer. Low n behold...today while on KZbin...I came across your vid.....I'm stoked that my "Design dreaming" can actually become a reality. 😁 Thank you so much I've now subscribed ...I can see you have a fantastic workshop and skill set Regards Brendon

[@MakingItWork]

Hey Brendon, thanks for watching and for subscribing! Happy to help you daydream. Good luck on your build!

[@williamtedford9418]

Outstanding! Looking to do the same for my jeep.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Good luck on your build. Thanks for watching!

[@PKAdventures]

i love it. i was thinking of doing the same thing, and it's really cool to see that someone else has already done it and made it work, that way i won't be risking what little money i have to try something that might not work lol

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Thanks for watching! Hope your build turns out well!

[@bikinijohn]

Great Job. Love it. Simple and works. I just might try it.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@monti409]

Obsoletely awesome, I believe I will be going down to home depot to buy these supplies I have been thinking of doing something like this for some time. Thanks !

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! Hope your build turns out great! Thanks for watching.

[@ProducedBy10A]

Amazing work man well done!!!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you so much. Thanks for watching!

[@slockfox]

Awsome idea! I bought some 12 by 10 canvas tarps a couple years ago. I was planning on hanging them up like walls each winter to block the snow off of the back porch which has a roof on it. 4 of these would be great. Of course ill probly have to use 4 inch and some couplings to lengthen them but what a great idea. Thanks again.

[@MakingItWork]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching! Hope your build goes well.

[@rafaelrodriguez-rm8ec]

thats awesome, and soo cheap to build wow amazing way of making it..ty!!

[@MakingItWork]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@MyraFlores]

Well done 👍 I love it.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@wandafrench1962]

Fantastic..... Thank you!

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnmorris4753]

Awesome idea! I plan on building one myself. You may want to reconsider leaving that reducer open. Depending on which way you place it, driving down the highway during a rainstorm water will be forced into the pipe.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching and for the idea. We plan to sort of revamp it at some point. Good luck on your build!

[@salbahejim]

I like the idea of adding a motor to it, like that drill. Easy enough to add sensors to tell it when to stop in both directions. I would get a cheap 12V drill and build it into the main tube. That would be cool!

[@MakingItWork]

Yeah, that would be cool. Thanks for watching!

[@chashandsome2021]

Man I do love some ingenuity ! Enjoy

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. We are loving the set up. Thanks for watching!

[@thomasreddick5908]

Nice job! Would love to get out to Utah myself someday. looked beautiful.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Idk where you live but definitely take the trip. Utah is like a whole different planet. Love it!

[@thomasreddick5908]

@@MakingItWork My girl and I live in New York, We are looking to move out of this state. I have retired and now have some time to travel the U.S and see for myself other parts of the country. We are looking at the midwest. Navada, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico. We will see.. thank you for your response.

[@edwinmiranda8174]

U GIVE ME HOPE . LOVE IT

[@MakingItWork]

You’re welcome, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@rolanddvcourt]

This is awesome, just need a drill with variable control. That windup is violent.

[@MakingItWork]

Yup. Lol! Needs a gear reduction or something. Thanks for watching!

[@stevenjackson7067]

I've been wanting an awning for my back deck on my house. I couldn't figure out how I could roll it up. I didn't want to spend 3 grand for a commercial one but now I know how to make one thanks to your video.

[@MakingItWork]

Oh wow! Thanks for watching. Hope your build goes great!

[@nuttynuggetneil1020]

Great idea

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@glendasmith7480]

Fantastic!!!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@macinglis17]

This is gold. The workflow explanation is perfect. Thank you!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@000302lf]

I did pretty much the same thing only I used a deep socket inside the plastic adapter that just fit inside cross drilled through the socket and adapter glued it in with epoxy pounded a brass welding rod in the hole, works fine. I then used my 3/8 inch speed crank from the socket set to connect the ujoint to the socket when rolling it up. That keeps the ujoint out of the weather and in the tool box. I sold that one on the trailer now I'm going to build a cargo trailer so I will have to make another one. Not sure yet what size I want but yours look GREAT.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks so much! Good luck on your build. Thanks for watching!

[@bobbydelcavallo7181]

Absolutely Brilliant 🥳🥳🥳

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@bobbydelcavallo7181]

@@MakingItWork my pleasure...

[@adamstanley5784]

Very cool thanks.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you!

[@johnj2496]

that's awesome search on KZbin another guy shows how to make bed sheets waterproof so if you want to use those instead of tarp I think they will roll up easier and tighter and easy to sew a couple together to make a big cover for cheap

[@lauradoyle1111]

Could you put a link here for that vid? Thank you.

[@MakingItWork]

That’s a good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@Salsadepr40]

Wow! very nice! We the people that are creative and demonstrate are knowledge and share with the world is what make it easier to come up with Ideas and don't have to buy expensive Item that are not worth it. Thank you for sharing. A+ On this video.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you so much!

[@alexissoto1408]

Excelente trabajo, felicidades muy bien hecho

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@dviolinman]

I like it. If you reverse the universal joint you can use a long extension or two and a drill to crank it up and down from at the ground. I actually have hand cranks for 1/2" drive sockets just like to old school store awnings I might use on my build. Or a power drill with 1/2" socket adaptor! Hand crank as back up. Thanks

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. I actually did that mod. It’s been a work in progress, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@richardbinell2053]

Great work. Fabulous idea. Thanks for sharing. One thought is to maybe add drainage holes to the bottom of the large tube in case the tarp is wet when rolled up. Great. Can you maybe add a parts list and cost list to your description? Thanks.

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Drainage holes are a great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@fritzkabeano1969]

I was thinking of doing the same thing but then after thinking about it I decided just to secure a tarp to my ladder racks when needed. Same thing without all the hassle.

[@MakingItWork]

There’s that, lol.

[@oddjobbob8742]

25:12 very cool!

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@vantimevanlife6922]

that's crazy. I made the same thing too. like 8 months ago. LOL.

[@MakingItWork]

Oh that’s awesome! Great minds think alike, lol. Thanks for watching!

[@rutroe88]

Just wow 👌 👏 😍 👍

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@nagendrababu3]

Very nice Bro

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@gregorygagnon4641]

Gonna save this.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronzstudio1981]

I had that same idea a few years ago

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! Did you build one when you had the idea?

[@PopCornForJojo]

Great idea but I would not glue the parts but use bolts or rivets to be able to take it apart and replace the tarp as needed

[@MakingItWork]

Good point. Thanks for watching!

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@MrHammGutsnGlory]

Great video! I want to do this but the sunshade I'm using is 20 feet by 30 feet. I'm sure what diameter pipe I will need yet. I really like being able to roll it up like your video!

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! Good luck with your build!

[@ChaseVolvo]

you can try insert 1inch pipe and roll it up then you should able to decide what diameter of pipe

[@hwanbowles6133]

Just an idea...use painters extension poles to support outer edge at a 45 degree from bottom of trailer. You can adjust the length of what you roll out. Then you dont have poles and ropes on the outside.

[@MakingItWork]

We had similar thoughts. Thanks for watching!

[@bergfpv6486]

Cool project. A deburring tool would have saved you a bunch of time, sweat and skin, I think. They work great on aluminum, so probably even better on pvc.

[@MakingItWork]

Good idea! Thanks for watching!

[@sharonlucas7029]

Using a router bit to curve each side when cutting will reduce sanding and tarp damage from straight edges.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching!

[@lmt-adventures620]

Great idea! Wondering if you could Have gotten away with a smaller pipe like a 3” for a cleaner look.

[@MakingItWork]

Yeah, I wouldn’t have been able to use as much tarp though. Not a bad idea as it’s a bit much tarp anyway. Thanks for watching!

[@nuttynuggetneil1020]

Might do this with a used vinyl sign

[@MakingItWork]

Good idea!

[@alanosborne1947]

If you use an impact (black color) swivel it might be a better fit. It's a great idea though!!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for the idea.

[@davescheer5038]

Nice build bro, I’ve been thinking about the same as you did for a couple of days now and how to do the crank to reel it in , I’m going to shop around though for Maybe some kinda lighter water proof canopy material , did you use the metal pole inside the 1” pvc to stop it from bending? I’m going to-mount this on the side of of my roof rack and make it detachable on a 2002 toyota 4 runner so I’m going to be down sizing everything , still thinking about the width and length yet , yours came out great ! Thanks for posting 👍

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! On the small prototype at the beginning, the white one, there is no metal pipe inside the pvc. There is metal conduit inside the pvc on the bigger one that is mounted to the CTC. The conduit gives strength for the screws and so it doesn’t flex as much. Thinner/lighter material would be nice. I had wanted to use canvas but had the tarp on hand. Good luck on your build!

[@chrislindsey3523]

Dude loves harbor frieght

[@MakingItWork]

Yup! Thanks for watching!

[@Bettinasisrg]

You could weld the socket crank piece to the metal conduit that's Inside the 1" pvc? Well done!

[@MakingItWork]

It’s galvanized so this worked better. Good question though!

[@SanshokuCustoms]

Also you can just put an old 3/8” socket on the side instead of the u-joint that way you don’t have the u-joint hanging all the time

[@MakingItWork]

Yup. Good idea! We already added that modification. It’s a work in progress for sure. Thanks for watching!!

[@joeblow1942]

Nice job and thanks for sharing. Two questions, please…. 1) What did you use on the open end of the tarp so it couldn’t roll up inside the pipe? 3) If you build another one, what would be the ideal length and width? Thanks.

[@MakingItWork]

Hey, thanks for watching! I used a piece of pvc longer than the opening screwed to the tarp. I rebuilt it using ideas from comments here and have a newer video showing that build. I used a bed sheet that I water proofed and put pvc thru the hem. This is shown at 16 minutes in on the second build video. It’s called Awning 2.0. Ideal size is probably 8x8 but whatever works for you.

[@tylerjoleun3601]

Hey, cool video :) definitely going to steal for my skoolie! I was just wondering how everything is working since you've installed, and if there's anything you'd change up? Thanks for any input!

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! Got a new video coming up soon with some changes based on feedback from this vid. Stay tuned!

[@ChaseVolvo]

that's so awesome! im gonna make one like yours for my Volvo 245. What size is your tarp? im thinking getting 8x10

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you. Not sure of the size because I cut it down from a bigger tarp. Good luck on your build!

[@louissilva4180]

That’s about as high dollars you can do it do it yourself but it’s the best one I’ve seen. I’m doing exactly the same thing

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching. Hope your build goes well. We have an Awning 2.0 video that might help you out too.

[@sm8202]

This is awesome dude and at a low cost to make a bespoke DIY canopy. Could you please tell me what the end caps are actually called?

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching. The end caps are just reducers, like from 3 inch down to 1 inch or whatever size you’re using. D hub pvc reducer is what I used.

[@Camperman1951]

Great idea, but just 1 question. What if anything have you done to prevent the awning from unferling while driving?

[@MakingItWork]

Good question. We put some Velcro straps around it. Thanks for watching!

[@adamkaminski1835]

Hey, excellent job!! I was wandering about the weight of whole setup? And if I change tarp to ripstop, propably the main pvc tube could be smaller

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you and thanks for watching! Not sure of the total weight. I (Tim) installed it myself with no problem. Ripstop and smaller pvc would definitely lighten the load. We redid it with a sheet and smaller pipe. That’s in another video.

[@claybornlewis276]

That was absolutely spectacular how much did it all cost

[@MakingItWork]

Because we had most of the stuff it really didn’t cost much. To buy everything, maybe around $65-$75 including the tarp or sheet.

[@courtneyksf]

I'm thinking I'm going to attach a second 3" PVC tube either below awning tube or on other side of camper to hold the support poles. ?now I need to think of a way to keep sag to a minimum as awning collects rain water.

[@MakingItWork]

That’s a good idea. Let us know what you come up with. Thanks for watching!

[@richardbutler316]

Would it be advisable place the mount over the roof rather than on the side of the trailer? It would provide more head room and allow the extended tarp height to be low enough for rain run-off without loosing much head room.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching. I didn’t want to put more holes in the roof and there was enough clearance.

[@oldmanriver1057]

I would of welded a sockit into the steel pipe and the universal joint welded to the socket, all the welding and sanding of the socket and universal joint would be done first before welding to the pipe! Just my thoughts!

[@MakingItWork]

Good thoughts. Thanks for watching!

[@jerryjoseph7060]

How did the UV affect the PCV??? I hear it should be painted to make it resistant to UV rays

[@MakingItWork]

We painted it black. UV will breakdown pvc.

[@davidbertrand6884]

I’d like to see you take it apart since you glued the pinned end to the inside tube…. 7-26-2022

[@MakingItWork]

You never know what you might see next! Lol

[@joeherrold8263]

Can I use a two inch pipe for the canopy for the camper and I am going to put a 25foot canopy on it

[@MakingItWork]

Hey thanks for watching. We’ve only done the shorter awning. I would think you’d need a bigger pipe for a 25 foot canopy and you might want extra braces/supports in the middle. Just a thought.

[@eremoshomestead7406]

Where did you get your intro music for this video....I like it!!!

[@MakingItWork]

Thank you! That is Amy playing something she wrote.

[@1100wing]

That's the same music Honey Do Carpenter uses. 🙂

[@johnpence8529]

Not trying to be negative here and appreciate your attempt. However, if the tarp starts to wind-up unevenly, as I am sure it will, how can you possibly correct it and keep it from getting all bound up?

[@MakingItWork]

A second person is a big help for this. Thanks for watching!

[@mpmansell]

If it is installed high enough up, weighting the outer end of the tarp will allow gravity to help prevent that, as it does with window blinds

[@williammcdowell9283]

just use a socket and stick in the crank piece then the swivle would have something to snap into

[@MakingItWork]

Good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@nagendrababu3]

Bro what is the exact name for the Metal rotator you are. Using to Roll the pipes. Is it readily available in market ?

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! I used electrical conduit (EMT) and it is readily available at home supply stores.

[@nagendrababu3]

@@MakingItWork Thanks for reply I need to know the name of Metal rotator ( which is used to rotate the pipe for Retraction ) That metal rotator name

[@minthos4045]

i would rather get tent gazebo . far better comfy and useful

[@crossbone1690]

Really liked the video! Wish you could’ve open and closed your awning at the end. As, a finished project seems like you rushed that part.

[@MakingItWork]

Hey, thanks for watching. Will keep that in mind.

[@biehpham8323]

Can you make a solar awning?

[@MakingItWork]

I don’t know. But that’s an interesting idea! Thanks for watching!

[@Daggercrossover]

Nice , but why wouldn't you put the socket swivel in the other way so you could use a rachet

[@MakingItWork]

Hey, thanks for watching! Good question! The end was too small to drill thru.

[@calebacrutto9601]

@@MakingItWork Instead of going through the U-joint, have a socket in the conduit square side facing out and the U-joint (swivel) on a pole for extending/ retracting. At the end of the day, comes to the same thing if you have a pole with a socket on the end square side out the way you have it now. Nice Build.

[@billcampbell9886]

I wanted to see the actual operation, unroll it and then roll it back up.

[@MakingItWork]

Thanks for watching! You can check our cargo trailer conversion tour and see it set up.

[@MakingItWork]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4eQpnqglNZsf6s

[@xbmarc]

So, I go to harbor freight and ask for "one of these"? When they ask what that is, I tell them it's a few bucks. They'll know, right?

[@MakingItWork]

Yup! Lol! Maybe screen cap it and show them a pic?

[@jerryjoseph7060]

how big is the slot in the bug tube?

[@jerryjoseph7060]

big tube

[@MakingItWork]

I just eyeballed it. Maybe 1/2-3/4 inch?

[@fixit5897]

I don't believe you will be able to take it apart again, without destruction, as everything is glued or pinned .

[@MakingItWork]

Yeah, some parts are glued and some are screwed. Good point tho.

[@pipperxxx]

You're putting the ujoint in backwards, you'll see?? Should have pinned in a socket instead.

[@MakingItWork]

Hmm, could have done that.