DIY Custom Truck or Van Awning Under $100

We made our own custom awing fitted to our Suburban for 1/5 the price of pre-made awnings. In this video we show you the set up and describe the steps we used to build it. Tools needed are a drill and hammer. You can find all the supplies at Harbor Freight. Ask any additional questions you have in the comments below.
Here is the build tread we used to build it:
www.expeditionp...
Links to What We Used:
Tarp: amzn.to/2uUJrOy
Poles: amzn.to/2GAcKHF
Hardware: amzn.to/2IuynK4
Straps: amzn.to/2uPzXEh
Here's a tour of the whole truck:
• Chevy Suburban Camper ...
Find us on Instagram: @katcarney
/ katcarney
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Please watch: "Inside an Adventure Photographer's Camera Bag"
• Inside an Adventure Ph...
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[@KatCarney]

Check the description to see links to where we bought stuff!

[@tomasc7999]

the major pieces are the Poles and Hardware, these two Amazon items have become unavailable in 2020; I know the Tarp and Straps are cheap and can be easily purchased at Walmart, but where can we find the major pieces? the Poles and Hardware?

[@jupiter6647]

hi, get a 4-6" pvc. tube, mount it to rack. stow awning contents in that. caps on both ends

[@denimacaz]

So awesome! I modified a Toyota Previa all wheel drive mini van back in the mid 90's for camping mostly in the North Cascades. Although I really wanted an attached awning I could never bring myself to spend the kind of money they wanted...sure wish I'd thought of something like this! Nice job!!!

[@scottfergusson8411]

Waxed canvas military tarp ! Heavy but lasts a LONG time !

[@camaroman101]

Great idea for a diy awning. I just saw a thread for a roof rack made with conduit as well. Cheap, durable, and cut to whatever size you need.

[@KatCarney]

that sounds awesome!

[@Wildersport]

Fantastic idea. We are working on a truck cap camper that we want a canopy for. We've got plenty of tarps, and extendible poles. Just need conduit and hinges.... Consider this idea snagged.

[@surfinmuso37]

Good setup. May i suggest putting an extra cover strip of heavy duty tarp to cover the top when it is rolled up-to protect it when not in use. Looks like the weather has effected that area. Great work! Cheers.

[@caiquirk]

To protect the tarp when rolled up, you could do a similar thing with duct tape that would fully cover whatever shows when it is rolled up. Could always replace/add more if it gets damaged

[@KatCarney]

That was Craig's thought too! Great idea!

[@CaptainGnarkill]

This is awesome my z71 Suburban needs this! Thanks for this info.

[@KatCarney]

Z71 burb club!

[@rickwileysr.6465]

Try getting a piece of pvc pipe that it will fit in with 2 end caps .Cut a piece out of the pipe slip it over and put the caps on each end...

[@Julian-do7bv]

You done a great job

[@rodreddick]

great video awesome tarp awesome idea

[@KennethTMead]

I have a 2002 Chevy Suburban Z71 as well, so it's great to come across your channel and see what you've done. I picked mine up with about 125k miles and I'm now at 258k. Luckily there have been no major engine repairs, but I did do a front end job myself about a year ago. Good luck to the both of you! I do have a question, it looks like you used a different way of mounting the tubing to the roof rack. Or is that just thin 3/4" conduit straps? I'm thinking about doing this job within the next few weeks.

[@KatCarney]

we just used thick zip ties to attach the conduit to the roof rack

[@aussiecamperman8382]

To make a cover use 4" Pvc plumbing pipe with a 2" slit cut out length wise and a cap on one end to slide over the length of the awning.

[@CEZAMPOL]

Hi...your project is amazing. Could you please send me close details about the poles attachment ? Are there hinges ? Thank you

[@KatCarney]

yes, look for bimini hardware are a marine or boating store. We got ours at West Marine.

[@joesalemi2414]

Nice set up. Can you provide a source for the adjustable pole slides and the pointed stud inserts?

[@KatCarney]

I included a short list of the main items with links in the description of this vid!

[@GunsandGearNetwork]

Where did you get the extendable poles? Did they come with the pointy ends or did you add that? If you added it how did you do that? Thanks!

[@Mphillips002]

awesome! where did you get those poles that adjust?

[@KatCarney]

Cabellas

[@markiportable4186]

Kat Carn

[@hdhptv539]

Cool build! I have a 2010 F150 FX$ I am building.. I am also a member of Expedition Portal. Do you have a Link to any of Crazy Dave DIY stuff? I cant seem to find him... Thanks HDHPTV

[@paulcatino1691]

What is the product you used for the hinges?

[@KatCarney]

We made our own hinges by hammering down the end of the conduit, drilling a hole, and then using a nut.

[@ckinsleyjav]

Bimini Hardware at West Marine

[@austinhouck6216]

Nice work, could you please let us know the full name of the guy that you found on the internet with the D Y instructionals... Thanks again..

[@KatCarney]

the link to his forum is in the description of our vid

[@805gregg]

I just bought one for $69 on ebay

[@KatCarney]

awesome!

[@Harleyglide03]

This is the best DIY awning I have seen. I have been looking for this to do myself.

[@KatCarney]

Thanks! Craig did an awesome job will this.

[@theanonwolf]

I really wish you had gotten one closeup of the darn hinge

[@KatCarney]

We made our own hinges by hammering down the end of the conduit, drilling a hole, and then using a nut.

[@AikidoAgatsu]

Sorry, I still don't quite get it... What about the other side of the hinge? What is that black thing on the end of the conduit that runs along the side of the vehicle? Thanks!

[@ckinsleyjav]

bimini hardware!! jaw slide!

[@daviddaluiso7328]

Aikido Agatsu z

[@isaacg3232]

try using a piece of pvc to secure your awning when is rolled up. that would probably work pretty slick.

[@KatCarney]

niiiiice!

[@cordelmar]

It looks good, but i think the vertical polls will pull out in a windy situation, i think you should thread the ends and bolt it tight. good luck.

[@batwithglasses]

Brilliant design! Good on ya for not caving and paying those ridiculous prices!

[@bikingviking6688]

Where did you find the adjustable poles?

[@ckinsleyjav]

Blaine Torgerson Cabellas!

[@tracyjamestavares3255]

Was thinkin painters poles .

[@alimodiandude]

THIS. about $10 a piece. :)

[@FeelsOnWheels]

Excellent arrangement..iam also looking to fix such type in my honda fit

[@TubeYourAAA]

Nice one! Just sew 3 or 4 velcro straps on each side to flap them over the poles to keep your tarp in place.

[@geoker55]

This is awesome! It's really close to what I was thinking of building. I was looking at bungie balls thru grommets to secure the two sides of the awning to the horizontal arms in case of wind.

[@sleepysnz]

just a thought, to save from wear and tear from the weather etc, what about storing it away in a large pvc pipe with screw cap ends or something similar to that?

[@travisadams4470]

Can you post a link for the hinge? The hinge component of this setup is the only part that I don't understand.

[@KatCarney]

We made the hinge ourselves by hammering down the end of the pole and drilling a hole through it

[@travisadams4470]

@@KatCarney Got it! Thanks!

[@CredibleHulk10]

Nicely done. 👌🏻 Very old video, but I'd love some info on your hammock setup

[@dronus]

the awning could've been made better but that's just me... dope videos btw...

[@keywound6728]

you say nothing about the hardware, you just state the obvious, conduit, drill hole, tarp, where did you get the hinge and the extension stops,

[@mudchariot]

It would be great to see how you did your solar hook up. The tarp awning looks great!

[@MikeAvilaMD]

The poles that are listed in your description are no longer available. Suggest a similar?

[@alan4sure]

I bet the water sits in a pool in the middle of it when it rains. There is no way for water to run off.

[@wmsfmf7738]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing. How did you do your hammock?

[@DianesPaperArt]

Very nice. I don't think I can make one. Yours looks nice.

[@bigdz5969]

cool video wheres the video of the tour with the diy shower and the instructions on the solar panels? :(

[@KatCarney]

We broke our solar system in Mexico, but plan to repair it and will make a video when we do!

[@lrg863]

I bought a 10x10 EZ UP canopy and just set it up against my truck when we hit the outdoors.

[@KatCarney]

that's great if you have the room for it! We were living in the burb for a year and had zero extra room

[@sandeenejackson7018]

Love your posts. Informative and useful. Made me feel like I was listening to a couple of friends. Enjoy the journey!

[@KatCarney]

thanks for watching!

[@ronnierascal12]

I wonder if you could put sides on the awning? made out of tarp?

[@Zooetrope]

Very nice. I would like to know where you wash your berries?

[@KatCarney]

ahahahahaha, what will we ever do without a sink or bowl to wash our berries!?!

[@WomanOutdoors]

That’s awesome! I’ve been in the market for one and yes they are so expensive. I’m gonna try and do this for my Kia👍🏼

[@bbggakkba]

We can get awnings similar to this in Australia for about 100 bucks.. I'm surprised other places don't make something similar for that much...

[@KatCarney]

Us too!

[@foreveroutdoorslund2996]

What did you use for the roff tarpaulin or canvas

[@overlandtowater]

the only thing I will do different is make the tarp out of a canvas tarp HF sells those also and they should last a lot longer. Just need to oil it.

[@KatCarney]

nice thought! just watch out for mold!

[@insonh21]

i just built mine and modified your idea (which is awesome BTW) to attach the awning to the van, instead of conduit i used a strut i got from home depot www.homedepot.com/p/Superstrut-1-5-8-in-x-10-ft-Metal-Framing-Channel-ZA1200HS-10/100125003 i used "ball bungee's www.homedepot.com/p/Sigman-6-in-Tarp-Ball-Bungee-25-Pack-BB06B/203217327 to attach the tarp to the strut that way i can use different size tarps or replace one that gets worn out i used a separate 10 ft conduit to hold the upright poles and let the tarp drape over that and attached another 10 ft conduit to the end of the tarp as weight the side conduit are cut to 5 ft for either side so i cant adjust them like you can ( i bought them but they didn't work out) and i use the ball bungee's to pull the sides taut using the 5 ft side conduit as an anchor all in all i can set it up in about 5 min and when i roll it up i can anchor it to the strut using the ball bungee's

[@KatCarney]

great ideas!!

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

Nice job, looking to build an awning myself! Thanks!

[@juancho7236]

What did you use for the two hinges? I apologize in advance if it has been answered already. Thanks.

[@KatCarney]

They are called bimini top eye ends and bimini jaw slides. I included a short list of the main items with links in the description of this vid!

[@lauranaschultz5491]

How is the top part that rolls up attached to the roof rack?

[@biggils8894]

Why don't you just camp under a freeway, it doesn't cost anything and it won't blow away!

[@KatCarney]

How is my truck going to blow away?

[@MrsMika]

Where do you find hinges that are use to mount the adjustable poles that are mounted to conduit on the roof rack? What are they called? I have never seen them before.

[@KatCarney]

We hammered the conduit and drilled holes in it and attached it with a piece that allows it to moved horizontally

[@trueblue2124]

This is ace - but wonder if the rain would just collect on top as it gets heavier - great idea tho - will definitely give this a try - thank you.

[@KatCarney]

It is slightly down slanted. no issues with rain collecting so far

[@jcberb]

This is bad-ass. When thinking about building one myself what I would do different is how I would attach the tarp to the poles. I would keep a full rotation of the tarp wrapped on each pole. But first I would use a weather resistant strong adhesive tape and tape the entire tarp length wise to the pole, roll it one full turn then fasten it with screws. This will lengthen the life of the tarp, and prevent premature tearing. I have a pick-up truck bed unloader and the material is attached to the pipe on this fashion; while unloading 1500lbs of material it has not ripped. And lastly is the slope; I would ensure that is slopes to the left, right, or front so water does not accumulate. Another project on my list. THANKS!

[@julieeanderson945]

Thanks for sharing such great information. It is really helpful to me. I always search to watch the quality content and finally I found your post. Keep it up, keep posting!

[@leefiz]

Hope you could do a video on how to make it. Thanks

[@mynissanpathfinderonandoff5955]

thanks for sharing..got some ideas i can use

[@djnemesis82pluss1877]

If this were me I would have rolled the awning end that attached to the van a few times to keep the wind from ripping your screws threw the awning. Could probably help on both ends

[@chevyvantravel9735]

i have been looking for something like this for soooo long...

[@kaiserexpeditions8636]

saw your video on another page and was curious about the awning. glad I found this one.

[@billraleigh4529]

glad this came my way,I'm building 1 now ,will buy some decent expandable poles for the whole system. mine will cost 2 hundred

[@MZONE3D]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@DnDandVideoGames]

Love the build but those extendable poles are out of stock on amazon. What would you replace them with?

[@Travels_of_Tim2]

Take a 8 inch pvc pipe cut it in half long wise with piano hinge t roll tarp into and cap both ends

[@KatCarney]

love that!

[@foldenkris]

About to camping for a music fest and this has been a major help. We're gonna work with a truck bed, probably same dimensions, but this was amazing. Thanks for the instruction!

[@stevenmbell]

Very nice also.

[@JosephCompnotta]

Hello, love the video I'm planning on taking a solo trip from Ohio to Nv and Utah and then to my home state of Co. I have 1? the hinges you have on the main pole were those made or bought? I'm doing your Idea. thanks

[@tylerg6756]

That's pretty awesome. I want to build one of those for our Suburban someday!!

[@KatCarney]

thanks for watching!

[@hammerheadize]

I was looking at different ideas to make a awning, but yours are the best, thanks for sharing

[@KatCarney]

awesome, go for it!

[@Kmancal1]

Thanks so much guys! Killer idea. I have a project for next weekend. Take care

[@quidestveritas8713]

Very nice! :)

[@relyenterprisestx]

Try a heavy canvas tarp, wind proof and hold up but are pricey

[@KatCarney]

Great idea!

[@philh7219]

Can I get some info on the swivels for the upper extending poles

[@KatCarney]

look for bimini hardware are a marine or boating store. We got ours at West Marine

[@hdhptv539]

Sorry, Now I see the Link you have. My Bad... HDHPTV

[@z0hu]

did you just zip tie the main conduit pole to the roof rails?

[@KatCarney]

yes

[@richardwatson8822]

Thanks for being Honest about the tarp problem ! I enjoyed your video , Also I think you done a good & simple job making your awing ! thanks for sharing .

[@RecceCampers]

That is awesome. I'll be using this idea in my build for sure.

[@nancycampbell8280]

PVC tube, place tarp in it.

[@bcisn]

How do you do the hinges?

[@pico093]

great job on the awning.

[@billharden1767]

Good Idea.

[@anicetopontillas8121]

Is there a video of show step by step of building the awning?

[@juancho7236]

Thanks for the vid. I plan on doing a similar awning build for my Sub. Hope yours is holding up well.

[@EL34XYZ]

Thumbs up on the video. This gives me a bunch of ideas for doing one on my van. Love the peek-a-boo by Cathleen at 3:15

[@KatCarney]

Oh hey friend!

[@Donnykuntadi]

but unsafe when hard wind.. end bar up must be locked ..

[@freedomdove]

Thanks for sharing the cool design. I think I would spend the extra money to buy a canvas painter's drop cloth so it wouldn't need replaced much, if at all.

[@KatCarney]

great call!

[@1eldar777]

He'll yeah bro love it

[@ChalkPrint]

What kind of Hinge is installed to the extendable poles that swing out from the rack?

[@KatCarney]

They are called bimini top eye ends and bimini jaw slides. I included a short list of the main items with links in the description of this vid!

[@olsmxl6975]

@@KatCarney Nice design. Quick question. When I click on the link your provided for the hardware I get to a amazon page with 1" bimini. I thought the conduit you are using is 3/4"? Also - the bimini you use is hinged so I was just wondering of that is the right link? Thanks so much!

[@KatCarney]

@@olsmxl6975 they must have changed size on the link, but just buy the ones that fit what you're building it with. We only got the "male" side and just hammered the conduit flat and drilled a hole through it for the "female" side. It's held up for the last 4 years.

[@olsmxl6975]

@@KatCarney OK thanks so much for getting back to me! Keep safe

[@hayamicin]

Hi guys, How do you heat the car in winter camping at night?

[@KatCarney]

I have a mr. buddy little buddy propane heater. I really like it. I just have it on with the windows cracked when I'm awake and then turn it off before I go to bed

[@robbiebircher6022]

Kathleen Carney what size Mr buddy? I also have a suburban and wanted to get a heater. Thanks

[@ckinsleyjav]

the smallest one i think

[@mustafawissawi2713]

Broooo a brand new awning in Australia is 120$

[@larrikinaxe3424]

Steel a tarpaulin from a building site - find two lengths of timber and use two screwdrivers to peg the rope you purchased for a buck and wham!... $2 awning baby!

[@KatCarney]

That sounds great!

[@joaoleitaoviagens]

i'm currently looking to build up something similar. great tips guys! thanks

[@puremoore]

Hello, this is an awesome video, giving me loads of ideas for my build, one question if you can help, are the extendable poles, landing net poles for fishing ? looking at all types of extendable poles be great to get some inside info on best choice :) thanks

[@TheDK4LIFE]

How did you do the end tips to put through the holes?

[@ckinsleyjav]

Just drilled a slightly larger hole for the end tips to slide thru

[@chevyvantravel9735]

so yeah where did you get the adjustable poles

[@ckinsleyjav]

mimi taylor Cabellas!!!

[@CallaFab]

Very Cool!

[@insonh21]

really nice job, as you were talking about the UV damage on the tarp i thought, "if you mounted a 4" PVC pipe along where you have the polls rolled up and come off of that instead of the framing you could store the polls inside the PVC and if you mounted hooks alone the PVC that you could hook the tarp grommets along that than you would have something a lot cleaner looking and that tarp could just be folded up and stored inside. again, really nice job, simple and functional. i have a teardrop and this would be perfect for a roof rack awning.

[@KatCarney]

Great ideas!