Easy DIY Awning for Vandwelling, Car Camping, and SUV RVing

In this video I go over how to cheaply and easily make an awning that attaches to the side of a vehicle. This type of awning is great for some shade or for protection from rain. It will work on any van, SUV, or car that has roof rack rails in place.
And in case you're wondering, the tarp was about $10 and purchased from the camping section in Walmart.
This is a great setup regardless of whether you're vandwelling, living in a van or other vehicle, SUV RVing, or road tripping.

[@nomadicbydesign0]

Great idea using the trekking rods. I usually reduce the height of one of the corners and put the rod into a bucket to catch all the rainfall for a shower later.

[@H.pylori]

This is precisely what I want. Something cheap and easy to set up and not have some heavy bulky commercialt awning adding weight and increasing wind resistance permanently fixed to the roof. The use of trekking pole is pure genius...when not in camp you can use the poles to go hiking. Thanks for this video.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks, glad you liked it. It works really well for me. Give it a shot.

[@OutdoorFun01]

OMG! Here I was making countless calculations trying to figure how I'll set a tarp with poles, until I saw your idea... 🤦‍♂️ Thank you!

[@susangrace3884]

I used this recently..Female solo camper -it worked perfect.. easy , inexpensive, lightweight, and it works,,,

[@Shavian1]

You could also extend the tarp completely across the vehicle, stake it out on the other side the same way and it would also help to keep the vehicle cooler in direct sunlight.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, that'd definitely work. Thank Shavian1!

[@clairebourassa5943]

2023 here and this is the perfect setup I needed for a side tarp on my Subaru Outback, on my outings this summer. Thanks so much !

[@alohaXamanda]

Thanks for this, I'm looking forward to finally having an awning on my car for when I don't feel like setting up a whole tent

[@davidalvarez3978]

Currently working on a set up for my wife and I to live in our car and this was a perfect addition to my tool belt! thank you so much for the idea.

[@ChrisGen]

Super solid review. Thank you so much. Just felt “off” ordering something off amazon for $100 for a simple shade. Thank you so much.

[@djstravels4828]

I know this was a long time ago but it was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks

[@dfros1957]

Love this. So easy , a lot of others I've seen are expensive or have a lot more stuff to set up and store. Thank you 😊

[@loryadams1733]

I just asked a question and then I read the comments from other readers and found my answer. Thank you for putting out such good information.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Lory!

[@becpurcell6773]

Love this. I'm working on a larger home made one with a long steel curtain rod strapped to my roof rails to attach the tarp to.

[@sallyschmoldt3497]

I plan to start my "van" life in 2017...but of course I will be doing it in a Buick Rainier SUV. There are so little videos on how to dwell in an SUV and I really enjoy the usefull information you are putting out. Please keep up the good work.

[@SUVRVing]

That sounds great, Sally. The Rainier is a big enough SUV that you should have a good amount of room inside. Thanks for the kind words, and I definitely plan to keep making videos.

[@corwinclark1434]

Have you started yet 😊

[@SarasotaTim]

I like the clamp over the suction cup idea wasn’t keen on putting that on my brand new 4runner paint job but this could work. Thanks brother 😎🤙

[@WitchyPoo411]

These vids are always handy for 'baseline thinking'. Figuring out what works for you. Thanks in 2020.

[@billcarran]

I do some thing similar with my Honda CRV. I attach a pole to the roof rack edge. The pole is long enough to reach from front of the vehicle to the back. I then attach the cover to the pole. Thus a much bigger covered area.

[@SUVRVing]

Nice! What kind of pole do you use?

[@jandia5162]

I was just thinking of a similar idea.. can you share a link/pics of your idea? Is it kind of like using our vehicle as the center of an A frame tent just larger scale ?

[@jasonbridges45]

Just used sliced down middle pool noodles to secure mine to the rack works fine. Don't need clamps. Just used two pvc pipes for poles. Cost me less than 30 bucks for everything.

[@jasonbridges45]

Think pool noodles are ugly paint them black and u can paint pvc pipes two.

[@davidjoseph6539]

I was looking for a simple tarp set up. Yours is the best. Thank you

[@SUVRVing]

Glad you liked it! Thanks David.

[@ediedaley3701]

Perfectly simple! Love the awning directions!

[@SUVRVing]

It works great! Thanks Edie.

[@insidedianeslife2456]

I figured I would do this with my van. I didn't think of using clamps. That is easier than what I was thinking. Thanks for sharing this.

[@SUVRVing]

It doesn't work super well in very windy conditions, but it works great otherwise. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.

[@davidwhite7789]

Hey Tristan,picked up your book 2 weeks ago and I've found it to be the Bible of Suv Rving. It puts everything in perspective and makes it all very do able.

[@janahutchins4684]

I've learned so many things watching your video's. I had to look away on your mountain hiking trips though. Good Luck on your adventures.

[@SUVRVing]

The mountain hiking videos aren't for everyone, but I really enjoy going on those trips :) Thanks Jana!

[@phpw43a]

I love simple solution like this. Thank you.

[@briantodd4887]

Great video! I bet you could even use jumper cables as clamps 😂

[@gracielaleon4543]

Very clear explanation. Fantastic and cheap solution

[@TSunshineful]

I used pvc pipe for my poles. Very inexpensive. Those clamps are indispensible! I use them for a ton of things. I have them in all sizes. I find them very usual to put on a tarp over my tent when it's raining really hard. It keeps my tent from leaking for sure.

[@SUVRVing]

I agree, the clamps are super handy! Have you cut the PVC into sections, or do you use uncut lengths? And what diameter of PVC do you use?

[@TSunshineful]

One and 1/2 inch Diameter - 10 foot sections cut to 7 feet high. Put four holes in each end to create ability to connect ties/tiedowns . Usually collect rocks or dirt to put in four large coffee cans for base of poles or use pegs . You can make other stuff with the left over pvc pipe. On Pinterest look up pvc projects camping

[@deetrvl4life875]

I agree with Pro Env!! Awning is something I've been leaving for last cause I hadn't any ideas yet. This is the concept! Thanks Thanks! Lots of possibilities here, now. (I have Van with roof rack.) Could even use reflective tarp type. (in heavy sun)

[@dragan3290]

Perfect setup for a Mitsubishi ASX. Awesome 👌. Thanks man.

[@barbarascheck6519]

Summer 2023... I just missed a car camping trip due to thunderstorms and not wanting to get rain in my car everytime I get up at night.... This is a great solution! It must work, but wouldn't the rain hit the roof and then drip or stream down underneath the tarp? My Crosstrek windows are so curved that I think the water would fall right onto my sleeping bag. I guess I can try it and see! LOVE your videos, thanks so much!

[@WeOutHere]

Nice set up, I was just looking for the poles on Amazon and see there’s a thing called tarp poles that are taller than the trekking poles, think I might get those.

[@alexwijaya732]

nice ideas, im struggling and now have the solution after watching ur vids great thanks bro and keep doing

[@jacovanheerden7081]

i almost super clue hooks to my roof, thanks for clamps idea!!

[@yana5392]

Great idea. I appreciate it. Have a great time outdoors!

[@howdydo7320]

Great video. Going 2 get my clamps & tarp for my camping. TY.

[@hopehealsinternationalmini4291]

Congrats 100k subscribers! We love you in Manila.

[@familykeepersca]

Thank you, just right for me, really don't need so much money to block the Sunshine.

[@knightwu5825]

So creative! Thanks!

[@freewaylee]

Well done. It's simple and it works.

[@SUVRVing]

It's worked well for me!

[@carolynsparks3164]

awesome setup.. thanks for the information .

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Carolyn.

[@50nollieman]

do you think instead of having a pvc pipe on the roof a couple of magnets would work? Industrial magnets with 25,35,45 or even 95lbs of force? I think 3 magnets with 25-35lbs of force each would work. So thats a total of atleast 75lbs holding it down

[@francinesparks5404]

This is very good. I had not thought of using clamps. Could you create a solution of having a rain overhang when the van is parked on pavement? Much appreciated.

[@danielebuffa3283]

Awesome . So easy thanks

[@michaelmoore2802]

Very cool...thanks man !!

[@bigmac3006]

Great vid!

[@Debrajoy]

You have the best tips sweetie! I'm binge watching and now I'm getting sleepy so I might have to take a little nap! :-)

[@maylin1986]

I came here from the minivan video. It would be cool to keep a tarp of that length and extend coverage with a reflector cover like the Lee lady did. Or buy 2 to extend heat reflection for both the car and for you outside. But the tarp would come in handy for rainy days. ✨ :D

[@jmcc876]

I'm really liking these videos! While I work during the week, I am looking to do this on weekends when I travel to the mountains. This is a fantastic idea and while it does keep the rain/snow out if the car, it is rather large/ noticeable. do you have any recommendations to stay a little more under the radar? I plan on staying on side streets/ trail entrances.

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, this is definitely not the solution if you want to be more discrete with your camping. What exactly are you looking for? If you just want to be able to crack your windows to get some ventilation but not get wet if it rains, get window deflectors. I have them on my car, and they're great if you want the window down up to a couple of inches. Apart from that, there's not really much you can do other than install a Fan-tastic roof vent/fan setup.

[@ratherbfishing455]

Last week, I found the tarp at my local Walmart. It had been out of stock online. So happy!

[@SUVRVing]

Nice! It's a great little tarp

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@SUVRVing Still have the tarp. Love it.

[@loryadams1733]

If you used a wider tarp, could you use it down the back of the vehicle for blocking the wind if you had a chair sitting beside your vehicle?

[@slowlanedad1438]

Very cool i use thise clamps on my eazy up as well

[@gala83filmstaylorg7]

Love the shade its making on your car lol

[@ga8065]

I use shade cloth instead of a tarp for shade and start from the far side of the vehicle to shade the top of the vehicle. From the video you're not shading much of the vehicle. I use 3/4 PVC at what ever length you want and cut them in half and slip a slip joint so they can be broken down and stored easy. The have spikes that slip into the ends of 3/4 PVC that hold the PVC from moving from the anchor spot on the ground, or a small tent spike. Attach Para-chord as you do for the anchor to the ground.

[@Kiwionwing]

Cool simple idea.

[@SUVRVing]

👍

[@chrisallenarnett6838]

Good idea thanks.

[@Radnally]

I wonder if there are tarps that have bug netting connected to them that could hang down along the top edges? That would be really handy.

[@SUVRVing]

Tarps? No. Awnings? Yes. You can buy an awning by a company like ARB that has a mosquito netting add-on that is basically a room with mesh walls.

[@mmqqq8246]

I am completely new and was looking at this ... I need to cover the roof and both sides to kind of "shade " the van at a beach camping location ... like an A tent shape was what I was thinking .... I wonder if I got a REALLY long tarp .. cut it to correct width .. but Id need the poles to be shorter even if I had to come in from the side of the A ... and Id need 4 poles or one side the tarp angled to ground stakes and the other more like this ... but how do i keep it from pooling over the flat roof ??? like pool noodles or ?? PS THIS USING THE CLAMPS IS AAAA MAZING :)

[@lodiwish]

Nice job.

[@lovingatlanta]

👍 Good idea to get out of the sun to relax after a hike or long drive without having to sit inside of the vehicle with the doors open for a breeze. Wondering 🤔 why you didn't turn the hiking poles the other way with the pointy ends into the ground for more stability? Maybe the ground was too hard to poke them into...🤔

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, you nailed it. The ground was frozen solid and very hard. In softer ground, I'd probably stick the points in to give some extra stability.

[@nonegiven3814]

Maybe use those Velcro straps for cable control where needed & you could use heavy duty magnets with a hook feature to attach to the top of the car.

[@learntechwithruth2147]

Nice! I believe I can do that !

[@GavCritchley]

Tristan, did I miss the video where you talk about the tube fitting on your roof rack? Is that something you use? I'll do a video of the fit out of my Honda CRV....but it looks like the RAV4 is an easier option.

[@SUVRVing]

Hi Gavin. Yes, I've done a video on the pipe on top of my rack. Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3bPh3ejr9Odnsk Looking forward to your CRV video. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Further, strong gust of wind can rip the moorings lose. In such cases, the metal pole or buckle can be whipped around with great force and damage. So either make it "breakaway" tied rope or make is strong - and watch the weather forecast.

[@SUVRVing]

If the wind is really strong, no awning is a good idea.

[@terriebunnell7269]

Well done

[@FeatheredMoonReadings]

that's cool. you could add a side with clamps for shade....?

[@SUVRVing]

You could probably figure out a way to add clamps for shade, but what I usually do is take a second tarp and just tie the top of it to the side of the first one with short lengths of paracord, and then I'll stake out the bottom of the second one to the ground.

[@yonihales9133]

so a woman asks how you could do more lol

[@bethelteshuwah9824]

Good idea

[@28105wsking]

Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, Wendy.

[@elizaduckie7110]

Suggest you put your book name, your name and the book link into the info area of the KZbin video. I have a bad memory and didn’t think I’d need to recall the name as normally the links for that would be included in the info section. Great tarp idea. Especially useful in Hurricane areas, or disaster areas, when people need a quick set up for shade, or a dry area. I’m going to add poles to my emergency box of a tarp and tied downs.

[@SUVRVing]

Look up SUV RVing on Amazon.

[@NoBullFitness]

GENIUS

[@carlaifera5254]

........hey, thx .......low cost/easy setup ........a nice 'front porch' makes a van home perfect! ✨.......🙋‍♀️✝☕

[@sam-jr1nw]

How do you stay cool in summer ?

[@derekp908]

Really great idea for an easy on the go sub coverage! Wondering what type of knot you used to tie the pole to the tarp? Thank you!

[@JoniliSoller]

Did the tarp last long or did it start to develop holes/rips?

[@fadedQ]

you could use niteize cords to hold the tarp too

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, those would definitely work. Thanks Alexander.

[@carolynsparks3164]

very nice..

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Carolyn :)

[@asdrgy]

Brilliant

[@WookieSenshi]

Nice! Gotta try this with my CR-V. Just subbed btw. (:

[@SUVRVing]

Definitely give it a shot, and thanks for subscribing!

[@roycealioto7497]

Chris, so you do car-camping in the CRV? I'm looking at buying one as my next commuter car bc I want to also sleep in the back when camping! Any tips?

[@mmqqq8246]

Ps what size are the clamps? And is there a link to the book ??

[@maylin1986]

You're like the McGuiver of SUV camping/RVing. XD But it's always good info! ✨ * 0 *

[@ratherbfishing455]

Nice! I've tried to make a shade tarp for my SUV for the coast. It is so windy, and the stakes don't stay in the sand. Maybe sand bags?

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah, sand bags would probably work. But also there are tent anchors made specifically for sand. They're like little parachutes that you bury in the sand.

[@ratherbfishing455]

+SUV RVing Thanks. I'll check it out.

[@Joachim8583]

That's it, I'm subscribing! :)

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Joey!!

[@ryw5862]

Boy, you're a regular frickin genius....

[@SUVRVing]

That might be overstating it a bit, but I appreciate the compliment. Thanks Rory!

[@4Fatty4]

Hi Tristan, I've got a 2008 rav 4 and I'm looking to install roof racks/roof rails onto it. I've got the CV, not the cruiser so the roof rails didn't come with it. Can't tell exactly if you have a CV or cruiser, but I can see you've got the roof rails. You wouldn't happen to know if there's anywhere where I can get the roof rails seperate (preferably toyota ones) and install them onto my CV? I'm pretty sure my car is capable of having them since there's like these rectangle areas on each corner, basically where the roof rails should connect into. Also do you think it would be worth putting on roof rails? I was planning on getting roof racks and I wasn't sure if roof rails were a prerequisite. Thanks mate

[@SUVRVing]

I just looked around online and found some on eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/like/272255611980?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true So I assume that if they're being sold, it's possible to put them on? I would think that the rails would be a prerequisite for a rack, but there might be rails that you can buy that are part of a separate rack system. Not sure about that. But yes, I think it would be worth putting the rails on. I'd also call up your local Toyota dealership and ask if it's possible for them to put them on. Good luck!

[@GCLehman]

4Fatty4 Hi! I have a 2008 sport edition and I am so thankful that my roof racks came installed even though I don't use them all the time they do come in quite handy. So, I'd say yes, get them. Also, I'd talk to a dealership to at least talk to you about installing them. Toyota guys are usually pretty helpful and I've found that the pricing through a dealership for parts isn't that much different from other sources. 💕

[@ruthconlon574]

Great idea. I don’t have a roof rack to clamp it to but I’m going to try raising my hatchback and clipping tarp to that.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, that should work. Thanks for watching!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Open the vehicle door(s). Drape the tarp over the door(s), then close same. Won't be as high as if it were mounted from a roof rail. Should offer enough height to sit under it out of the sun or rain.

[@denisestoraceblaskovic707]

When it rains, does the water drip down on you?

[@jackiemacdonald7212]

Would something like this work on the roof for shade so the inside of my 1997 Chevy Blazer wont be so Hot, I'm a day sleeper. I work at midnight & it's hard to find shade, I dont sleep with the windows down ,but I I have 2 fans. 90 now in Southern Ca. Been in my Blazer for 6 years. Hot days are hard to sleep.

[@VoltisArt]

Yes, it will absolutely work. The tarp will both reflect and absorb the sun's direct heat, leaving only ambient (air) temperature affecting the outside of the vehicle.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Great, unless your such doesn't have roof rails. They were a $800 option. Maybe one could get a long tarp and stretch it from one side of the vehicle across s to the other. Perhaps one could add some kind of buffer to keep it off the roof directly. Beware high winds!

[@fabioicm7714]

That s smart.

[@shortandresourceful6242]

I use suction cups and s hooks instead magnets. Easier to apply with less potential for damage.

[@carlyshouse]

I thought of using short bungee cords to attach to the bar. My tarp is too wide, how would it work if I let it hang down one side a bit and added extra cords at the side?

[@SUVRVing]

I don't know how that would work. But another option if the tarp is too wide is to add a pipe or tube to the top of your vehicle like I do here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3bPh3ejr9Odnsk

[@killersushi99]

Keeping that car door nice and shaded.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, it works great for that.

[@micheledash7269]

I guess those plant poles that are tall would work. Dollar stores have them. Only about 5 foot. Maybe not sturdy enough. Will look for some ski poles.

[@SUVRVing]

I'm not familiar with those, so I don't know if they would work. Ski poles would work, but they'll probably be even shorter than 5 feet. There are poles made specifically for tarps, and those would work well. Thanks for watching.

[@cowboyscoffee]

Super

[@ratherbfishing455]

Could you put links to the tarp and poles. Thanks

[@SUVRVing]

For the poles, any pair of hiking poles (trekking poles) or tarp poles will work. Here's the tarp: www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Products-Backpacker-s-Tarp-Blue/36547567

[@basuragone384]

Been trying to figure out how to create this with a Civic with a bare moon roof (no railing/crossbars). Any ideas? Goal is to create a small, shaded space to work on my laptop with small table OUTSIDE of the car (since no space with pet inside). I already bring hiking poles and tarp on cycling live-in road trips and love your idea using those in the setup, but I don't have railing to clamp a tarp on the side. One idea: take a small retractable screen (the sort that larger 4X4s have installed on the side), tape/glue a larger, very strong magnet to the BOTTOM part of that screen unit (since I don't have railing for side mounting), then stick the opposing magnet to the roof of the car inside to hold the unit enough so that it won't move when I pull out the screen on the side. Take unit down and store in trunk when not in used. Do you have a more economical idea? Maybe mount a large piece of tarp with a strong magnet on each end on top of the car outside (like how you hold up mosquito net by sticking magnets to frame in your other video). Thx in advance.

[@VoltisArt]

A couple of heavy magnets will hold a basic tarp down directly to the vehicle, nothing extra required...maybe some kind of padding to protect the paint job. (Also takes up less trunk space than a retractable device.) As for magnets inside, there's really no need as long as your car's roof is steel. If you really need the retractable, you may be able to pull with one hand and support with the other. Magnets inside your cabin won't be close enough to help, and safely disassembling to get inside the roof is an expert-level task on modern vehicles. (Airbags and other system features run through the frame and panels.)

[@basuragone384]

@@VoltisArt Thanks. Since the time I've posted my comment, I have indeed figured out and tried the tarp with strong magnet method but I haven't found a good method to stand the poles up when there is no grass or soft ground around. It might seem like an improbable scenario but in urban areas, finding land to stake down is no easy task. I wanted to figure out a way to handle situations where I could still create shades for me and pet, set up my table, and work on my laptop outside of the car even when all I have is a parking lot/cement ground. Neso tent was my solution at the end. I could weigh down the corners with rocks on land or sand on beach. It's portable and super light. Problem solved.

[@Alien2799]

I think that 5 by 7 might be a little small for 2 people?

[@ontheroad684]

where on earth does one find that type of clip??

[@ratherbfishing455]

Do you remember the brand of the tarp. My Walmart doesn't carry it anymore. Wasn't it. more like a smooth material and not woven like a traditional tarp? Thanks!

[@SUVRVing]

Yes, it's smooth. Search on Walmart.com for "Outdoor Products Nylon Backpackers Tarp" and you'll find it.

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@SUVRVing Thanks! I found it.

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@mrpeace7708]

How would you go about doing this if there was only solid concrete (no grass or dirt)?

[@SUVRVing]

Sorry, but I'm not sure. Probably use PVC pipe to make a rigid "frame" for the awning and then prop that up with legs/poles of some sort.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Tie guy-lines to 5 gal buckets filled with water, sand, rocks -- whatever is available. Have seen several types of containers from cat litter buckets to large laundry detergent bottles used to help hold down awnings/tarps where anchoring to tent stakes can't be done.