The $60 DIY Awning I built for my Subaru Forester

[@PrithwirajGhoshRoy]

So I did build myself a version of this awning and it was close to $60. The Locking rings were definitely more expensive than what you got. Other than that everything else seemed pretty on point. Few pointers for anyone else who wants to build. 1. Use 2X paint on the PVC it will hold. I tried using something random old stuff I had laying around and it got messed up. I had to re paint the whole thing. 2. Tape off your ends before painting or else you can’t put the caps back on. The additional layer of paint becomes an issue. Also sand both ends and inside the cap for smooth closing. 3. Make all jokes atleast 1/8” larger than pin. 4. Aligning the holes will be an issue so keep that in mind. 5. Set up time is not like one of the store bought awnings. This takes atleast 10-15 minutes to set up. Which I believe will improve with use. Thanks again awesome stuff can’t wait to use it.

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice, happy to hear you made this work! These are *excellent* tips. In fact I've pinned your comment to the top to ensure more people see it. :-) I painted mine with the caps in place to keep the joints clean. I've had to retouch it many times due to branches etc scraping paint off. The holes alignment definitely requires carefully thinking through, and even so, I had to mark up conduit outriggers marked to ensure I extend the right one in each direction and get the holes facing the proper direction. Setup is definitely slower than a real awning but once you've done it a lot it gets much faster...I've got it down to about five minutes. :-)

[@PrithwirajGhoshRoy]

Am gonna take it out to the beach sometime next week I think will be able to say how well this set up works is slightly higher winds compared to wilderness setup.

[@premierpowerwashing6634]

@@PrithwirajGhoshRoy Hey! How did the awning hold up in the wind at the beach?

[@PrithwirajGhoshRoy]

Google Review it didn’t. The winds were too harsh for the awning to stay in place so I decided to take it down instead of tearing it up. Will have to try it out in more of a wooded area I guess.

[@premierpowerwashing6634]

@@PrithwirajGhoshRoy I'm mainly going to be using mine for the beach. Winds are typically light to 10 mph. Think it will hold up? I might reinforce it with conduit running horizontal on the sides.

[@stevbarto]

I'm sitting here trying to add up in my head how many times you could have something rip or break and replace it before you even come close to the price of a "nice" vehicle awning. I really like this design. I feel like overlanding has become kind of commercial, most channels make you feel like you need a tacoma or a jeep, then thousands of dollars of "overlanding gear" on top. I'll never get to that level because the price makes me dizzy.

[@20DYNAMITE06]

If you suspect you were going to encounter bad weather on your trip, adding one more longer telescoping pole with a tennis ball over one end, and propping it up in the middle would be a simple way to add some pitch to the roof to prevent sag from snow or improve rain runoff. But in truth, your design is pretty much perfect as is!

[@softroadingthewest]

That's an excellent idea. On the one rainy trip I had, I made the outer legs shorter and staked out an extra guy line to the center grommet to create a valley to drain off the rain, and that kept it from accumulating puddles, but the downside was that it made the tarp lower along one side and effectively reduced the usable space underneath. A center pole creating a high point is a great idea to shed precipitation while maintaining full height - thanks!

[@richardsmith5249]

Rather than shortening the legs, you could move the bottom ends of the legs outwards, so you could lower the edge of the tarp enough for runoff, but not inconveniently low. Depends on how much runoff you need. Probably wouldn't be so practical with snow.

[@Taeerom]

If you in stead lower (or remove, of you have a large enough tarp) one leg, you can still keep height as well as get the required sloping for rain or snow fall off.

[@urby5633]

Just wondered if the wind caught and flapped the tarp around would this not move the middle pole and would it not fall out if not secured???

[@niptacular]

Made this for my Subaru Ascent. I was on a trip with my Son, realized we didn’t have enough shade, and remembered you made this video. Quick trip to a hardware store on our route, a few hours of labor, and we’re golden! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@ArkansasOffroad]

Finally. An awesome DIY awning that is actually simple enough to use. Thanks!

[@jamesharper855]

Great vid. We build a very similar awning for our porch at Burning Man every year. All of our PVC, rope and hardware are a few sizes larger to withstand the occasional dust storm with 90mph winds. We arch the front of the porch like an old Quonset hut. This helps to be a little more aerodynamic and less like a wing, gives better uv protection early and late in the day, flexes more and most importantly looks cool! We first messure out floor plan and use a hammer drill to put 2' rebar into the Playa about 18". The PVC slide over the rebar. It really works great because it flexes fantastically under extreme conditions. Then we stake additional rebar to tie down to. We've been using the same PVC for 12+ years now with no issue. Love the stuff! Just don't forget to bring some tennis balls or something to cover the rebar sticking out.

[@lsc66416]

I have only just discovered this channel, and I'm loving it! I love the humour and that you give credit to others who inspired your own journey.

[@patriotcustombaits614]

DUDE! I have been designing one of these in my mind for about a year now. Thank you so much for the video, you have filled in the missing pieces.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, happy to help! This went through a number of versions on paper before I finally ended up at this design. It continues to work well for me. Thanks for watching!

[@dgas71]

Nice awning! I've seen a few of these diy videos and I like how you keep it simple and easy to set up. The nesting of the poles is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@dgas71]

@softroadingthewest I finished buying the materials to build my awning for a camping trip next week and I'm looking forward to the finished product. I found that the cost of conduit is a bit higher here in Canada (...at least where I live). I managed to save a bit on the tarp and some telescoping tent poles. Did you cut the metal conduit a bit shorter than the schedule 40 to allow for the end pins?

[@Platypusbear943]

This is so epic on so many levels, I love it, you guys are fantastic. ❤️

[@MauroMarzorati]

Completed this over the weekend. It took me three tries/prototypes to modify it to fit my vehicle, because I wanted it biased forward rather than centered, due to the shape of the hatch door. First attempt was a 2-member configuration with 6-ft segments of 1/2 and 3/4, both conduits. The inner bent/kinked at the joint due to rigidity. Scrap that. Retry with outer of PVC. Too floppy having 4-ft cantilever with just 2-ft inside the PVC. Next attempt as described 3-member 5-ft segments. Too floppy still having the conduits independent inside the PVC housing. Third and final 3-member but with 6-ft segments. Rear outrigger telescopes just 16-in out and the front telescopes 32-in giving a 24-in overlap of the conduits inside the PVC housing for added rigidity/stability.

[@softroadingthewest]

Glad you found a configuration that worked for you!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I’ve been designing and redesigning one for my truck and now have the missing piece thanks to you. Great video Cheers mate and happy trails

[@drewneel6716]

Thank you for making this, it gave me a great starting point to make one for my outback

[@thiamata5346]

This is what we did...we bought a 6x8 heavy duty tarp, and a 8x10 heavy duty tarp. We have a 2015 Chevy Silverado with a Snugtop topper. My husband bought some high quality commercial velcro from HD a little pricey, so we put one long strip and a little bit the full length of the top on drivers side and we put the same on length on the passenger side, depending what side we want to relax on and a short length on the tailgate side to have the 6x8 for cooking. Then we bought some adjustable Poles that extend to 8', I bought 2 sets. It's easy peasy, easy to store and carry. We have shade!

[@stujd1539]

For my 2005 Outback, I started with a Dune Quickstop awning which was great but not that good for longer durations. I brought a 4m length of 40mm square aluminium tube and custom made a couple of brackets to mount the tube on the roof rails, along the length of the car, a few plastic hooks from a marine chandler to hook the main tarp to the bar, a bag of tent poles and ropes from the local reuse shop, a couple of cheap 4m x 3m and 3m x 2m poly tarps and a DIY eyelet kit from the local hardware store. The small tarp is for the side nearest the rear of the car and the large one for overhead, both joined using toggles and small loops of shock cord through extra holes made using the grommet kit. Takes 5 minutes to set up and makes multiple nights out camping in any weather a joy. I use a 12v 5m LED strip hung across the front for lighting. With a camp fire just off to the side I can sit under the awning in any weather and still enjoy a campfire and the great outdoors.

[@softroadingthewest]

That sounds like an awesome setup!

[@bingolicious3391]

OK, that start caught me off guard, haha! Great job!

[@premierpowerwashing6634]

Yes! As always awesome video. Very informative and plan on making one similar for my lifted Sonata haha.

[@mikemcray5144]

Great design! Gonna build that for my '04 Forester in the coming weeks for our holidays, cant wait to put it to the test!

[@riverrat1149]

Loving your DIY. I built one years ago that came off the rear over the open hatch and folded down on the sides forming walls. That was my old ea81.

[@sherrymuzykazekestravels6793]

Cool! Love how easy your design is!

[@haiyanqu698]

Thanks so much, this design is very smart, and your instruction is clear and easy to follow, much appreciated!!

[@munstergeo7417]

Awesome. The simplest ideas are usually the best. I'd not have done anything differently. I have a commercially produced, roll out (winds in and out using a long cranked handle) awning on my RV and it suffers in windy conditions too. I'm certain that they all do. I'll definitely be adopting this version for use with my car. Thanks for sharing in an informative and entertaining way.

[@robertwest4299]

Lol. First video I’ve seen of y’all’s (I was searching for diy car awning) and I had to say y’all’s intro was hilarious

[@joshuabrooks555]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.

[@dfros1957]

I think this is the best awning video I've seen yet. Thank you .😊

[@kogiekobayashi3421]

Thanks for sharing this, cost effective DYI project.

[@noemiseptier7101]

Awesome idea!👏

[@alvashoemaker8536]

ACTUALLY, I LOVE going to a hardware store; the assortment of "things" is, often, astounding; however, MANY are puzzling to me...THIS vid gave me practical ideas...YOUR awning's a great solution; THANKS for sharing...👍😁👣

[@johnsimpson8198]

Great idea man, deffinately worth the money!

[@davidenorth]

Just found your channel. Great sense of humor. You running through the trees made me chuckle. I use a similar setup off my 10x10 canopy at art shows. The awning gives my crew of 4-5 somewhere cooler to sit during breaks.

[@garywells3874]

Lucie looks like a great little helper. Nice set up.

[@MootsKLAdventure]

Man your stuff is great. You crack me up. I'm thinking I might have to try this out. Thanks!

[@brunoethier896]

Very ingenious way to make it extensible on both ends! I'll definitely consider this for a DIY trailer I'm planning.

[@danhohman]

Another great one Donald! The intro was perfect! That Lucie is a natural! Colin did a great job on the camera too. Very nice design and I enjoyed the suggestions in the comments too! You’re building a great community here!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Dan! We had fun with this and the feedback has been very interesting...it's given me a few ideas for improving my awning and hopefully can help other people develop an even better design.

[@gonnafish]

Nice work, thanks! Heading to Lowe’s for materials. Some have suggested extra holes and pins through the pvc. Instead of this which will just allow more rainwater into the pipe, I will carry nylon zip ties if I need them and then just nip them off at days end. Happy trails!

[@a.s.6365]

Great video. Well explained. Thank you.

[@AMITSINGH-gt9rs]

Its really helpful. And thank you. You saved my money!!

[@torreVs]

Simply clever solution

[@scottharris6423]

Very clever! I will use your ideas, since I am going to prep my van for overlanding. Thxs!

[@dmann1209]

Excellent intro, I had a good laugh. Excellent content, especially the parts selection.

[@deanoboland]

Great job on the video mate

[@algolemo5041]

I saw this after I was 80% complete with my own awning. I have 4' wide banner material that I sewed together to make 4' x 8- I folded all the edges and sewed about 4" from edge to create sleaves on all 4 sides- like a trampoline frame. I used plastic pvc in 4' lengths and only glued the couplers/elbows on on side of each length, it comes apart and stores as 4'.

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice! Sounds like a clever adaptation! It's been fun to see and hear about the various ways people have evolved and improved this.

[@codywhite]

This is really great. I will opt for suction cups on the car side since I am without a roof rack but the rest is great! Thanks

[@blahber222]

really helpful! thank u my dude

[@TheTattooedRonin]

Love this one good tips and its cool that your daughter helps you with these videos. Awesome job you two!!

[@benyiphoto]

Loved this idea. Basically copied it almost 100%. Worked perfectly. Thank you for ALL your great videos.

[@softroadingthewest]

That is awesome to hear!

[@tomtafola4518]

Fantastic video love it

[@flowrob6861]

Nice do , we used individual knotted loops for each grommet to keep fly tight to roof rack . Nasty weather gets 2x4x4 " blocks with poles to create needed pitch .

[@m.l.3649]

Hi, could you help me better understand how you knotted loops through every grommet? I think I have a notion pictured but I have never really worked with roping or tarps much to be sure. Thanks in advance (^_^)

[@waaliwakki]

I've added pole center with tennis ball for rainy or snowy days, allows water run off and snow from building up. Great yawning dude!

[@melstill]

Kudos for making your own. I can't figure out why to spend more then that on a camping awning. It's so simple why make it expensive.

[@wunderbratsche]

Fantastic! I'm now fairly confident I can build one even with my limited skills. Thanks, man!

[@floridaoverlandexplorer3896]

Great innovative setup. Kudos!

[@rrouhayem]

Great video and setup, If I may add, you could use a 3rd pin to secure for the hole in the middle of the tarp to the pvc pipe. This will give you extra protection near the car in rainy weather I like the idea from the comments of using a 3rd pole and tennis ball in the middle of the tarp to hold it up in bad weather

[@hootsmagoon]

Instead of another pin, just use a ball bungee cord to loop around the pvc pipe and the middle hole in the tarp.

[@sketch2620]

@@hootsmagoon or Velcro

[@Billy28376]

You are a genius by way of necessity. See a problem fix a problem. If it works it ain’t stupid. Good work.

[@istp1967]

Beauty in Simplicity 😎

[@marcusmaurice6696]

Definitely like this design. I've been kicking around the idea myself.

[@marcusmaurice6696]

I finally built it. I like it

[@grn9209]

I created one for my Tahoe taking ideas from some of the same videos👍🏼. Works great!

[@pf465]

This is awesome!!!

[@ashumilov160]

Great idea! I wanna do the same for a long time. And now I can finish it with you help 😁 Thanks 🤝

[@kentmooney54]

Awesome video buddy

[@officialWWM]

Entertaining and educational 😊

[@elgoogsucks9005]

Very nice, thanks for sharing

[@Manoffire260]

Great video! I do very similar, but have a smaller tarp on my roof and hooked to the awning, acts to cover the “gap” from the roof rack AND it sheds a lot more water. It’s kinda like a big shingle. I also have a center clip stretching the bigger tarp. I just put whatever is available to weigh the rest down on the roof...

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Innovative 👍

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jason!

[@Charsept]

Definitely gave me some ideas.

[@51249ca]

Like the thought process and execution

[@MarcoACasco]

Nice job man !!!!!!!!!!!! Will make my own, just great, thanks !!!!

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Thanks for the shout out Donald! I’ve become lazy, I now bring an easy up with me. Setting it up is so... well... easy. The key to transporting it is using a hitch cargo basket. I like how I can set it up at camp, go on an excursion and then return back to it 😃

[@softroadingthewest]

That's an *entirely* legitimate solution IMO and in fact I looked at them and seriously considered that option when I was researching how to build my awning...like, why am I going through the trouble when I could just buy this for not much more and be done with it? At the time I didn't even think about the convenience of being able to drive away from camp and come back with it still set up...that's a pretty big plus. Space is just too much of a factor for me though to transport that when I'm loaded for camping. I wouldn't call it lazy...you've got a fast & easy shelter solution, I would call that "smart."

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

softroadingthewest look into the hitch cargo baskets. They one I have I purchased at Walmart for $59. It tilts 45 degrees so it doesn’t affect my departure angle much. Actually, during my entire 5 day Utah trip with Sandra, Liana and Gabe I had it attached to my FXT. I also used it on my 5 day trip to Arizona and also had it attached the whole trip. I haven’t run into any snags.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

softroadingthewest to add, the hitch cargo basket now opens up so many cargo opportunities. It’s great for carry around wet and dirty gear. Add a $50 cargo bag and you can now store a bunch of smaller items. The best part is that the basket is at the rear of the vehicle and the wind drag is minimal.

[@softroadingthewest]

Definitely not happening for me. The back of my car is my kitchen. I've got too much weight in my saggy rear already anyway...might be time to look at some springs upgrades.

[@user-es2rj2mj8y]

Nicely done!

[@crv20051]

I am watching this again post your change to the Frontier. The opening still made me laugh and I miss seeing you in the Rubasu, but thanks for posting this and look forward to your ongoing Frontier updates.

[@TheAdventureZombie]

Great idea, I like how compact you made it.

[@dougfam4477]

Love the DIY!

[@rjgualberto]

so cool! thanks for sharing!

[@estherchoe2580]

Thank you for showing this.

[@craigwiddison4118]

Good idea! Thanks! You just saved me $$$

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

I like that awning. I am always looking for the less expensive way of Overlanding. Thank you for the video.

[@veronica0406]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@ScullyBrewing]

I did a similar project on my suburban and eventually did it on both sides with additional holes drilled so that i can also throw a third tarp over the rear, tied to both side poles. Complete coverage

[@ScullyBrewing]

You can save even more money buying used tarps at an army surplus store

[@norvinluna]

I used your video to set up a awning on my jeep renegade, it's 12'x12' works great rain or shine so far. Lots of room for activities.

[@johnbarack9440]

Thank you! You must have been a farmer in a previous life. -- Creativity born of necessity and the ability to see things free of the constraints of normal usage. As an FYI I hope will be useful sometime: There are "heavy duty" wire ties with a tab that allows them to release. Use them then reuse them. Run one through the center grommet and around the PVC mount. Afterwards leave it attached to the grommet until the next time. Thank you again!

[@vibewilson]

super cool!😎

[@wanderfullife4.068]

Thanks so much. Going to do something similar for my excursion!

[@wanderfullife4.068]

So I made a version of this with heavy duty magnetic carabiners tent tarp and poles. Total cost was $40. Thanks for the video. Now working on my DIY roof deck:)

[@dougsfan9984]

Well done!!!

[@carmusic1981]

Yes You So Inspiring. could wait to make my own awning, thanks

[@garyaanderson214]

Great economical build.Whenever I use tarps and lines I use the old taut line hitch knot.Look it up the boy scouts use this.It is an adjustable sliding knot that you can add more tension to the tarp as the sun wind etc stretches tarp.Very easy to add a bit more tension as needed.

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh that's a great tip! I'm terrible with knots in general and my brief time in the boy scouts was not terribly helpful or informative, heh. :-)

[@lilyh7712]

You're like the MacGyver for this era! Kudos on your innovative design! (Subbed)

[@haakonnilssen7151]

Good videos I like that forester also , good care

[@zman92630]

Nice, economical setup!

[@ayost62]

I did something close to the same but used big suction cups that stick to the vehicle and found collapsing poles on amazon. I use glow in the dark para cord so it helps with visible at night also I would attach glow sticks to the tie lines to help. My son was running around and clothes lined him self with the tag line and it still held up. Another thing to carry is ratchet straps you can hook in the holes and tie the trap to a tree and pull it tight that way to.

[@softroadingthewest]

Tying to trees is a great idea! I'm usually camped near trees and could probably do that some of the time instead of the vertical poles.

[@ayost62]

@@softroadingthewest it works out really good so that way if you are camping for a few days you can just leave the awning up. Also you can combine more tarps to make a super awning lol.

[@idahoverland_208]

Andrew I almost went with the suction cup too, but really wanted a larger tarp and needed an outrigger to maintain height to walk under it rather than have one corner stuck to my window or hood. In the end I will re-use my extending pole saw pole instead of PVC and conduit. I think Wanderlost Overland also used a pole like that too. I still may order a suction cup to add more versatility now that I know it works for you.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Great money safer, did mine as well, with a bit sturdier poles and double corner pegs Thanks for sharing!

[@RangaPirate]

Sweet job. Nice work. In addition, you could add a 3rd clip-pin (and hole) to the centre eyelet to help displace some load on the end eyelets.

[@lonedog6687]

I would like to see you add 2 more grommet holes to your tarp at the points where you already have the pins at the end of the pvc... I also like the suggestion previously made regarding a floating pole to create a high spot for run off. Nice video, great ideas !

[@reypasco5721]

I knew it will work... I'll assemble mine this weekend

[@youshldstfu877]

Great job. Thank you

[@jenniferressmannwriter]

Lol... Its fun to see him find stuff he actually wants to buy!

[@nate-beard]

Haha, we're neighbors! Maybe you'll see a similar awning on my 4runner in a couple weeks parked at W.M. Thanks for the great vid!

[@uol1051]

Made similar awning with old 225 sf ripstop spinaker. Bright red, and sporting a number, but free. The cut lends itself to a center pole/tennis ball also.

[@softroadingthewest]

Free is the best! Great idea!

[@MarmaladeOutdoors]

I’m a new subscriber and am really enjoying catching up on your videos and learning. I liked this idea but am going with two strong suction cups that have hooks that the grommets fit onto. I don’t have the roof rack you have and this keeps me from having to buy and build that pole system and it can be transferred to any type of car or van. I have a small suv so going to buy a 6’ x 8’ tarp and two painter type extendable poles that have a point at the ends that will also fit in the grommet holes then of course just stake them out. Keep up the great work and I’m learning a lot planning for my own car camping set up.

[@softroadingthewest]

That's a great idea!

[@David-ki6jq]

Thanks for the great ideas. I might have to beef up the design a little to cope with the howling wind and rain we have in the UK ☔