Using a Tarp as an Awning | Living in a Van

[@kevinlamarr1424]

That’s what I had been thinking of doing on my 84 Winnebago chieftain project. I also want to put it over the top with “spacers “ under to keep it cooler inside.

[@cleverblonde4406]

Hey team. That was great. The point about threading ropes though all the croments valuable. Jamie, you have a lot of knowledge and it lovely how you share it. Like the good old days... My Dad and myself are like you with lots of good knowledge over a range of things. Pre drilling holes for pegs- brilliant. Many time I could have used that idea. Once camped with tents in a country town on what used to be a bitumen car park. I was pretty cranky that day!!!

[@nncoco]

I have a black van and desert camp mostly. Tarps are critical for comfort. I tie tarps and Aluminet together and cover as much surface on the van that I can. Even over the windows and down the hood. I99 cent store blow up pool toys are used \ to make buffer spaces which increases their effectiveness by several times.

[@joniconti9234]

Great idea of rebar and pvc for poles ....I bought a store bought but the wind twisted and destroyed it so was a waste of money this a much better idea, Tks so much !

[@mountaintruth1]

nice job, i had a 20 by 20 off the side of my ford 250 (custom welded) and a large metal cookbox in the middle on a stand. bow shaped riser for the tarp that crowned it . hanging water bottles on the walls 1gal. held up to high wind and shed snow great. it was a project i loved.. several men i know are glad to be alive camping in the Gila wilderness @8k. 20 years later still a damn good idea. good post

[@tectec2589]

Very nice. I really like the tip on sliding pvc tube over a rebar stake 2:18. Clever.

[@cybersecretary]

thanks Jamie. I watched this awhile ago. Now I want to DIY a tarp. Good tip on the heavy tarp

[@jiniefox6126]

Great vid, packed full of useful info, thank you

[@JellyrollHorton]

I really admire ingenuity like this. Nice job!

[@randyautrand5950]

Love the Awning. Thanks for video. I also am a Motorcycle Junkie. Gotta have my Moto!!!!!

[@cleverblonde4406]

Twisting the ropes great idea too. Shame so many young people don't get taught these basic skills any more

[@marcusjaxson4920]

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[@walkerelliott7168]

@Marcus Jaxson Instablaster :)

[@marcusjaxson4920]

@Walker Elliott i really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@marcusjaxson4920]

@Walker Elliott It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account :D

[@walkerelliott7168]

@Marcus Jaxson You are welcome xD

[@AlexFoster1454]

Your videos are so amazing, I love to see other peoples set ups. Very good ideals, keep 'em coming!!!

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Thanks Rebecca! More on the way!!

[@marklanger9846]

Thanks, didn't know about brown down, shiny side up 😁. All I have for now is the blue tarp. They were given to me, so I'll use it till I get the shiny/brown. Thanks for sharing

[@mrequi1]

Thanks, great video. I'm glad you told us that's a solar shower. For a minute, I thought it looked like an enema bag. 😅

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Oh, I have that too.

[@brianfindsall]

great idea, i like it..those steel peg hold downs. i use those spiral stakes that you put in the garden to tie your dog to. they hold my large gazebo down really well..just screw them in to the ground all the way and they are a real good anchor point..great for tent peges to..better than a straight peg any day...just a thought to improve on a great idea

[@HarryBalsak]

I use them to hold my tiki torches too

[@tx2sturgis]

Now here's a guy with the right idea, MOTORCYCLES! And oh yeah, sun sails, available on Amazon and other places, make really nice van awnings. They are somewhat stretchy and reinforced along the edges, have D-rings for anchoring, and are almost silent in the wind.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

+tx2sturgis Great tip! And oh yea! I love motorcycles. That will never change! ~James

[@nncoco]

I like your rigging design and use of rebar stakes over poles. Fewer poles is good. I like having a small quick tarp solution that uses no poles or uses just tent poles for parking lots and city places where a regular awnings or tarps are prohibited. It's right in the municipal codes around here. No awnings.

[@robertpersely1722]

Some great knowledge, not some hipster trying to tell buy a $500 truck awning.

[@timothythomas1345]

brother you are living the dream . I when last looking to buy another vehicle . I wanted a van and from my past I knew of the GM v6 to be a reliable and fairly good on gas mileage . Having had experience with astro type vans and such . My wife on the other hand wanted an SUV .Which took me towards the Jeep Cherokee xj . All of the choices are of course used . I scavenged waiting for refund time . Finally relenting to her will I went for the XJ . I remember always hearing good things about the 4.0 liter straight 6 . After a little research I I realised I heard right . I recently made a roof rack for it and have a plethora of ideas for camping shelter etc . I never dreamed the cherokee could be as versatile as it is . Although I still long for an astro style van. if for nothing the additional space . With the roof rack I can find a mattress to fit it maybe a heavy gauge rubber air mattress mount poles on corners. using tie downs for night shelter . And coming off the side for canopy shade as well as the back lift up door . I could only wish to have the balls to hit the road and live free . Getting older and stuck in my ways AT TIMES SUCKS . I used to go where ever the wind blew at a moments notice with out reservations .

[@bigmac3006]

Great video!

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@scotchbonnet23]

You guys could use a white tarp. I've got one behind the truck seat. If it's still there next time we meet up, it's yours for the taking.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

scotchbonnet23 Right on, Thanks bro!

[@brucehalleran1149]

White is light but cool. Doesn't absorb the infrared so the tarp itself stays cooler. Light underneath makes it feel more spacious and better for reading and working.

[@crepella4]

Very resourceful. Terrific info. Thanks! :)

[@kellysheridan4064]

Thank you for this link ! Good to know !

[@LaughingblueSu]

Very informative video. Two thumbs up Thank you

[@garywray6081]

Great video Jamie. I like to consider myself an Old Tarp Master as well. I would never shell out big money for an expensive awning just because they’re easy to set up. Tarps are so inexpensive by comparison and so much more versatile. A regular awning won’t have a short side wall for extra sun protection where you need it most. The people that are new to the lifestyle need to know these things. The only tips you could have added were how to pull out the stakes. That can get tough. I always carry a big pair of slip joint pliers. Those beasts that you use may need vise grips. LOL!

[@roshco477]

Liking the pvc poles, I'm considering getting two different sizes of waste pipe and sliding one inside the other, then it's just a case of drilling some holes through the pipes at the selected heights and shoving a pin through them. This will make them easier to transport/store.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

+rosh co If you know your length. Maybe consider cutting them in half and gluing a couple on one side? ~James

[@LindaWolfe20]

That works good info thanks...

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

nice set up. I've been listening to all your interviews wondering what your set might look like. I'm sure you have toured you van before but I havnt been around a long time yet so I'm still looking and watching. thanks

[@JoansJunkJournalsAndMore]

This is the best looking awning I have seen. Sure would love to see a video of it being set up however. So far just doing short trips in my mini van but one day hope to go full time maybe in a high top van with a little more length.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Thanks Joan! I live in a school bus now days and rarely set up a tarp like this anymore, but that exact set up will hold up through very heavy winds and was developed over a lot of practice. Enjoy life on the road! Jaime

[@JaniceMetcalf]

great vid, next time would love to watch the actual set up... I'm not very handy so actually seeing getting it done helps me understand better. Either way, look forward to more, love the camper tours too!

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Janice Metcalf Thanks Janice! Are you thinking of living full time in a Van or something close? What would you (And everyone) Like to see more videos of?

[@JaniceMetcalf]

I'm thinking I do. I've recently discovered this lifestyle via KZbin and I'm seriously considering it. I've actually started a lil savings towards a conversion van (I think that's the route I'm considering of going). Personally I would love more of your interviews with other young solo women or pet owner van dwellers (I have 2 small pups), any advice on what to look for when purchasing a used older vehicle (specially for those of us mechanically challenged). But really keep doing what you're doing, enjoyed watching :)

[@JaniceMetcalf]

and as I've been watching more videos, I realize its inevitable to make many runs to the auto store. I'm wondering are there any rewards program or more helpful attendants for any of the major stores and if so which ones are the ones most recommended.

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Janice Metcalf Ok, cool. We have two little pups ourselves. I'll have Kyndal do a vid on good stuff to know. Also, about auto stores. Pep boys has rewards (They all probably do) and is good online with online-to-store purchase discounts and advanceautoparts[dot]com has a great online interface that let's you enter the vehicle you will own and select only the correct parts. I use both, Also buy tires from a place that will have stores in the areas you plan to travel and get the road hazard insurance. We used Big O, but Walmart would also be good. They're EVERYWHERE!!! Hope that helps!

[@JaniceMetcalf]

awesome! thanks! :)

[@larryrootz4855]

Great video

[@TeresaAlley]

great tips! thanks for sharing

[@clownpocket]

Good info. Didn't quite see how you attached to the van.

[@charlescain7962]

Look close, bungee cords going to the roof racks.

[@Gondolin1983]

This was very helpful; thank you!

[@kodeywhitewolf8528]

Great info Good ideas

[@RonRay]

Guys... How in the world do y'all get all that stuff in that Astro mini-van!? I see motorcycles, cooking gear, coolers, seats, you, Kyndal, the dogs, etc., etc.. I kept looking for a LARGE trailer (maybe even a semi ;), but didn't see one. What's you secret?

[@enigmaticnomadics]

RonRay, some goes on a roof rack and they do pull a small trailer. Bob

[@RonRay]

Thanks, Bob. I hate to be nosy, but some times you just have to ask. I would like to see a video of "their" situation... like the ones they (and you) make of other people's vans and lifestyles. I've seen plenty of "minimalist" camper's styles; I would like to see their "embellished" style. :)))) But seriously, 'THAT' is the way I would love to do it!

[@RaisingHellAgain]

I like this video and set up, I have a question could you make a video on the A frame pop up campers, one with the shower/bathroom please?

[@maryfrady7149]

Slim Potatohead has lots of videos and at least 2 on shower set ups in his Aliner. I love his videos!

[@stringbender57]

Ah-ha! Twist the straps to avoid vibrating in the wind, thus eliminating noises....good idea! It is good to know that there are tarps available at Home Depot that are silver on one side to reflect the sun. I can see that the awning adds nice, additional living space to your portable home. Good video....that's it....turn off the camera....lol!

[@enigmaticnomadics]

That James is one smart cookie stringbender57. Bob

[@Frantic618]

Yes, they're great to keep the sun off, but they're also great to keep the RAIN off, esp when you're in a van.

[@noviceprepper5397]

very helpful, thank you

[@noeleenfalkner4557]

Hi thanks for posting. I live in a cottage from USA living in New Zealand. my windows flooded and were blocked. I have cleaned them and now i want to put up what you have done. How can i attach part of a tarpaulin on the window frame? Any suggestions would be very benefical

[@enigmaticnomadics]

C clamp?

[@decarlis]

Great video! a few questions: 1) how do you connect the rebar stakes to the pvc pipe...outside of just sitting them on top of the stakes once they're hammered in Enigmatic Nomadics 2) what length and width is the rebar? 3) how did you connect the tarp to the top of the pvc pipes, outside of just hooking them to the edge? Thanks!

[@enigmaticnomadics]

+decarlis The rebar stakes have metal rings welded to them. They are about a foot long. It's very important to connect the tarp in a way that allows for flexing. We use ball bungees, not shown at the time the vid was made. Hope that helps.

[@VantasticOdyssey]

Thanks good tips

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌❤️🇨🇦, gr8 stuff, thanks

[@totallyleftfield]

lots of great info thanks =D

[@TheTanyawolfram]

Great video - thanks for sharing! Any idea how I could attached the straps to my van if I don't have a roof rack? I was considering magnets but am not sure those would be able to stand the wind, plus they're fairly pricey. Suggestions appreciated!

[@richardmann5674]

have you come up with anything yet? I installed "eye bolts" in my van (back when I was doing the van dwelling thing.)

[@markbolster7876]

I'm planning on building my awning this spring on my van that doesn't have a roof rack. My plan is to purchase 125lb test stainless magnets from Amazon that have the capability of a bolt standing up through a center hole. I'll then use a combo of wing nuts, washers, hooks, or whatever else I can conjure up to clip the tarp to the van. Probably will use adjustable aluminum paint poles and ratchet straps to anchor the other end.

[@TinyLiving]

Heavy duty suction tarps with loop rings & caribeners!!!

[@cigarcaptain]

Got some good tips from yur vid. thanks

[@popatop75]

how do you get the rebar stake back out if you don't have the ring on it? just a straight piece of rebar? thanks

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Bang on it back and forth or drill right beside it.

[@timothythomas1345]

I live in florida . And thus I have no desert . I can only dream of the wide open freedom of the desert . Here in west central FL the population has risen to the point that a man can't take a leak out side without peering eyes . . One would be hard pressed in this area to find a place wherein you cant either or see and or hear others . And being a firearms enthusiast . Believe in the God given right of one's human right to protect then selves and their family . I would love to be able to go to the desert to train - practice . Although here it is indoor ranges as the population explosion dictates . People have tried to no avail to open outdoor gun ranges in this area . The people who move here from all over but predominantly from the northeast and canada . Are thought by their State Masters that Guns them selves are dangerous and the surf's aka peasants shouldn't be allowed to own firearms what sever . Only the All Powerful State . People will regret a US with out the last line of freedoms defence . Or an armless society in which other inanimate objects will be banned and countless edicts are passed upon the peasants until the populus is strangled .

[@threeicys]

If the pvc pipes are one solid piece each how are they stored in a van?

[@enigmaticnomadics]

I used to carry them on the motorcycle rack!

[@parrotsailor8220]

how do u store 7 foot poles?

[@enigmaticnomadics]

Parrot Sailor We used to strap them to the luggage rack on the roof, now we just strap them to the motorcycle hitch.

[@stevejeffrey11]

B e a u t y

[@larryrootz3700]

Great video