Van Life: Beat The Heat With A $50 DIY Awning

#vanlife, #diy, #rv, #gloriouslifeonwheels
One io the most challenging things to deal with in van life is how to stay cool in the sweltering summer heat. There are expensive a/c units if you can afford one, but they take lots if power to run which is not always available if you are a nomad. Those beautiful electric awnings are certainly good to look ar but with everyone being on a budget these days whether.you are a nomad, solo female rver, or living in a traditional sticks.and.bricks the $1000 and upnprices are simply not a practical solution for most.. So, I called in Tim from
MoBang FoYoBucks KZbin channel and as usual he came.up with a budget friendly way to solve the problem for $50 or less. Tim shows how to make a DIY awning that will create a shaded outdoor space as well as help keep the inside of your rig cooler. Let me know in the comments if this is something you would try.

[@julestheagent3932]

MO BANG👍👍

[@OhHapppyDaay]

Tim is one of my favorite vanlife personalities 😍

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

He is a big favorite of a lot of folks, me included 🙂

[@blucollar8121]

Tim does it again 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾💯🇺🇸

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

He dies indeed. Everytime!!!

[@lisaroth7526]

I always appreciate Tim's inventiveness. Thanks to you Carol, as well, for filming this and showing us how it works. I'll be doing something like this come winter!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I am going to use this the next time I am on the road where I have dirt underneath for sure!!

[@davidm1599]

Knot on the paracord- The Boy Scouts have a knot they call a "taut line hitch" that works like that. An easy knot to make,

[@OhHapppyDaay]

Thanks

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

It may be easy for you David, not for me. But I will look it up niw that you provided the name if it and try to get the hang if it. If not there's always Tim🤣

[@vetburnerchick]

Hi Carol, I enjoyed this video, I like Tim. Anytime he’s on I like to watch. He knows how to fix and create on a budget.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

If you want to figure out how to fill a need on the cheap Tim is the guy to do it!!

[@grannyonthego8752]

Love how inventive he is,

[@DiasFrugalLife]

Nice job Tim! 👍 taking notes 📝

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Or.you can catch up with Tim at a meetup🤣

[@tinalaplaca6638]

l think this is a very smart awning. You have great friends with great ideas.....l love it. Only smart people know how to invent smart products

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim can figure out how to do just about anything on a budget.

[@frannie7]

Tim is such a handy man.

[@lisad355]

Awesome!!!!!

[@jollymatilda5890]

Brilliant Tim! I love this. If I only use my minivan to camp, this will make a great shaded area where I can cook and hangout. Thank you so much Ms.Carol and Builder Tim. You two make a great film team. Tim shows how creative he is and demonstrates and Ms.Carol explains and asks all the right questions. Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤ I love that campsite Ms.Carol. it's absolutely beautiful. 😻

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

It really was a beautiful campsite. It had a great area for potlucks and night fireside chats too. I had been asking Tim about an inexpensive awning and of course he figured it out!!

[@judithwilliamshudson1744]

Tim is the jack of ALL trades😁

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

He really is!!!👷

[@linsweet2257]

wonderful idea thanks TIM

[@brianleonard6885]

O Tim you just helped so many .. thanks brother

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim always comes thru with cheap and functional solutions!!

[@annsuematthews]

I’m glad to see he’s in a bigger vehicle!!!👍🏽

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Me too🤣

[@simplymejourney998]

Tim, that’s a nice setup.

[@62WILDCAT]

AWESOME video Carol & Tim ! I'm still dreaming of NOMAD LIFE , even if just part time in the future ! You all are teaching me how , do it'll be easy to do Just gotta locate my affordable ,low mileage ,reasonable mpg , well cared for van with great tires & easy to drive in gravel roads !!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Part time really is a great option. Looking forward to hearing about the rig you eventually choose Carol

[@RoamingRuca]

Frugalista 👍🏼 I’m trying, or learning how, to be one too. Nowadays we have to. Great awning Mr. Tim and a great idea

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Frugalista. 🤣 I love that

[@craftytraveler9238]

That is pretty ingenious, Tim. I am sure lots of people would benifit from knowing about this awning .

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I know I am definitely going to make one!!!

[@menofairy]

What a great simple solution... As an old Girl Scout we used to make these as lean to covers.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Haha. I was a Campfire Girl☺️

[@pattierwin4380]

I totally wished I could have been there but my dad needed more care.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I wish you could have been there too. It was simply a blast. Maybe next time. In the mean time kudos to you for taking care of your dad.🥰

[@roadtriplover.]

Nice job, Tim! This awning is a great idea and such an easy design. I mean, anyone could put this together! I have a small travel trailer that has an awning, but Ive ofter thought Id like to have shad around the back end or the opposite side on super hot sunny days. This design would be perfect. I have one suggestion: instead of using dark colored tarps, find one that is silver on one side and dark on the other. This way, the silver side can face up on sunny days and reflect the hot sunshine away, thus keeping the underside a bit cooler. Reverse it on cool days to absorb the warmth you can get from the sun.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

That's a great idea using the different color tarp and even reflective👍I also think I'll use more than one diy awning to make it cooler in my van.🙂

[@suzy1750]

This is so clever. The only thing that I wonder is if keeping the hatchback door open will drain the battery?

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

That is a great question and something that occurred to me too. I think the solution is to disconnect the hatch light.

[@valerief1231]

That came together nicely, would be great if it’s raining!

[@GwenDeeful]

What a great DIY awning. Tim is the man!! Love the look and the price.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim is indeed the man🙂

[@jeniferfollis4495]

I don't have roof racks but I have magnets and I already have old tent poles that should work! Thank you Tim and Carol!

[@carlenegriffith9080]

Great idea.

[@l.a.v.alindysawesomevanadv3428]

Tim's the best.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Amen!!!

[@mimitravels710]

Nice awning idea!

[@freedomdove]

Tim is ingenious. Been subbed to his channel for a while now. 👍

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Whenever I have a van life problem I call Tim for a budget solution!!

[@widowswatch6610]

Love this guy!!!!!! Smart and clever and soooo neat and clean

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim is all that and more!!

[@OutdoorDashTravels]

Yay Carol!!!! Looks great!!!! 😉. Thanks BATman for the best hack for an awning!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I did it, I did it. Actually edited a video myself thanks to you Lisa. You are a great teacher!!

[@cc-camper-lady]

Looking good Tim! Your van looks very efficient too!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Check out the complete tour I will do jext week on Tim's brillant but simple build.

[@arcuda2001]

Tim, you are the best!!!! 😬😬😬👍👍👍👍 i got exhausted just watching you lolol i would need motorized 😂😂

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Haha. No motorized for Tim and Carol the Builders🤣🤣😍

[@arcuda2001]

@@MoBangFoYoBucks 😂😂😂😂he just keeps going and going and going...😬😬

[@paula...sister1of12]

This is a great idea. For those in the Arizona desert you could take it a step farther. Get the tarp longer and take it over the van and cover the windshield to block the sun.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

That is a great idea💡 Paula!!

[@adventurousspirit6628]

Great job Tim!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

You got to see it in person Pam. Wasn't that tarp.awning cool!!

[@adventurousspirit6628]

@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 it definitely was awesome. Now I have some ideas to make one for my Teardrop.

[@jackorchard1279]

Glow 2022 meet-up(?) at William Heist Park in Julian(??). My second video of yours and detail (the aforementioned) for example- is not available. Having Tim show how to tie the knot and a material list would have been helpful and perhaps where the items were purchased. In a good rain will the back of the van stay up? You have a lovely kind voice. I would like it if you asked the individual being interviewed for more detailed information that helps the beginner. Thank you

[@aprilbaxter2578]

Nice set-up!

[@sylviatorres8965]

Hello Carol, Tim did a great job 👏🏽 with just $50 Smart and affordable. Now you have shade and also protect from rain ☔️

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

It also helps to keep the inside of the van cooler. Just a great idea!!

[@PattisArtInnaVan]

Hey Tim! Thank you for another great informative video Carol

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Stay tuned for Tim's van tour!!

[@ChilledOut]

Thanks Tim for sharing your practical and resourceful ideas! You have a generous heart 😊

[@JustDoingChelle]

Great idea!

[@catblue6393]

I enjoy both of you. Good video. 👍🏼

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Thank you Cat🥰😍🥰

[@joannajanes2781]

Wow. Love this. Thanks Tim and Carol! 💙👍🏼 so clever xxx

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Glad you enjoyed the video Joanna. Tim has so many great ideas!!

[@beverlywillert6091]

😊👍💕

[@texasjaybird5237]

This is just what I need I have a 25-year-old high top Safari conversion van with no rack on it and I'm already using magnets to cover the exterior side windows with some older windshield covers that I got full on both sides they were new and slightly used and I paid $0.50 a piece for him and a thrift store. Magnets that I bought at harbor freight some of them have clips on them I use those at the top to suspend it and use the heavier rectangular magnets on the sides and across the bottom. I haven't tried this in a high wind however here in South Alabama it's extremely hot in the summer my rig has two non-functioning air conditioning systems and I'm down to only one window luckily the driver side that will open and lower the three little sliders in the back one doesn't not work and the passenger window quit functioning although I have replaced the motor in it twice.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

The magnets really work great for folks likee you and me who don't have regular racks on top. I also love Harbor Freight. They have everything!!

[@vikylove724]

🤗T H A N K Y O U much

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Let.me know if you end up doing one of these!

[@burly636]

Wish you were near Mo. I would hire you to do my Transit van. Very smart.

[@Simply.C]

Awesome video!

[@VanLifeRocks]

Great work Tim Tim 🤙🏼

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim really comes to the rescue, doesn't he!!

[@margarethutchens5463]

This was great. I love these creative, frugal (read affordable) solutions.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

So do I Margaret. 😊

[@kennethbailey9853]

My Favorite Lady

[@charlottewilson4680]

Love this!

[@headbangerministries]

Made my own awning from Leows hardware store, it was just a shade. I purchased a set of grommets and added grometts all around the tarp. I bought it like that because I wanted something that looked nice instead of of the se lame blue or green color awning/tarp. Mine is a light beige. If I can get the time I'll seow my own case because it's rolled up and tied with the rope it came with. I bout this because I can't afford some fancy one and the ones that are affordable are really small but mine is almost 14 ft long front to back and I believe about 8 ft deep so I have a ton of shade.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Good point. You can use a number of different options to actually make an awning.

[@dorcasowens1210]

The sliding knot is called a Proseck knot.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Thanks. Maybe now I know the name I can look it up and learn how to do it in a year or two🤣

[@serenityjewel]

I love this! I'm doing something similar except i bought an 8 X 10 sun shade (the kind you would get for your house) for $43 (that's including the tax). It allows for a breeze, which is awesome, but it's not waterproof so a fine mist will get through if it rains hard. On a positive note, not being waterproof also allows it to dry out better than a tarp would dry out. Anyway, I set it up with my tent poles and use 2 guidelines and stakes. I'm going to add two more guidelines for stability.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Great thinking. What's that saying.... Necessity is the mother of invention.

[@RedheadedWritinghood]

Great job Tim! Good editing Carol! ❤️ Red

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim is simply brillant!

[@Chefsantatravels]

Great video the first time I ever use one it sold me , I'm gonna use this on my unit.✌💖💪👨‍🍳🎅🚌🌻👍

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I am too!!

[@veehinton9949]

Hey Tim and Carol

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Hey Vee. How's it going?🙂

[@veehinton9949]

@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 going great. I wish I was in Julian last week with all of you. I am looking for a van. I retire in September Yay

[@sheliafalgout5043]

Yes, I will try it!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tell me how it turns out!!

[@sheliafalgout5043]

@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 ok! I sure will. I ordered my tent poles and paracord today!

[@suearcher8708]

Thank you Carol for the video and thank you Tim for sharing your awning! I don't have a roof rack so I've been searching youtube for something in between a very fancy easy to put up and very expensive one and a DIY that doesn't require a rack. I would really like to see the magnet set up if you can fit it in.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I unfortunately still can't drop.links even though I have been shown repeatedly. So, Tim is adding a comment with the links and I will pin it to make it the first comment. So check back.

[@melodyhess1683]

Awesome Tim! Thank you carol!

[@mygypsyadventure3610]

Great video. Tim is da man! If you want to pretty it up you could buy cotton tarps (I found some online) which are water proof. If you are a seamstress or good with some fabric glue you could even hang fabric pennents off the edge. The other idea I had was to create velcro loops and you could string some solar lights around the edge. I bet there are some other crafty cute ideas people could come up with. I think I am going to do this for my Kia Soul. Thanks for the idea!!

[@redheadedgypsy1939]

LUV this channel - thanks for the info!!!

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Stay tuned for a tour next week of Tim's inexpensive yet very functional budget minivan build.

[@cherannretiredgran68]

This is exactly what I thought I would do. I will only be overnighting or week end camping. This fall. And now I know a little more or how much of what I will need. And how to put it together. Thank you so much.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

The way Tim explained it made it so easy tonunderstand.

[@cherannretiredgran68]

@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 sure did.

[@leese.23]

Wonderful!

[@kimsargeant8126]

I just subscribed to Tim’s channel.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

He will appreciate that for sure. He is almost at 5k subscribers.

[@kimsargeant8126]

That is a really nice awning. I plan to do something similar using the back hatch for shower space.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

That's a great idea Kim🙂

[@debcecotti8273]

Grest video!

[@nolalove8909]

Awe! Tim seems like a wonderful and intelligent man! You rock Tim!! Thank you both for sharing. Love it!!

[@staffstaff3846]

🎶

[@rebeccadees2300]

Thank you for sharing this! 😊

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

You are so welcome. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@VanLifeVoyages]

It's funny I made almost this exact awning for my Aunt's van for 4th of July camping trip...if I can buy the parts & put this together on my own, you can definitely do it Carol but I did also get the adjustable tie downs. No way I could do the knots on my own either 🤣 ~ Tanya

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

You got that Tanya. It would take me til the end of the year to figure out those knots🤣

[@janetlewis2780]

I wonder if you could ask Tim where he got those magnets, like the one he had tape on to aid removal and protect from scratches. I’ve been looking all over for something like that. I watched this episode when it was fresh and have just spent considerable time finding it again! Nothing ventured nothing gained, as my Mom would say.

[@manymoonstraveled]

That’s pretty awesome 😁👍

[@elizabethnorris2210]

Clever

[@joharmon2148]

I really need to do something like this I saw it on another video but she didn't give the brand of the poles. Problem is no roof rack and my shell top is aluminum so can't use magnets. But this is great. Always can count on Tim! And Thank You Gloria!

[@OhHapppyDaay]

Get suction cup hooks instead of magnets. I found mine on Amazon.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

@@MoBangFoYoBucks I knew you'd figure it out Builder Tim!!🤣

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

I see Tim as usual came up with the solution👍

[@deborah4645]

Excellent podcast but Gloria in the future when you're giving a interview with a person, block out their license plate just for safety purposes. We have to many people that have the wrong intentions. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer on such a good interview.

[@OhHapppyDaay]

Bahahahaha bc your name is really Debbie 🥰

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

You are so right. Usually I am more conscious of this. But, missed it as it was my first time editing a video myself. I typically have my editor blot out the license plate.😒

[@stephaniesimmons-ashorobi3314]

Nice vid. Interesting.

[@nounoumcfly]

This is a great tip! Thanks you both 👍. I would have like to get the links to some of the materials, like the magnets and also to his channel.

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Tim is leaving a comment with thr links. I will pin it so it will he the first comment. So check back in the comments. I unfortunately have not been able to get the hang of how to leave links.

[@clarkclarke]

I think he could also make a frame with pvc pipe and t connectors ..

[@gloriouslifeonwheels3621]

Yep. That would work Clark like a shower made from pvc in a video I aired from my meetup in Quartzsite.

[@clarkclarke]

@@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 awesome ..will check out that video

[@clarkclarke]

@@MoBangFoYoBucks agree

[@hymlog]

...Please Let Her Do i!.... Geeee!

[@kindnessmatters5215]

Those are some strong magnets!! Can I have purchase info please?

[@carolhewett3756]

Where is this park? You didn't tell us the state.