Van Life - Custom Van Awning System - How To DIY Van Canopy

Mike is an inventor of things - an orchestrator of "betterness." So when a need arises, he thinks outside the box and creates a way to meet that need. Such a need arose while camping at a music festival a few years back. Mike needed an awning to stay out of the weather and blazing sun. He went over the various options available on the market and quickly deduced that he wanted to "build a better mouse trap." He'd seen E-Z UPs blow away in the wind. He'd seen pull-down awning systems that you could barely stand under or even open the van door. He'd seen just about every canopy fill with water and become a nuisance when you need it most... in bad weather. He just hadn't seen the awning system he had in his head. So he made one. For more information, see www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po...
ITEMS YOU'LL NEED IN ORDER TO BUILD THE CUSTOM VAN AWNING SYSTEM SHOWN IN THE VIDEO:
Please see our web site for the full details! www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po...
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____________________________________________________
Music Credits:
Comic Hero - Silent Film Light by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Bushwick Tarentella - Thatched Villagers by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Corncob - Country by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Acoustic Meditation 2 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/

[@JoeCWales]

There was a super on a job site one time that had a saying, "Smarter than a shepherd dog". I chose to take it as a compliment but I think it fits you better than me. Damm fine job right there.

[@topherjoe1]

Brilliant. As a last minute camper I seldom found a spot with shade, so I built something similar to this for picnic tables 20 years ago when I had a van, carried a 6 foot 2x4 with 3 holes drilled in it for the pvc fittings, clamped the end of the 2x4 to each end of the table, placed the pvc pipe in the holes, t section at the top, ran a couple of flex poles tied together through the t and draped a tarp ove rthe resulting "line" , had many variations to tie it off, poles , no poles, what ever I did was able to sit or cook under the tarp and stay dry, even in driving rain. Eventually replaced the middle flex poles with pvc pipe for strength. Got lots of comments, should have patented it, a similar one came out about 5 years after that. Flimsy though lol. you can do it with 2 short lengths of 2x4 or 4x4 at each end of the table clamped down and a pole in the middle of the table to keep the rain from accumulating if your car cant carry the length you need. Bravo, nice set up!

[@chrisluehmann3094]

This is probably the best canopy i have ever seen.

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Terrific - QUICK, get a patent while you have time :) As always, mega-awesome information packed with tons of tips. And your choreographed music mix really was the icing on the cake - keep 'em coming! Happy trails, Michael

[@BackroadsVanner]

+California Travel Videos Thanks for your comments! We appreciate you! Thanks for watching!

[@normanrowe2831]

Hello, absolutely amazing! I was going thru KZbin looking for patio covers made from pvc pipe and connectors... Lo and behold I found this. I will use your canopy as a guideline for my patio cover. You sir, are a genius. Thanks

[@BackroadsVanner]

Awesome, thanks! You can find more info on it here: www.backroadsvanner.com/all-posts/featured/video-custom-van-canopy-awning-system/

[@dejonsmall9886]

Would love to have a complete parts guide for your set-up. This is the bomb.

[@gunnarmoeller8606]

Your spot on with : car wants some shade too. I live in Vietnam and heat is always your enemy. Gonna try something like that when i build my awning.

[@judichristopher4604]

"Thank you for serving our Country"

[@billiamc1969]

Guy is a genius...Thanks for your inspirational video...Love the pups!!!

[@paytonfit]

Ever since I discovered your channel, I can't get enough of your vids. You are so talented and creative, what's more you have the skills to create a quality product. This awning is awesome. You should market it. It really is beautiful.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+paytonfit Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to comment. It really means a lot to me and I appreciate it. Comments like yours inspire me to share more of my ideas and create more videos. So stay tuned! Thanks for watching!!!

[@rmbarnes672]

+paytonfit They really could market this. Thank you BackRoadsVanner even MacGyver was taking notes! The one dislike doesn't have a van, and lives under a bridge for shelter:))

[@BackroadsVanner]

+RM Barnes THANKS RM! Haha, MacGyver is our hero. lol. I think he's in my family tree. ;)- We really appreciate your comments. Thanks for watching! Stay tuned for more cool ideas coming up...

[@Morning1217]

Unique, innovative, versatile, and functional canopy. Wonderful, entertaining, clear and explanatory illustrations. Thanks for showing!

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Ever since I first saw this video several months ago, I have been figuring out how to adapt it to my needs, Texas is hot, but in Florida the humidity races the temperature upward. The morning sun on the roof is the limit of how late you can sleep in the morning here. I like your ladder a lot. I didn't know they existed.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+tom jackson This canopy makes all the difference in the world when the morning sun hits your van. Thanks for watching Tom!

[@robertrickman3531]

Just picked up a '10 e250 and have been looking for a 'Festy Tarp'/Awning.....thank you. Im gonna make a few 'Tweaks' to accommodate my Solar panels, but your design is Spot On!

[@ernestpaul2484]

This is a hell of an idea and execution. I used to do something similar but more along the lines of cavemangineering. I now have a 7x16 enclosed v-nose that will be modified to multi-purpose haul/camp/get out of dodge from the hurricanes. Since I will be putting a roof AC in the center with a powered roof vent forward and aft, I am going to buy two pair of RackEm' aluminum ladder racks for the spacing to set up a system you have been gracious enough to share. Excellent video, music and timing was hysterical, very informative. Being disabled now it will take me a bit longer to assemble and disassemble, but as long as I don't bust my butt off the ladder it will be worth every square inch of shade and rain protection it offers. Looking at doing a 20 by 20 tarp. Thanks, EP.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Absolutely vantastic! I've been thinking of an awening on the lines of yours, but you my friend made a huge leap over what I was thinking!

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thanks so much for your awesome comments! Thanks for watching!

[@rob4631]

Nice! I took a shot everytime you said "canopy system"... Now my keyboard is fuzzy😲 Please do a follow up video demonstrating the emergency getaway 😆

[@BackroadsVanner]

hahahahahahahaha.

[@ing83646]

Thank you for showing us such a great idea to build sturdy canopy. I use PVC & fencing poles for a lot of out door projects. What you did was inspirational. I'm going to try to utilize your van conversion ideas with my 5 x 8 moving trailer to travel trailer conversion. thanks again.....

[@WizzRacing]

I love that ladder. It makes it easy to service to solar panels. I need to get one for my High Top. As this system can be used without covering them up with some modifications,. As I bought an Ice maker that runs on 90 watts. and can produce 20lbs of ice every 2 hours from China Mart. As I have 680 watts of panels that run everything from AC, Ice Box, Computer\TV screen, WIF, Hot Water shower, and LED lighting. Great Idea and parts can be bought anywhere if you need to fix something...

[@paulnorberg3869]

Beautiful design! I subscribed! I found a 2000 Chevy Express 3500 that had 100,701 miles. Former head start bus for Merced county, county owned, and maintained, and driven by folks being gentle with kids. It feels like new. Your videos are super helpful!!!

[@TheMarielassell]

This is amazing. We have a 2007 Honda Odyssey and it’s necessary to carry items in an on top storage. I’ve looked and looked for DIY awning. We live in Oregon so need an awning that addressed rain, go over top of storage and provide shade. Thank you thank you. You are a genius.

[@GordonDLear]

I don't even need an awning. I just happened upon this video. It captured and kept my interest because I like to look at others ideas and it makes all the gears in my head start spinning. Very well done. Informative, well explained. Two things: 1. These thumbs down. Why would anybody give a fail to someone helping others. 2. I think if you carried 3 extension poles in addition to what you have, you might be able to prop up awning with them. Extending down from what was on ladder rack on the main side. Then remove from ladder rack on other side and fold back the part shading the van and drive away... Not sure, but like possible from this video.

[@firepwr21]

Thanks Mike....Great design.....I do like the way it goes all the way over the van, if it does rain the water doesn't run down the van in to the doorway.....plus the shade, ok I think I can do this.....I even have old shelter logic pipes....this is great....☺

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Mike Luongo Awesome! You will love it. Thanks for subscribing! We have a list of the products we used on the canopy on our web site if that helps. See www.backroadsvanner.com/all-posts/video-custom-van-canopy-awning-system/. Keep us posted on your canopy! We'd love to hear all about it and see some photos!

[@Jen-gr5pm]

FINALLY! In Texas as well and will be travelling with fair weather soon. I've been knocking around a few ideas for full coverage. This concept is similar to what I have in mind, though I'm going to see if I can manage it with some type of roller system installed on the driver's side to pull over the entirety of my van.. My van is small and I'm trying to minimize roof installations aside from fan and awning system, not sure I could afford space for all the equipment in my little rig. This is genius! Thank you for sharing!

[@sharonpugh7877]

Your awning is awesome! I really enjoy your aproach to van camping. Please keep making more videos.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+sharon pugh Thank you Sharon! We appreciate your comments and encouragement. We have more videos coming soon! Thanks for watching!

[@RiverBirchFarm]

You do need a patent on this and have them manufacture this, so awesome and I agree with others here you definitely have an engineer's mind not only on this video but on the one with the screen for the windows!

[@alanwilson2073]

I'll be goddamed. Saved the video, SUBSCRIBED AND NOTIFIED!!! And I like the way the doggies just stay in the area and not run off!!!

[@luisricardohernandezvillas7310]

Hello From Mexico my friend, I was thinking to express my thoughts through words (rather, letters!) regarding your job and creativity, I just need one: GENIUS.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Luis Ricardo Hernandez Villaseñor Wow my friend, thank you! We have THREE words for you... YOU ARE AWESOME. Thank you for taking the time to watch and write such a nice comment. We appreciate you. Stay tuned for more...

[@johnd5790]

Sir, you are an automotive artist. Your work is superb.

[@salliepower8751]

I totally enjoyed watching your video. That is the best canopy I've ever seen.

[@paulmryglod4802]

you have excellent ideas and professional execution. I'm using all your ideas!

[@TheMaryb1]

Best cargo to camper van videos I've seen yet - thank you ;)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+TheMaryb1 Thanks for your awesome comments! We appreciate it! And thanks for watching!

[@wompol7117]

and you can throw up walls and have a large tent!

[@judichristopher4604]

@@wompol7117 OMGosh... I didn't even think about that!!! That's even better... I am so excited to build one of these!!!!

[@jwaynepattillo7344]

You did the descriptive like a pro. Well scripted and delivered.

[@Mauromoustakos]

This is the best ideas and design that I have seen for shadow and a tight cover. I will probably use a smaller version for shadow on the car when parking in the city. You mentioned something about securing the legs to the ground? Can you share how this is done? I love pvc pipes. They are cheap, light and strong. My method for securing pipe legs on the ground is first to stick halfway on the ground an iron bar of about 40 cm, 1,5 feet long, then covering it with the pipe. The pipe will stay on the point. If the diameter is about 4 cm or 2 inches, it will not bend.

[@walleyeye]

Greetings from up in Canada. Great set up! Love the music!!!

[@TSunshineful]

You're either a genius or an engineer.

[@JesseLynnLibertarian]

Moon Dancer or both ;-)

[@TSunshineful]

True

[@EatTravelHappy]

That is very smart and very functional. You can open your doors easily. and it packs away nicely. very good my friend. Happy trails.

[@AlexRodriguez-gw8xt]

Wow that is so cool I have never seen this type of canopy!

[@DanSarka_AKA_RabidHamster]

Gotta be the best canopy I've seen ... awesome design and build !!! :-)

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Dan Sarka Thanks Dan! Totally appreciate your comments! Thanks for watching!

[@bloxelectrix]

That's great. I made one once using light gauge softwood banister rail & plastic couplings. It was totally better than a pre-manufactured awning. Yours totally trumps mine though & i'll keep it in mind for future projects. Thanks for sharing.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Blox Electrix Thank you for your comments and thanks for watching!

[@annettesmith6241]

Excellent system for an extended stay.

[@MikeMaileFoolishBehavior]

YOU sir, are a genius. I think I would add a 4 - 6 in. PVC to the ladder rack to protect the poles. Ran as long as needed and capped at the front with a screw in cap at the rear.

[@CallieCatCuddles]

That sounds like a great idea as it would keep them out of the weather so they'd stay undamaged.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Foolish Behavior (M-n-M) Thank you for the awesome comments and great suggestions! Stay tuned for a new video as we may be implementing that soon.

[@JohnRobinson-br4vh]

Very cool system , I'm already setting here while watching this and modifying your system for my truck.

[@BackroadsVanner]

That's great! send us some pictures!!! Thanks for watching!

[@alfriedar]

I like how it also saves the van though initially before watching the video does look like it’s a pain in the neck to set up but you’ve given me some ideas and I like that over the top of the van very much concept

[@pedroerocha4194]

It would be great if you do an update on this, Great Video! 👍 I want to do this for mine!

[@dzydean]

Wow, what an awesome idea, I am going to use this concept on my pop-up amazing 👏

[@nncoco]

A canopy raised off the van like this is the way to go for desert camping. The airflow space is key for making it cool inside your van. Another thing that helps is opaque silver tarp material. White transmits a lot of light and heat.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+tracy smith Thank you for your comments Tracy! We chose white because it does give great indirect light and you are right, air flow is key! And this canopy in the desert landscape would be perfect. It works great in the Texas heat too! Thanks for watching!

[@Windkisssed]

Very thorough design and description of a great system!! Glad I found you... new subbie!! Lauri

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Windkisssed Awesome! Glad you found us and thanks for subbing!

[@janetstarr9554]

Oh! I have been dream this kind of cover up for months now!!!! Yes!!!

[@julieeanderson945]

Thank you a lot for this video. This is very interesting and informative. Keep posting like those amazing videos, this is awesome.

[@elenasimon1270]

Inspiring idea. Just ordered a tarp. Need shade on our patio. Thanks.

[@jwray6150]

That's really cool! If you need to get to something on top of the van you can.

[@leprechaunbgc]

Man this system is slick!!!!! I am going to design and build one for my rig. Thanks a million

[@BackroadsVanner]

Awesome! Please share your adventures on our group at facebook.com/groups/backroadsvanner/

[@artisanlifeincolour]

mate thats brilliant, inspired and l'm off to create one thanks heaps for sharing!

[@roskidd]

Another great and informative video!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I like your set I think I would rather adapt it where the tarp system was around your trailer and you could park the van under the tarp and take advantage of the shade in the van this way.

[@judichristopher4604]

I love this video... YOU need to make Custom "Kits" and sell them!!!

[@danielmiller4356]

Very well done ! Love the idea ! Thank you for sharing .

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Daniel Miller Thanks Daniel!!

[@jafinch78]

Neat build and thanks for sharing!

[@gazzalanche]

17:15 Doggy wants his shade damn it!! Nice set up. Thinking something similar for when I get around to setting up the van.

[@vermili0n]

personally i think you have the best camper van on youtube

[@wandanevers9678]

Love the canopy system...smart!

[@raider6511]

Really nice awning.

[@usa-uj5mw]

Outstanding idea!!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+usa Thanks! We love it and it's well worth the effort putting it up.

[@stormthrush37]

Absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Your welcome stormthrush! Keep watching for more ideas!

[@Slaytanik.]

That is a fabulous set up! I bet I could do something somewhat like that for my Outback! Time to get planning!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+freakmessiah Awesome! Please feel free to share some photos of your custom canopy on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner/! Good luck!!

[@r.d.ontheroad-1094]

Very nice, great thinking!

[@Matt-1126]

Brilliant. Love your style

[@GoodoldCT90]

Great video, good idea. Going to watch all of your videos.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Goodold Ct90 Thank you! Glad you found us!

[@GroovyVideo2]

Nice setup - Good ideas -

[@sdushdiu]

Very well done!

[@clearnewview]

This makes a lot of good sense...👍🙂 You could even stretch more tarps connected to that frame and have even more shade if needed on a hot day to take a nap if you wanted👍🙂

[@xraykungfu]

Nice job! Great idea!

[@bobfulton6201]

you are one talented dude!

[@thomassinclair4675]

What great idea! Very ingenious!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Thomas Sinclair Thanks so much Thomas!

[@cyndifoore7743]

Nice set up!

[@alexanderweaver9182]

Hi Mike! Brother, I don't know where you live but I'd hire you in a heartbeat to rig one of these setups for my Jeep Compass At 72 I've begun to car camp rather than backpack or trek to potential campsites. I presently use an USMC Marpat tarp and telescoping poles for my shelter/shade and it works but I love the "neatness" of your arrangement. Very innovative and cool looking. Also, using a white tarp in hot climates is totally smart. You also have me thinking about finding an old work van with the roof rack and doing a conversion like yours. Another commenter before me suggested you apply for a patent...great idea! Your setup is an absolute original. Great job. man!

[@us-unclesam6566]

What If... you had six (6) PVC pipes with couplings on one end. Lift up supports on ladder rack and slip pipes in. Presto, drive van to store, etc. !!!!!!!!!

[@mango4064]

I like it! Thanks for the idea! Awesome!

[@SuperPangloss]

Great job! I did a similar set-up on one of my vans with black-iron pipe stuck into my roof racks.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+rex woodcutter Awesome! If you want, feel free to share your photos on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner/ Thanks for watching!

[@rikkiesix]

Great setup you have there. I like it a lot, even if you can't drive away right away its still a awesome awning :-) Greetings from Belgium Erik

[@BackroadsVanner]

+rikkiesix Thanks Erik! Greetings from Texas! The driving away part isn't too big a deal for us because I've gotten really good at taking it down quickly and we usually plan for all the supplies we need in advance. Thanks for watching. Lots more coming!

[@bigmac3006]

Great vid!

[@quidestveritas8713]

Sweet canopy!

[@stealth48nurse]

love this idea.

[@grantdavenport2036]

Good big cover but holy crap, you'd need the patience of a saint to set up and pull down !

[@marymoffitt1624]

wow! I'm so impressed! I want one!

[@lmmaude]

That is just fantastic!

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@VanSheGoes]

Cool video, great info

[@benslooking4coolstuff]

Top notch work!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Ben Bleyendaal Thank you!!

[@rolandoperez8248]

Neat I need to do something like that for my camper van. This is specially useful when staying on campgrounds with friends and family

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Rolando Perez (OutdoorFanatic) Yes! It makes for a great place to park the whole family under some shade and shelter from rain. Set-up takes 15 minutes and you can then enjoy it the duration of your trip. Thanks so much for your comments and thanks for watching!

[@TinManisbugginout]

I love your inventiveness. I too created a similar acting system using my roof racks on the shell of my truck.

[@BackroadsVanner]

I think that is great! I would love to see your system. We created a Backroads vanner group on Facebook, where we encourage people to share their ideas, and photos, please check it out here: facebook.com/groups/backroadsvanner. Thanks for watching Tin Man

[@TinManisbugginout]

+Backroads Vanner I just submitted my request to your fb page, but under my name. FB made me change it to my name just this week.

[@josephzwierzchowski4061]

Thanks Mike Great JOB,

[@simonlynchsae]

I'm probably late to the awning party, but wow! Great Design! It looks a bit tedious to put up, but very big and nice shade! I would suggest putting some eye bolt at the tarp mounting points on the poles and leaving a small bungie+karabiner one the tarp. So when putting it on, you just clip it. I'm definetly stealing ideas from you for my (yet to be bought) van!

[@linchase]

Brilliant! We are building this!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Rosie Rugosa Awesome! It works great. Feel free to share photos with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner

[@thevikingwolfpack836]

You gave me a great idea for mine to add it to the rack on my pickup

[@skythefoodie4389]

Your amazing I can't get enough you are a genius

[@johngungortekin453]

Good job my friendI really appreciate that idea

[@deleonj696]

Best one by far 👍👍

[@socks1949]

Sounds very interesting.

[@tylergamester2179]

Great Idea!

[@TheNeonRabbit]

Very cool. Using PVC was a great solution.