DIY Window Awning

PaintyLiz · 03-09-2017, 09:53 PM

Hi!

I don't remember if I asked this before, but has anyone made their own window awnings? I would like to add some and am not finding much info on the web. Any ideas? I'm thinking about a c channel above the window (or an easier or cheaper alternative, any ideas?) And some sort of PVC frame. How much of a frame does it need?

OK, fire away! Give me some ideas!

Liz

runner421 · 03-10-2017, 01:48 AM

So I'm not being a smart aleck - just wanting to know why put window awnings on a camper. What is the intended purpose - shade, protection from rain when window open?
I'm just trying to visualize it. Have you seen other campers with them?

I know you're queen of the DIY - so share.

Again - not giving you a hard time.

APD · 03-10-2017, 06:04 AM

I think I know what you're thinking about Liz. I've seen the window awnings (most times they're striped) on many vintage campers. For instance, some of the "Sisters on the Fly" have them.
A small channel at the top edge of the window and then maybe some way to hook a couple of short legs at the bottom corners and you're golden.
I like that idea.........

Alan

PaintyLiz · 03-10-2017, 07:47 AM

Hey Runner, don't worry it's hard to hurt my feelings LOL I want the awning for shade.

Alan, That's exactly what I'm thinking of - the Vintage striped awnings that are so cute. Unfortunately, mine won't be that cute, I will be using fabric from an old beach umbrella at has a scrolly pattern and isn't really the color I want but it's in my stash. LOL and it definitely beats what I have now.

If you have not modified your Escape window, I highly recommend it.

It really creates a wonderful air flow through the camper. This is what started the whole thing. When I have that window open a lot of sun comes in and I want to make an awning for it. This awning will be very simple it will just fit over the window so that when it is open the window itself becomes the awning.

I thought it would be nice to add a second matching awning on the other bed window. My husband just pointed out to me that when the roll out awning is down there is a bar right down the middle of the window so I could only use the small awning when the main awning is up.

I want to figure out how to do it without having to attach a lot of holders to the camper. I'm thinking I can silicone an aluminum C channel or something similar across the top of the window I'm not sure how I want to hold the awning out. Now that hubby pointed out the post down the center of the window I'm not sure that I'm going to bother making the awning at all LOL

And Runner, thanks for the "Queen" comment, you made my week! I might need to upgrade my wardrobe from old jeans and t shirts lol

Liz

runner421 · 03-10-2017, 09:38 AM

Now I get it!

Eagle · 03-10-2017, 11:47 AM

IN the photo, you have a cloth laying over the open window .. the wind would blow that away. However, a cloth slightly larger than the window with grommets on 4 corners and bungee cords hooked in from side to side would hold it in place ~ I would think.

Just a thought for something inexpensive yet effective. ??

PaintyLiz · 03-10-2017, 01:08 PM

I know how I'm going to cover the emergency window, it's the plain window on the other side that I'm trying to figure out.

I'm now thinking that I will make a small PVC frame and use command hooks to hold it to the side of the camper. Will command hooks hold to the exterior for long term? The awning will come down, but the hooks will be permanent. I've never used them, but my kids swear by them. At least if they come loose while we're going down the road, it won't hurt anyone or cause a flat tire.

I have my sewing machine with me, but unfortunately, the fabric I want to use is home, so I'm in the "planning" stage. We will be camping for the next month or so. I might run out of patience and just buy some fabric. Lol

Liz

PaintyLiz · 03-10-2017, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle

IN the photo, you have a cloth laying over the open window .. the wind would blow that away. However, a cloth slightly larger than the window with grommets on 4 corners and bungee cords hooked in from side to side would hold it in place ~ I would think.

Just a thought for something inexpensive yet effective. ??

The bungees are a good idea, I was thinking about a drawstring

Liz

PaintyLiz · 03-10-2017, 01:47 PM

OK I feel like I need to start my question completely over. I want to make an awning for the plain flat window on the side of the camper, by the bed, not the emergency window. Like this

Or this

I need to figure out a way to attach it without drilling into the camper, and with as simple a frame as possible.

Liz

Sorry for the confusion, it was plain in my mind lol. The emergency window revamp was just what started the whole thought process lol

microJ · 03-12-2017, 09:16 PM

I like this idea. Might be something not cloth but a waterproof like vinyl in times of rain.

PaintyLiz · 03-12-2017, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by microJ

I like this idea. Might be something not cloth but a waterproof like vinyl in times of rain.

I have fabric from a beach umbrella that broke in the wind that I am going to use. But, I have to wait til I get back home to do it, so it will be a month or so. I think I have figured out how I am going to do it, and Sam's had the large command hooks on sale today!

Anyone have any experience with using command hooks outside? I don't want to drill into the camper, although I suppose I could.

Liz

John_C · 03-12-2017, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaintyLiz

Hi!

I don't remember if I asked this before, but has anyone made their own window awnings? I would like to add some and am not finding much info on the web. Any ideas? I'm thinking about a c channel above the window (or an easier or cheaper alternative, any ideas?) And some sort of PVC frame. How much of a frame does it need?

OK, fire away! Give me some ideas!

Liz

Hi Liz,
Many of the older trailers used a "C" Rail at the roof line and above windows; you might be able to add/change yours to a "C" Rail and put a "rope" in the edge of the awning... this will allow quick and easy installation & removal. Then, use a rod/tube/stick to hold the awning up and out, and a couple bungees pulling down, to keep it in place... just an idea...

Good luck...

CWBA · 03-13-2017, 10:20 AM

Liz,
I've had a couple of command hooks on the exterior of my 189fbr for several years, they seem to be holding up very well ( I use them for hanging the awning "tool" and BBQ tools)

CW

PaintyLiz · 03-13-2017, 08:20 PM

JC: Thanks, I thought about using a C channel, but was afraid that it might fly off and impale someone traveling behind me if I only used silicone to attach it. I'm leaning toward a pvc frame that I can break apart for storage, held to the camper by command hooks. We'll see how that works out!

CW: Thanks for the info on the command hooks, My sons swear by them, so it looks like it will work! Can't wait to get started on this!

Of course, lying on the Florida beach has it's good points,but I want to BUILD SOMETHING ... . LOL (maybe I'll try to placate myself by sewing something LOL)

Liz

PaintyLiz · 03-21-2017, 08:15 PM

Hey, I actually DID bring some fabric that will work for the awning, so I made one for the emergency window. It works great and is a definite improvement. I don't think it's exterior fabric, so probably won't last more than this season, but that's okay.

View from inside. Don't look too closely at the scallops, they are wonky, I thought it would be cute, but, meh, not so much ... LOL

I have figured out how I'm going to do the one over the other window, here's a peek. It's even going to be adjustable!

What do you think?

Liz

**LJAZ** · 03-22-2017, 07:43 AM

Looks nice!

Kansas newbie · 03-22-2017, 04:35 PM

Looks great and "workable"! You'd think the industry would have these as an option-but they'd probably charge way more 🤑 than they should!

vttimwhite · 03-22-2017, 04:53 PM

Looks like it should work great! Don't forget to take wind into account- too much could lift the frame right out of those brackets. Perhaps something on the bottom section to hold the frame 'down'?

No matter what, it's very likely an idea that will be copied.

PaintyLiz · 03-26-2017, 04:09 PM

Ok - I got both awnings finished (well, sorta - a few adjustments on the support arms will happen when I get back to my 'real' tools) Both are fully lined (no bungee cords) and adjustable. I'll have a tutorial up on the website soon. (and hopefully better photos) Let me know what you think

Supported by 2 large command hooks on top and 2 on the bottom posts.

Sliding adjustable arms

Liz

PaintyLiz · 03-26-2017, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vttimwhite

Looks like it should work great! Don't forget to take wind into account- too much could lift the frame right out of those brackets. Perhaps something on the bottom section to hold the frame 'down'?

No matter what, it's very likely an idea that will be copied.

I made some clips that hold it in pretty securely. However, the design of command hooks is that they come off the wall with upward pull. So, if it gets too windy, it might blow off. I doubt I'll have it up in really windy conditions. It's mostly to keep the sun out of that window, and the rain from blowing in.

Liz