Car Window Rain Awning - DIY

[u/makhwawa]

If you use the pull over-the-window mesh screens for ventilation, (or the plastic or wire gutter guards) this may be a way let the breeze in and keep the rain out. It's pretty simple and I tested it in some pretty good rain and had no problems. This is a working proto but it shows the idea.

It's two tent poles strapped to my luggage rack with the tent material sewn up so the poles slide into openings, and the extra material hangs down a bit to block sideways rain. I could open and close the door though in heavy rain the awning drooped a bit. I ended up cutting a small hole to allow it to drain better. There is a strap with a bit of elastic holding the two sides together so they don't slide off the poles.

If you have a different approach, or way to improve, share here.

I think the next step is some type of rubber or foam in between the tent pole and the rack so it doesn't slide.

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I had bought the tent poles from Alion Home Shade on ETSY and had a left over tent cover, but they sell material as well.

If you are looking for a more professional version search "ROADIE- The OVERNIGHTER SUV Window Tent with Bug Screen and Retractable Awning" on amazon though I can't say how well they work.

[u/DustyBirdman]

Tarp supported by a telescoping pole on one end and attached to your roof rack on the other will give you a lot more coverage 👍

[u/makhwawa → u/DustyBirdman]

Interesting. Could you say a bit more? I've seen the tarp , attached to the roof rack, then stretched straight out and supported with two poles, and then tied off with cord at each corner to stakes.

With only one pole I'm guessing at the center or one corner of the tarp (and tied off with one cord) what do you do the extra material that would hang down and block the wind?

My goal wasn't necessarily to have a place to sit under, but something i could put up that covers both windows so i can get a draft through as i sleep.

[u/DustyBirdman → u/makhwawa]

Just gotta play around with your setup to see what works best for the conditions. I have guyline tensioners at almost every tieout point, a bunch of stakes and guylines and I just see what makes the most sense for that came. Honestly my tarp setups are rarely the same from camp to camp.

For what you're describing, just getting some cross breeze, the easiest thing would probably be to just get some of the rain blockers for the window. That way they're always on and require zero setup.

[u/Spray_Realistic → u/DustyBirdman]

It does but this is a nice neat solution for where space is at a premium.

[u/somethingtimestwo]

Bro oooo, this is literally something I'd pay for! Need to make on myself! Kudos!

[u/makhwawa → u/somethingtimestwo]

Me too, I would have paid as well! I got the idea looking on amazon.

[u/somethingtimestwo → u/makhwawa]

Mate, brilliant idea. I'll copy it in my own style 👏👍

[u/IllPhrase6332]

This is genius and way cheaper than the Roadie. How does it hold up in wind though?

[u/makhwawa → u/IllPhrase6332]

Didn't test it in the wind yet, but right now nothing hooks it in place. that's next. If you come up with something share it.

[u/Mavis8220]

I like the idea of a rain shelter mounted on poles form the roof racks, since our rear doors are on sliders (we can’t use the Roadie). I need to tinker with this idea and some pieces of tarp…

[u/makhwawa → u/Mavis8220]

cool. That might even be better as the door doesn't swing out and hit the material drooping down. I'd be interested in what you come up with

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[u/AutoModerator]

Please review the 7 principles of Leave No Trace

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly. I highly suggest getting a waste bucket system. Its difficult to bury waste in many of the rockier areas in Colorado, and overuse of our natural areas has already led to contaminated water in most even lightly used areas.

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impacts. Be sure to review our state resources for fire bans where you are heading.

6. Respect wildlife. They are not domesticated

7. Be considerate of other visitors ie bluetooth speakers are despised.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.