Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Awning material

Good morning folks

I'm looking for some good light weight canvas/sail cloth suitable to make a tough, but light awning for my troupie.

Anyone made one recently or recommend a suitable material. Also where I might find a supplier?

Cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Being in Cornwall, I would try chatting up some of the local sail makers - they should be able to help you.
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Aug 2008
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Ray Mears recommended Parachute material doubled over - but that was in the Sahara on telly - may not be water proof etc ;-)
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Thanks Guys

Did try a couple of sailmakers, but they wern't interested. More interested in making canvas biminis for the well heeled sailing lot - more money in it!!

I'll keep trying

John
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Aug 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Hi John, if you do want canvas then there are plenty of suppliers on ebay or an upholsters warehousman will have the 16oz stuff. Look up tarpaulin makers in your area - they will have the green canvas for lorry sheets.
Autocamp rooftents use a synthetic fabric called Airtex which you can buy on ebay.de - it's light, strong and waterproof.
DD Tarps do a green lightweight 2x3m and 3x3m ready hemmed and eyed for £20 - £30
Then a couple of strong poles from a good camping shop.
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Airtex

Cheers Chris

I think it is that airtex stuff that I've seen the German travelers using.

that's my preferred route

cheers

John
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Aug 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Quote:
Originally Posted by chickcharnie View Post
Cheers Chris

I think it is that airtex stuff that I've seen the German travelers using.

that's my preferred route

cheers

John

Yes I think airtex is the best stuff - my tent has never leaked and it's a few years old now - it's a bit expensive with the postage from germany but worth it in the long run.

have fun
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Republic of Good Hope
Posts: 6
I've just picked up two aluminium boat hooks as poles for my awning - £6.99 apiece from from LIDL in the UK. They're strong and light, extend to the right height with a quick twist lock, collapse to a convenient length, and they're complete with rubber foot and hook on the end to attach my tarp.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Aug 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 352
Awning

I used a kingsize bedsheet and kept it in place with bulldog clips onto the gutter(say 6/8no)two tent poles with the sheet held over them with rubber pole grumments and guy lines for the poles.Very cheap,light,multi purpose components and no flapping noise.

Used this extensively over two years in Middle East and the only problem(which I fixed)was the correct number of clips to keep it on the gutter in high winds.

Obvoiusly not good in the rain!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 6 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 90
Inventive or what?!

Some good ideas - thanks

I don't have a gutter on the roof of the car but a purpose made groove running the length of the car. The edge of the awning needs to be stiched with a slider (which I have) to slide into.

I did not want heavy poles, so the boat hook idea is brilliant

Cheers

Guys

John
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
drz 400 crankcase material ? peachface Suzuki Tech 10 6 Mar 2009 23:09
Wanted: Side Awning LucieT Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 7 29 Jul 2008 11:03
Looking for roof tent and awning itchyfeet38 Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 17 Jul 2008 13:44
reading material travelHK Website Feedback 1 21 Apr 2007 22:15
What's wrong with material bags? edorr Equipment Reviews 5 4 Sep 2005 01:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:19.