Roof Rack Mounted Canopy [Archive] - UltimateYota.com Forums

4x4mike

03-02-2009, 09:27 PM

Along with the table I was thinking about crafting a canopy that mounts to my Yakima roof rack. I like the idea and cool factor of the Shadyboy (http://www.shadyboy.com/vans/index.html) but will not spend $300 on it.

I'm thinking something that can be set up quickly and can offer shade and rain protection. Simply a tarp does this so I'm thinking that will be the canopy material. I don't want it to be very large so a very high quality tarp in small size isn't too expensive.

Like the table I'm playing with the idea of using PVC. I think I may try to make something like the sport shade (http://www.instantshadeawning.com/).

Nothing will be retractable. Just a tarp with PVC at the far edge, guy wires and some way to attach it to the vehicle. For attachment to the pvc I was thinking these (http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml).

I have a Yakima Steelhead on the driver and passenger sides of the 4runner. The tray has a groove in the bottom that will accept a carriage bolt. I was thinking maybe 3-4 bolts to hold the tarp. I have a grommet kit so I would put the holes where they need to be and use wing nuts to hold the tarp to the tray. The guy wires would tension the whole thing and keep it up.

I'm not sure how I am going to keep rain water from accumulating on top of the tarp. I'd like it to slope away from the vehicle but still be able to open the door while the canopy is out.

At the end of the day the whole thing would roll up and fit inside a little stuff sack and be put inside the vehicle.

Any thoughts. Anyone ever make something like this for more than one use. I've seen many a bungee corded tarp thing but I was thinking of something just a little different.

I have another idea using star nuts (go inside bike steerer tubes) inside the Yakima bars to mount the frame. The tarp would them be secured to that.

Seanz0rz

03-02-2009, 09:33 PM

how about fiberglass rods like you find in a tent? you can get the poles seperate, sew in some pockets for it to slide through.

4x4mike

03-02-2009, 10:41 PM

how about fiberglass rods like you find in a tent? you can get the poles seperate, sew in some pockets for it to slide through.

I have some a lot of tent poles and access to many more. I tried using them before when I did this for my truck and ran into problems. For one I don't sew and for 2 they poles weren't stiff enough to support my structure. I have some driving to do for work tomorrow so I'll brain storm.

kcpearl

03-11-2009, 07:25 PM

You are making this WAY to difficult!!!!! The sports shade really is retractable and easily attaches to your luggage rack. Watch the video at www.instantshadeawning.com

DHC6twinotter

03-11-2009, 07:44 PM

corax

03-11-2009, 07:59 PM

Nothing will be retractable. Just a tarp with PVC at the far edge, guy wires and some way to attach it to the vehicle. For attachment to the pvc I was thinking these (http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/pvc.shtml).

Those "snaps" look like pcv pipe with a section cut out lengthwise . . . good idea, but make them yourself with PVC the same size as the pole your using and cut out 1/8-1/4 circumference.

4x4mike

03-11-2009, 08:17 PM

Here are a couple other mounting options that I found on ih8mud:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_409_A_SubCatId_E_433

I think these slide into the above item:

http://www.rochfordsupply.com/product_listing.asp_Q_CatID_E_407_A_SubCatID_E_430 _A_ProdID_E_3517

http://www.perfectfit.com/154247/products/Keder-Awning-Rail-Insert.html

Several more options here:

http://www.csctextiles.com/jef_04awn-01.htm

Those peices that slide into the rail get sewed into whatever fabric you want to use.

I know what those items are but I think using something like that would make this too complex. I'm looking for something thst I can attach to my existing factory rails or my Yakima rack. A simple frame, frame is a stretch I'm thinking pole that will run front to back of the vehicle, that I can lay a tarp over. I started thinking about this again today but just need to allocate some time and funds to the project.

Bob98SR5

03-12-2009, 01:08 AM

troyboy162

03-12-2009, 01:21 AM

im watching this one too. between a sun shade and sleeping in the back of the runner...this would be the ultimate camping set up! keep the updates coming!

4x4mike

03-12-2009, 07:49 AM

mike,

did you listen/watch the video on the sportshade.com site? oh lord, that was the worst jamaican voice ever done by a white man!

good luck on whatever you build. ill be checking in your thread periodically.

I haven't listened to the video. I keep the sound on my work computer turned off. I guess I'll have to check it out.

Updates, well there aren't any. I think if I have some time I may start tinkering. My wife is due any day, I thought it was go time at 3am this morning, so I'm reluctant to start anything right now. I've been staying close to home and spending less time in the garage.

I'll tell you what though. If I don't get a call today while at work I'll start this afternoon. It might take a day or 2 to post back though.

4x4mike

03-12-2009, 06:58 PM

Alright, no baby so I'll post pictures.

Here is the bar spread I am looking at.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06919.jpg

I don't have a measurement but you get the idea. Ideally the canopy would be the distance of the bar spread plus a foot or so and then extend outward.

Here are the star fangled nuts I plan on inserting into the bars.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06913.jpg

One is for a 1" steerer, one for a thin walled 1 1/8" steerer and the other is for a thick walled or AL 1 1/8" steerer. Steerer tubes are the piece that comes off the crown on a threadless bicycle fork. These are common sizes and can be had from your LBS.

Here is where they will go.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06914.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06915.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06917.jpg
F'ing paint. I got a little in my hair. I am told baby oil will get it out. If not out come the clippers.

Once the nuts are in the bars I will have a threaded hole in a solid anchor. I might finish it off with a top cap. Some are metal and some are plastic. I have to find my others.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06921.jpg

I have to find a few more parts before I start but this is my idea for attaching the canopy part to the vehicle. I think this will work great for sun. As for rain, I think if it's blowing water will be able to get to you easily. One good thing about attaching it to the bars is that the canopy is high enough to still be able to open the door yet angled enough to drain water off.

kcpearl

03-12-2009, 07:16 PM

OK, so the Jamacian thing is a little tacky and frankly annoying, but the product itself is great. Why spend hours and hours rigging up PVC pipes and tarps when you can just BUY one?

4x4mike

03-12-2009, 08:24 PM

For one $100 is too much for what it is. I picture the spring return thing breaking early on. For 2 it's too long. I wouldn't have it attached to the rack all the time and it won't fit in the 4runner with the seats up. I have a kid on the way so the seats have to be up and no big pointy things propped up on them. My idea will be something I can fit in an old 2 man tent stuff sack and put under a seat.

reggie 00

03-12-2009, 09:12 PM

And besides its more fun to make stuff!

kcpearl

03-13-2009, 03:37 PM

Ok, you got me on that one. It is fun to make stuff! Go for it! I still like what I have.

4x4mike

03-13-2009, 06:38 PM

I went to HD and spent a whole $9. I got some PVC, pipe ends and couplers.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06924.jpg

It's 2 sticks of 3/4" and 2 sticks of 1".

I made a hole and then using a die grinder I enlarged it.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06929.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06930.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06931.jpg

Those were for practice. I then cut my pieces and made the holes in them. Here is the engagement.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06934.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06933.jpg

Fit on the bars. Keep in mind there will be a wing nut screw holding these on.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06935.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06936.jpg

With couple. I wanted this to pack down small.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06937.jpg

All the PVC.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06938.jpg

I cut a slit to try to make something that will clamp on. It took a long time, made a big mess and I don't think it'll work.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06939.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06940.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06943.jpg

I was going to spen a little more time working on this but my wife came out and told me her water broke :drink: :confused: :thumbup:

I have to go now, if she finds out I'm doing this instead of composing an email to family I'm toast and not the good kind. Ken you might have to keep this on the down low for now. If family and friends found out this was posted in a forum before they got an email I'm done for.
:drink:

paddlenbike

03-13-2009, 08:27 PM

LOL. Man, are you going to deliver a baby with those hands!?! Your wife is going to kill you, and as long as the rest of your family never sees the post above, at least you'll have their support. ;)

Looks like a nice start to the canopy project. I like the idea of the PVC slipping onto the Yakima bars via the holes. Now if only you could find a 8x12 pirate flag to use as the awning material...

4x4mike

03-13-2009, 08:56 PM

I didn't think of a pirate flag, I like it.

The hands are clean and ready to go.

reggie 00

03-13-2009, 10:50 PM

Arrr

A pirate flag would be smashing.

Why not a few sewn together?
or one in the middle of some plain black panels?

4x4mike

03-14-2009, 11:01 AM

Had a moment so I drilled a couple of holes. I need to run to the hardware store to get some longer metric bolts. The star nuts have a metric thread.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06947.jpg

The nut is not in the bar yet. Once it is the bolt will be straight. I'm thinking a bolt with a wing nut on it. It doesn't have to be tight but just keep the pvc on the ends of the bars.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06948.jpg

This is what it might look like.

4x4mike

03-14-2009, 04:12 PM

I was able to make a trip to the local Ace. I needed longer bolts and a metric wingnut. This is what I came home with.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06950.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06951.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06953.jpg

I think these will working fine. The plastic is good because these bolts shouldn't be too tight.

troyboy162

03-14-2009, 09:33 PM

its looking nice!

Obi..

03-15-2009, 02:47 AM

*Mike, pick up some washers and bend them to the radius of the pvc to prevent stress cracks around the wingnut/bolt.

All you'd need to do is use a piece of 4x4 scrap with a hole the O/D of the pvc drilled across the grain, then cut in half the direction the hole goes, insert the washer, and using a metal pipe, beat on the pipe to bend the washer. It's basically the same method used to make head tube badges and bike stay braces.

http://www.headbadges.com/id75.html

4x4mike

03-21-2009, 06:43 PM

So I'm trying something new. I want to try square metal for the piece that attaches to the rack bars. The flat sides will make it easier to attach the tarp to (I was thinking about this last night when the baby had gas and wouldn't stop crying). I got a piece of metal.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06967.jpg

The plan is to cut in half so the break down size will be short.

Question. How to I reattach the 2 pieces for use? You know, like using the coupler for the PVC. I bought steel instead of aluminum just in case I need to weld on it. The stock is 1-1/4 square and pretty thin wall.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06968.jpg

I couldn't find a size that fit snuggly inside so I'm thinking I'll have to make something.

My quick shade pop up tent has interlocking legs that use a spring loaded nub that clicks into a hole to hole the legs together. I was thinking about copying it but I think I would crash and burn.

Seanz0rz

03-21-2009, 06:45 PM

get a small piece of tube that matches the ID of the tube you have, sleeve it. just a 3 inch piece, 1.5 inch in each end.

4x4mike

03-21-2009, 06:55 PM

get a small piece of tube that matches the ID of the tube you have, sleeve it. just a 3 inch piece, 1.5 inch in each end.

I'd need to find something with a 1-1/8" OD/outer dimension and I can't. I already looked into this. Maybe I have an old steerer tube I can hack on. Maybe some plastic. It's easy to shape into the correct dimensions. Metal welded in there would be nice but I'm thinking I'll have problems building a little 4 sided square to fit in there. You know, 4 equal strips welded together in a square. I picture burning myself, lots of grinding and a sloppy fit. We'll see.

Obi..

03-22-2009, 12:30 AM

Take a section of the same material and just cut it into 4 corner braces. (Once you cut it down it'll fit the I.D.)

Make the pieces at least 4" long, so you end up with an even 2" amount in both sides.

Drill 4 small holes a little under 3/4" apart in 4 spots on each of the 4 sides of the main piece so you can tack weld in your 4 I.D. braces, basically so you have a place to throw spot welds and fill the holes up with weld.

You'll end up with a "castled" tube that you simply slide into the adjoining piece. Simple and effective.

Now if you're really a hot welder, you'll have chamfered the inside of the first tube so you can also throw down some weld bead on the castle tops to strengthen them even further. You then take smaller pieces to interlock with the castle side and have a really sweet interference fit.

*Note*I use the term "Castle Joint" loosely b/c it's really late and the proper term escapes me right now..think in terms of how a lego block or splined driveshaft works, but with only 4 sides, and that should help a little..If you're unsure of what I mean exactly, I can possibly convince Kevin (4RunnerChevy) to let me come over and play with some scrap and make a piece up to show you what I mean exactly. :D

4x4mike

03-22-2009, 09:17 AM

All this went through my head last night. Even the hot welder but not in the good and experienced welder. More like the, SOB that is hot.

I may look into getting another piece and doing what you said.

Now when you say corner braces what do you mean? Is that like cutting 4" off and slicing the metal like Subway sandwich bread on all sides. Then the welds will hold it into place?

Seanz0rz

03-22-2009, 09:52 AM

yeah, you would basically be making 4 angle pieces from that square tube. the width of the grinder wheel as it takes away the metal would probably be enough to shrink it so they fit in the tube.

same kinda thing is done for round plastic tube. slice one side, collapse it in and push it inside the tube.

so any particular reason why you decided against the plastic pipe? seems like its generally easier to work with, lighter weight, etc.

4x4mike

03-22-2009, 02:04 PM

I need the flat sides. Unless you can think of a way to join the tarp and round PVC. The plan is to make 2 or 3 holes in the tarp and insert grommets. I would make the 2 or 3 holes in the metal as well and use some kind of sealed bolt to attach the tarp to the metal. I guess I could do this with the PVC as well but for some reason at 3am it didn't sound like it was going to work.

Obi..

03-23-2009, 08:11 AM

Seanz0rz

03-23-2009, 09:56 AM

much stronger, i was just trying to paint him a picture of how to do it.

4x4mike

03-30-2009, 07:52 PM

The wife took the baby to her parents today so I got a chance to work on this after work. I'd say I am done with the first version. It works, it was really sunny today, and held up to moderate breezes. Looking at it set up looks like it would have a hard time handling rain. The center of the tarp sags and would fill with water. I'm thinking a frame around it all would be needed to keep it taught. Maybe I should look at those sport shades again and see how they did it.

Hole.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06975.jpg

Tool used to jam something into hole.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06976.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06977.jpg

Jamming action shot.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06978.jpg

Jammed hole.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06979.jpg

Here is the tarp support bar held in place with the allen cap screws.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06981.jpg

More. I could drive like this all the time if need be. Alone they are the longest pieces.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06982.jpg

HF Tarp. It's a lot smaller than I though it was.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06983.jpg

I don't know why, I had the dimensions the whole time. I just never opened the package.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06995.jpg

I guess it's fine for now. As it is the tarp sags because it's thick and heavy. Any bigger and I'd be looking for more legs to support it.

4x4mike

03-30-2009, 08:16 PM

This is version 1 of the poles. I had to grind down the outer radius of the fiberglass pole to fit inside of the aluminum pole. In the end the fiberglass section was not stiff enough. One hour wasted. I wanted to use the fiberglass pole because the ferreled end was big and fit perfectly in the tarp grommet.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06989-1.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06990.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06991-1.jpg

I ended up using all aluminum poles and modifying one end with a hole and electrical tape to make it hold the tarp.
This is the only picture I have of that.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06994.jpg

4x4mike

03-30-2009, 08:21 PM

I marked and drilled 3 holes in the PVC. In these holes I installed riv-nuts. I used some small bolts through the grommet holes to hold the tarp to the pvc at the vehicle.

Nutted
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06984.jpg

Blurry picture of my nut and pipe.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06985.jpg

These are the tent stakes I had from when I built one of these for my truck. The old version hung off the bed rail. I never used it.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06986.jpg

Here she is.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06992.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06993.jpg

Door opens and it stays up by itself. As you can see after some rain it'll be a pain. I was thinking some shock cord going to the diagonals to keep the tarp from sagging. A larger tarp would be nice but I think it would be a lot more work. The sport shade one doesn't look to be any bigger.

Obi..

03-31-2009, 03:20 PM

Obi..

03-31-2009, 03:28 PM

Door opens and it stays up by itself. As you can see after some rain it'll be a pain. I was thinking some shock cord going to the diagonals to keep the tarp from sagging. A larger tarp would be nice but I think it would be a lot more work. The sport shade one doesn't look to be any bigger.

Use another tent rod in the middle two holes going across and the arch created will solve that.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06993.jpg

Obi..

03-31-2009, 03:31 PM

Picked up one of these yet??

http://www.campist.com/archives/nissan-pathfinder-murano-x-trail-qashqai-suv-tent.jpg

Picked one up, headed out to catch a race, camped the night before and had the best spot to throw out tech support!! :)

paddlenbike

04-01-2009, 09:20 PM

Dude, that turned out great! You really used some creativity and nice hardware...great job! Now you HAVE to go to Death Valley this fall...

4x4mike

04-01-2009, 09:35 PM

Nice!! I like how you used the 1" star nuts and the bottle cage nutserts. :D

BTW...
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC06985.jpg

Someone's playing w/ XT, too bad Mine are better/cooler! Gears are for queers, as long as you're comfortable with that. ;)
(..and the Timbuk IPod holder also makes a sweet wallet!)

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_PFYN1rUn3pQ/SdKXJWlOMjI/AAAAAAAAAHI/kaWmIRwJl7I/s800/Canon%20-%20Canon%20PowerShot%20SD750%20-%202009-05-31%2020-11-25.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_PFYN1rUn3pQ/SdKXKrrGXFI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/2pl7sESP0Hs/s720/Canon%20-%20Canon%20PowerShot%20SD750%20-%202009-06-04%2010-24-11.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_PFYN1rUn3pQ/SdKXLXRUJGI/AAAAAAAAAHY/r7tErfR4tH0/s576/Canon%20-%20Canon%20PowerShot%20SD750%20-%202009-06-04%2010-23-19.jpg

My 1FG has King SS ISO hubs ($$). My hardtail race bike has either Crossmax wheels or XT/Hugi mix. I usually ride single speed and race shifting hardtail. This wheel set is for my 29'er. I had it set up SS but I couldn't get the gearing down and was bummed I couldn't get it to fit like my Cannondale so it got some gears. The 29'er is just so big it's hard for me to get over it. I guess if I were taller I would feel more at home on it.

I figure since we have the baby now it'll be the burley trailer bike/rain race bike as my wife thinks the trailer and fixie will be a bad idea. I told her you have to give it a try before you can consider it bad.

On a plus note I had my first race of the season and I bagged first for my age/class division. That's good but I think the bad is that I get bumped up to the next class.

BTW the ID of the Yakima bars accept an 1-1/8 star nut. The 1" didn't even touch the sides. It was like throwing a hot dog down a hallway. The Timbuk2 case is for my point and shoot camera. I also have one for my ipod that rides on my bag. My wallet most of the time is a fishing license holder. Small and waterproof.

4x4mike

04-01-2009, 09:43 PM

Dude, that turned out great! You really used some creativity and nice hardware...great job! Now you HAVE to go to Death Valley this fall...

It works out OK but I want it a little bigger (even though this works and is simple) and need a little more time before I pack it along on a trip. I think I may use my remaining tent poles for a tarp frame. We'll see.

Bob98SR5

04-01-2009, 10:48 PM

mike,

nice work. even better documentation! baby and mom doing alright?

4x4mike

04-01-2009, 11:09 PM

Thanks Bob. Marin and Maggie are doing well. They came out to the race to hang out with some friends and cheer me on. Today was a hard day for them as the baby cried most of the day. I guess she was fine in the car and at the race but for some reason at home she let's loose. We went up to Lake Tahoe yesterday and for the most part she was ok. She cried a little when I tried to put her in the snow and when pooped but all in all it wasn't too bad.

Here she is with a new little knitted jacket thingy (it's got some special name). It was a baby gift from one of Marin's knitting friends.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/First%20Month%20Maggie/DSC00198.jpg

Here she is in the car seat. I think the modded dome light might actually be a little too bright.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/First%20Month%20Maggie/DSC00192.jpg

2.5 weeks old already, geez.

Bob98SR5

04-02-2009, 11:39 PM

congrats, mike, shes adorable!

Seanz0rz

04-03-2009, 10:32 AM

Hahahaha!!! She's so cute mike! I dnt think you'd pike staring into that light either. Put a piece of very light open cell foam over the light. Works great! I might have some lying around I could mail you.

4x4mike

04-24-2009, 11:43 PM

Update. I added a runner of PVC aross the edge, think gutter. The tarp is mounted to the PVC the same way it is at the vehicle. The hope is that this will give the tarp more of a frame and support it more. Because of the new piece I had to figure out a new way to attach the legs and this is what I came up with.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC07083.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC07084.jpg

I have yet to try it out, maybe tomorrow.

4x4mike

06-22-2010, 08:15 PM

Ok so it's been a while so I'm updating this topic. I used the canopy for a little in the sun and rain. It worked really well but was a little small, especially when you have 2 or more people in camp chairs under it. I decided to do the old painters pole mod and use a bigger tarp. So I bought a super nifty pole, cut it all cool and such and mounted it to the Yakima rack. Problem was the tarp was too big and would sag under it's own weight. I used it once and decided I didn't like it. The tarp folded up was a little bulky as well.

While at Wally World one day I strolled down the camping isle and found their 9'X9' sun canopy. It's kind of a cheap copy of a lot of other things on the market. It was $28 so I figured I'd give it a whirl. It's a little bigger than my last tarp version and stays taught. Another good thing is that it is also free standing so I don't have to break it down when it's time to drive or move the vehicle. It packs smaller than my first homemade version so I'm happy.

Pics.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC07974.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/mezamichael82/Canopy/DSC07976.jpg

Only use 2 legs for vehicle mounted or all 4 for free standing.

We have an Ez-Up but it's really heavy and with having to keep the rear seats up it doesn't fit in the 4runner. It's nice to use in town and we use it in the back yard.

We also have an REI alcove, http://www.rei.com/product/794290
which is similar to the wally world one but much nicer. I bought this to pack along instead of the ez up. All are nice to have to pitch over a tent when it's in the sun (kids sleep during the day) or to take out to a park or the beach.

Good Times

06-23-2010, 11:24 AM

$28 for a 9x9 canopy from wally world!? wow that looks like a great deal! I guess I need to make my way out to one to check it out :)

How's the finish? is it a cheap canopy that may fall apart? it looks like a 2 pole unit which makes it easy to setup so I definitely like the simplicity of the design.

thanks for sharing! :)

4x4mike

06-23-2010, 12:11 PM

The finish isn't bad. The blue material isn't very thick but it doesn't really need to be. It's got a little coating on it but you can't see it. It's just not that heavy coating you find on tent rainflys or cordura. The poles are fiberglass so they are heavy but again they don't necessaryily need to be light. Aluminum poles would more than double the price and the durability probably wouldn't be where it needs to be. The canopy comes with 4 legs I just have 2 installed in the picture as the one side is attached to my Yakima rack. Quality is the same as a wally world tent. Plus side to this is that it doesn't have zippers, screen, a floor, etc and because a majority of it is in the air it doesn't have as much of a chance to get damaged.

Setup is easy with one person and takes a couple minutes. Flip together the legs, place the 2 roof poles in place, stick the legs in the holes and you're good to go. If I had to I could zip tie a tarp to a side if I needed a wall or 2 from the sun, wind, rain. We have and use the walls on our REI canopy and our ez up and they sure do come in handy.

Kevin_86runner

07-07-2010, 09:25 PM

Hey, Mike. Thanks for the thread, lots of good ideas.

If you don't mind me saying, there's a couple ways to correct the bellying in your top. First, pitch those lines tighter, much tighter. Second, you want your leading edge lower than the edge mounted to the truck... you could shorten the poles, but it's easier and more stable to pitch the base of the poles about a foot towards the truck. That'll give you a good slope for runoff, and it'll be more stable in the wind.

Just those two things, and you should have very minimal bellying. I really dig how you mounted it to your rack... I think I'm past that stage in my setup, but if I start over I'll probably copy your rig there.