Posted 2011-04-01 12:16 PM (#132493 - in reply to #132193) Subject: RE: Awning on BP
New User
Posts: 1
Location: Grants Pass, OR
I have made and used the easiest and cheapest awning ever! I had small loops screwed into the trailer roof (at the bows) by a trailer dealer/repair shop. He used non rusting "d ring" type half circle loops and screws, and caulked around the screw heads. I use a $6.00 tarp from WalMart, and fasten it to the loops with bungies (the ones that have the little ball at one end). (You usually have to make little slits in the tarp to match the loops position except for the corners.) I found tent poles at the thrift store to use for holding up the outside edge. Tie little three ropes or cords into the outside grommets, drop a nail type stake into the same grommet holes and on into the tent pole ends. Set the tent poles upright and with the little rope or cord staked into the ground, you can pull the tarp tight. Wulla.........you have a great awning. Jan
Posted 2011-04-09 3:44 PM (#132820 - in reply to #132193) Subject: RE: Awning on BP
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385
Location: high desert, CA.
A company called A&E makes awnings for any size trailer. Check with any R.V. outlet like Camping World, or Adventurv.netI had a 9FT one on my 2 horse slant, and it bolted to the vertical bars right through the skin at the top edge. It rolled up into it's own bag with a big zipper for storage and transport.
Posted 2011-04-10 9:51 AM (#132841 - in reply to #132193) Subject: RE: Awning on BP
Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah
Years ago, I was doing a lot of CTR and that required the horses to be tied to the trailer every night. Wanting to protect my trailer, I attached a sheet of vinyl. This was used Billboard vinyl. I had a neighbor that produce Billboards for national companies, When they ordered a 100, he always produced 105 or107 so he would have spares. when the ad campaigns were over those spares got throw away. So I would go grab some occassionally and use them to cover the hay stack and other thing.
We got thinking we could make a protective cover for the side of my trailer. We installed a "C" rail to the roof. The vinyl had a 3/8 rope welded to one edge adn we would slip the rope inside the "C" rail and slide it into position. The vinyl would drap down the side and I would bungie it under the trailer in 5-6 places. Since it passed over the catwalk and fenders of the trailer, It created a large airspace behind the vinyl. So if the horses did paw, they would bounce off the vinyl and not dent my trailer side.
I did the same thing on the other side for an awning. Instead of pulling it straight down, I pulled it out and staked it up with poles for shade.
The point being if you can't find a commercial awning that fits your trailer. You can be creative and make something that will work. I made that awning and sideprotector with stuff that was being thrown away and the only cost was the "C"rail.
Some desert rides, there just was no place Except the trailer to tie the horses. So the vinyl really protected the side of my trailer and keep it looking nice.
Posted 2011-04-10 4:07 PM (#132856 - in reply to #132193) Subject: RE: Awning on BP
Regular
Posts: 54
Location: cleburne texas
Thanks for the info. The reason I had asked is first we have a bumper pull, and 2nd my child is doing lots of playdays this summer, and here in Texas, it gets hot! Some of the playdays are at arenas where there is absolutely no shade, for human or horse. I had found an 8 ft awning in a local store, that was for an RV, but was less than $50.00 (discount store). Just didn't know if it could be mounted. It has since been sold, but left me with trying to figure out how to mount one on the trailer and if I could use a tarp. Now I have that answer and instructions. Thanks so much