How to Make a Tent Awning
A tent awning is an essential piece of camping gear that protects campers from heavy rainfall, snow and direct sunlight. Depending on the type of awning, these can either be rolled up after use or stay open. Also known as a canopy, this protective covering is usually made from canvas and attached to the front of a tent, like the porch of a house. Although most camping tents have an attached awning, you can make one yourself with supplies you already have instead of purchasing one. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Make a Tent Awning
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Set up your tent in an area with plenty of trees to help suspend the awning. If, however, there are not many trees in the selected location, you can still set up the awning using tent poles.
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Open the tarp fully and drape it over the tent. You may need someone to help you hold a corner while you hold the other corner, and move ahead simultaneously. Cover the top of the tent completely.
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3
Use a measuring tape to measure the distance from the front two corner grommets of the tarp to the nearest tree.
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Use the measurement to cut two lengths of rope, adding several inches that will allow for a firm knot around the tree trunk.
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Clamp the back half of the tarp to the sides of the tent to hold it in place and prevent it from rolling over. To do this, clamp both the back corners and sides to the tent. Tug around the clamps to ensure the tarp is secure and does not give way.
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Take a front corner of the tarp and slide a bit of the rope through it. Make a tight knot by forming a loop and slipping the rope corner through it. Repeat with the other corner, using the other length of rope.
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Hold one of the corner ropes and walk to the nearest tree. Loop the rope as high as you can around the tree trunk so the awning is raised, allowing you to easily stand under it. Pull it taut and tie a knot. Repeat this procedure with the other corner rope.
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Dig a small hole three to four inches deep in the exact center of the front of the tent with a hand shovel or stick. Place the tent pole in the hole. This pole will support the awning and allow any rainwater to slide off it, preventing it from caving in due to extra weight.
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Tips & Warnings
To erect your awning if there are no trees nearby, dig two holes in the ground in front of the tent and place two tent poles into them securely. Extend the ropes tied from the corner grommets of the tarp to the poles and tie them there securely.
