Quick DIY RV awning using 3D printed part

I wanted an easy way to attach a tarp to my trailer awning rail. I'm not ready for a permanent awning but I need good rain protection. Here I go about the process of making a 3d printed snap in hook. The result was a quick and cheap awning that I can leave it up in the wind without worring about it being destroyed or damaging the trailer.

[@pmwilliams123]

The solution is simple, and uses the track to make a continuous attachment that will shed water as the awnings are designed. Just get some coax cable the length of your track, and verify that it is small enough to fit into the round track. Then wrap a single layer of tarp around that coax cable and slide it into the round track from one end. If the coax cable is too large to work, get a smaller 'wedge' by using and small diameter cable or even plastic rod. In a pinch, you can even use wooden dowels.

[@staceyLE999]

Ok, I will fully admit that as I began watching the video I thought "this is a crappy idea"!!
I stand fully corrected! That is an impressive idea. You should absolutely manufacturer and market those!!
Totally impressed!!

[@lizc731]

bro. those are awesome! i'd buy a set today, no hesitation! wish i could!

[@vinnycent1988]

Need to get a patent on this my friend! I would buy this product !!!👍🏼

[@2000talon]

That's a good idea . My C channel doesn't have the rain gutter I would probeley have to sew a cord to tarp.

[@WarrenArnholtz]

Brilliant design! Thanks for sharing your ideas and execution.

[@gorila1958]

I'll take 10 of em . Hit me up us old guys who are not computer savvy and I dont own a 3d printer.

[@Mackie47]

Great idea! Yes I agree this is a poor mans DIY awning. 3D printers are cheap theses days. Hell I got mine for under $200 dollars and I've used it to make handles, clips, caps, and all kinds of misc stuff for the RV. That being said please post your clip files or sell them. I would print them in a heart beat!

[@jeepdriver9602]

Those are very cool.

[@autopeep24]

The piece that slides in the awning track is called a awning rope. Most, but not all, awing ropes have a seaming tails, but another way you can actually thread a rope through the end of a tarp. Most good tarps are stitched and one can make a small cut in a corner of the tarp and guide the/a rope through to the other end.
Most awing tracks take a 3/8" rope, but check yours! You can probably find something at a home improvement store and DYI your own rope. There are other UA-cam folks that show different applications for it. I am going the rope with a tail and will be attempting to heat weld the tail of the rope to a tarp.
TTrebuild, you have a thing here, you should capitalize on it

[@xterra4hire]

Could u sell them and provide a link to the awning rail

[@martintomasiewicz482]

How do I purchase some of these from you?

[@evacox2266]

i wood like to buy 3 of those.

[@borisis1]

Absolutely brilliant. Can I buy some off of you please? Have been looking for precisely this type of widget for years!!!!

[@Cowabunga808]

Brilliant!

[@Banannaspot]

Very clever.

[@alcontrastdotcom]

A poor mans awning wouldn't include a 3D printer! Cool design though. Could you adjust the angle of the posts that the grommets slip over so that the tarp folds or is tucked down into the gutter creating a ridgeline? That would create a better seal between the van and the tarp so water doesn't run down the underside of the tarp in a heavy rain.

[@jliwag]

super cool! do you have your printed file somewhere for download?

[@nicreyes922]

I would like to buy some I need that

[@susansteele2779]

Thank you for sharing you're clever idea. Smart execution Are you also sharing or selling your .STL file for this? If you have or are considering this, where would I find it and what do you call it?

[@thelamejames1596]

not at all what I'm looking for but damn thats good!!

[@Johnnyshearssalon]

Rules of posting something cool like this on UA-cam:
1. Expect questions.
2. Answer them.
Not one question answered. 🤔

[@kingdetail8590]

He's like the guy that charges an arm and a leg for the aid's pill or that dweeb that don't wanna share ... is a good video

[@Jimmyrichardson42267]

Is there anyway I can get the pattern

[@reddean4207]

If I had a 3D printer it would be alot cooler lol but thats awesome!

[@grobinson224]

Anyway I could buy some of these?Is that a standard awning rail?

[@TheRaveCrocker]

this is well made and useful, hope you share the part on thingiverse !

[@janicescragg2388]

The only critique here is that if you have any wind it will lift the tarp off the hooks. Drilling a hole across the top of the hook and then sliding in a locking pin would fix this problem. Other than that this is a wonderful idea. Are you planning on selling these for those who do not own a 3d printer.

[@ropropper]

Hello!
What software did you use for the 3D Modelling? Those rounded parts would be very difficult to make with mine.
Thanks!

[@gruveechic4695]

Do you sell these?

[@LittleknownPoet]

Shapeways?

[@markhall3323]

I thought you might print a part that slides along the channel, rather than snap in, so it can’t be pulled out accidentally?

[@reddean4207]

How much you want for some?

[@WayneDunbar]

Are you selling these? or selling the 3d printer file? I can provide my email.

[@csonsdetailing]

Can you sell me some of these

[@mini_worx]

Okay, why is the camera pointing straight at the guy's crotch area when modeling the 3d printed part?

[@justinworsham1978]

Wanna sell me a set?

[@elliottbaraby2683]

Can I bye some of these from you plzzzzzzzz I think I would need about 10

[@reallyaznokidding]

If one is poor, can't afford a 3D printer.

[@Frank-pj2tb]

You talk!

[@vinnycent1988]

do you have the STL file I'll send you my email if you can forward it to me 😅😅