The following article is a description of the deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning, as seen in this CheaperJeeperTV video. The intention and challenges of the design are covered in a previous article and video, and how to construct the awning is covered in another previous article and video.
What’s in the Tube
One of the amazing things about the deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning, is that all of its components, tarp, poles, guy lines, pegs, and crank handle can all be stored within the tube. This makes the CheaperJeeperTV DIY Roofwing Awning a handy self-contained proposition. All items are stored in the tube, on the roof rack, thereby not taking up any valuable space in the Jeep.
Deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning – Configuration A
The first possible configuration would be to simply unroll the awning from the tube over either side of the Jeep. If one desires to have the roof covered in order to shade the Jeep and keep the inside from overheating, two poles can support this configuration while being inserted into the open ends of the roof rack. Thus, Configuration A is simple and does not require the use of any guy lines.
Deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning – Configuration B
By undoing twist ties at the grommets which keep the folded-in-half tarp together, the tarp can be unfolded towards the rear of the Jeep. The tarp can be immediately secured down in this position if so desired, for blocking of inclement weather, such as wind or rain. This configuration also provides privacy from other nearby campers, or even perhaps for the purpose of an outdoor shower.
Deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning – Configuration C
Finally, there is Configuration C where the unfolded tarp can also be extended over the back of the Jeep using the remaining two tent poles. The material used for tent poles is inexpensive metal conduit pipe that can be purchased inexpensively at most box stores for under $9.00 (CDN) each. They can be cut to any height that meets your needs.
Additional Features
Other than the flexibility of configuration of this DIY awning system, there is an additional feature that can be utilized. When the awning is deployed, the now empty tube can serve as a water storage system, appropriate for washing purposes, not drinking. It is capable of holding 15 Litres(~4 US Gallons) that can be released through the rear mounted spigot on the end of the tube.
Retracting the DIY Roofwing Awning System
To retract the awning system, one simply needs to fold the tarp back over onto itself, join the matching grommets with twist ties, and roll it back up into the tube. The crank handle is found stored in the end of the tube with the screw cap. All four poles and pegs fit into the tube before closing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the deployment of the DIY Roofwing Awning is an easy task, and allows for multiple convenient configurations. The tube system serves as convenient storage for all materials and doubles as a water reservoir while at camp. The ease of deployment, multiple configurations, and other conveniences make this DIY system an attractive project for anyone wishing for some benefits of commercially available batwing awning systems, but at a fraction of the cost.