I wanted to make an awning that would interface with my Thule rack, and provide an easy set-up/tear down. This is an initial prototype, but it has proven to work pretty well.
Awning Design
Rack Parts:
Thule Parts-
Thule Hull-A-Port Kayak Rack (835)
Thule QuickDraw Ratcheting Boat Straps (855)
Thule Aero Foot (400)
Thule Cable Lock (538)
Thule 58″ Load Bars (LB58)
Thule Fit Kit (111)
Con-Ferr Parts-6″ Portal Rack, fully welded 3’x5′
Awning Parts:
1″x0.5″ extruded aluminum channel (1/16″ wall) 4.5’x8′ heavy canvas tarp
The channel was cut to a 6′ length (2 sections).
I used shrink tube to cover the end of the channel.
With the shrink tube in place, it prevents people from getting scraped on the sharp edges.
This image shows the channel slid into the Thule cross bars. A 1″x0.5″ channel is the perfect fit, and is a very tight stack-up to the ID tolerances of the load bars.
I attached the tarp to the two channels. The awning can be configured as shown, with an additional support pole on the bed end of the truck. The awning can also hang down at the rear doors providing additional shade, but a smaller area for shitting.
Impressions
The awning sets up easily and provides a nice shade area for midday sun. I position the truck, with the passenger side facing west, which will provide sun protection from midday to evening.
