Rear awning

Questions & answers about awnings, mattresses, and other things to make life on the road more comfortable. This section is for Bongo-specific kit only. No talk about backpacking tents here!

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elbee
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Rear awning

Post by elbee » Mon Mar 06, 2017 10:35 pm

I'm considering a rear awning and Ive looked at a few online, does anyone have advice on the best type for the bongo. What I'm really after is an awning that attaches so that you can close the rear hatch and drive away, something quick and easy to errect and remove, the ones I've looked at seem to attach to the open hatch but surely that would mean when your sleeping the hatch would need to stay open and you'd be pretty cold sleeping in the van? :shock:
Bob
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Bob » Mon Mar 06, 2017 11:40 pm

We used one of these for a good few years:

http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/sunnc ... -tent.html

Not exactly an awning but we put it behind Bongy so that when the tailgate was open it acted as a 'Roof' between van and tent.

In bad weather we would put a wind break both sides and it made a very useable unit.
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mikeonb4c
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Re: Rear awning

Post by mikeonb4c » Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:02 am

elbee wrote:I'm considering a rear awning and Ive looked at a few online, does anyone have advice on the best type for the bongo. What I'm really after is an awning that attaches so that you can close the rear hatch and drive away, something quick and easy to errect and remove, the ones I've looked at seem to attach to the open hatch but surely that would mean when your sleeping the hatch would need to stay open and you'd be pretty cold sleeping in the van? :shock:
I've gone on about this idea for years. I did meet a couple at Stourport a few years back who were offering handmade tailgate throwover covers. But not cheap. I think the best you can do for warmth would be to arrange decent curtains over the tailgate opening when you head to bed. Still doesnt feel as secure as shutting it though.

Interesting design challenge!
elbee
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Re: Rear awning

Post by elbee » Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:07 am

Thanks Bob, Thanks Mike, ok maybe my best option is a utility tent as suggested by Bob. I have a drive away awning which is great for longer stays but what I was after really was a quick solution for one or two nights stay for storage, coolbox or fridge etc.
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Bob » Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:17 am

For our GNET (Great North East Tour) a few years ago we used a really cheap 2 man tent as a 'Shed'.

We moved every day and found it invaluable, put up in 2 mins, put chiller and all the junk in it, kept our pitch if we drove off site.

Not standing height but mega useful and about a tenner from Asda. 8)
elbee
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Re: Rear awning

Post by elbee » Tue Mar 07, 2017 12:35 am

Nice cheap idea Bob. But ideally require standing height for getting changed etc. I'll continue to look around and do some research. I really like the idea of the Reimo Fritz if it could be self supporting and not require the tailgate open at bedtime.
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Jillygumbo
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Jillygumbo » Mon Mar 13, 2017 4:49 pm

I bought and tried a Khyam tailgate awning. Bought it at the NEC. With the tailgate open you need to leave enough loose material to account for the mirror sticking up. With the tailgate closed, the loose material then flapped against the sides.

Would be better if you didn't have a mirror or spoiler maybe.
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Ian
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Ian » Tue Mar 14, 2017 8:51 am

Try Googling "Aztec Autohaven" awning and "Outdoor Revolution Tailgate" awning.
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Flanners
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Flanners » Fri Nov 10, 2017 7:26 pm

Aztec looks ideal but neither seem to be in production?
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Northern Bongolow
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Northern Bongolow » Fri Nov 10, 2017 11:50 pm

jason and jane (and bert and ernie) on here have a custom made tailgate awning from a uk company, they will make anything you want.
just cannot remember the name of the company sorry. :oops: someone else may spot this though.

or will this sort of thing do the job.
http://www.justkampers.com/camper-van-m ... nd-t6.html
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Flanners » Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:42 pm

That looks like a good cheap option, cheers
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Jillygumbo
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Re: Rear awning

Post by Jillygumbo » Mon Nov 13, 2017 12:51 pm

Jillygumbo, Tonto & Ruca
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