Optimistic Paranoid
Adventurist
Anyone here familiar with this? The prices sure seem good, compred to the imported stuff.
http://www.busdepot.com/details/awning/
http://www.busdepot.com/details/awning/
Bus Depot Awning?
- Thread starter Optimistic Paranoid
- Start date
I've seen a few and have always considered getting one but never pulled the trigger. Most of the owners I've talked to (small sample size) replaced the cordage with 550. I've never purchased because I go back and forth between one of those and a hard mount awning. Thus far I've ended up buying neither, which has done me no good!
Optimistic Paranoid
Adventurist
I'm not positive, but from the way they describe it as being transported in a bag, I would guess it's not possible to permanently mount it.
They're a bit like putting up a tent with no walls. Two shock-corded poles that cross in the middle to make an X, then you attach it to the mounts which stay attached to your roof rack, and add the poles. The poles can be attached to the side of a VW van and maybe another vehicle. Otherwise, the poles attach at the front like a Kelty car tarp or similar and should be secured with guy lines. The bag is very similar to a small tent and should store almost anywhere.
Scott
Adventurist
Hmm I like the perceived added head room with the dome styling. That being said I'd almost rather have a permanently mounted regular awning .. Having another item in a bag is just one more thing to pack.
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That, combined with the price difference, is what has kept me stuck in indecision.
The issue I have with the vehicle mounted awnings is with the angle of the sun, they are usually throwing shade on the front tire or some other unusable area. Add walls and they make more sense. Of course I rarely have to deal with rain where I travel the most. I can see their benefit in those climates.
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While expensive, the Fiamma awnings offer complete vehicle mount. As the sun moves, a quick move of the vehicle makes adjusting shade easy. No guy lines, no ground poles. Also much more wind resistant than anything else I've tried but as we know at some point the wind always wins so I take it down when it gets crazy. 5 minutes after this photo was taken the truck was repositioned for optimal shade
While expensive, the Fiamma awnings offer complete vehicle mount. As the sun moves, a quick move of the vehicle makes adjusting shade easy. No guy lines, no ground poles. Also much more wind resistant than anything else I've tried but as we know at some point the wind always wins so I take it down when it gets crazy. 5 minutes after this photo was taken the truck was repositioned for optimal shade
Optimistic Paranoid
Adventurist
It occurs to me that one of the advantages to NOT having the awning permanently mounted is that it's easy to set the awning up on EITHER side of your vehicle. I also like the picture on their website showing the awning set up over the front of the vehicle, with the hood up, providing sun and rain protection while you do field repairs.
The main disadvantage I see is that it's more work to set it up if you just want to stop for half an hour to have lunch.
Given how inexpensive and versatile the Bus Depot awning is, dare I suggest that it might make sense to carry it even IF you've already got another awning permanently mounted? Just thinking out loud . . .
The main disadvantage I see is that it's more work to set it up if you just want to stop for half an hour to have lunch.
Given how inexpensive and versatile the Bus Depot awning is, dare I suggest that it might make sense to carry it even IF you've already got another awning permanently mounted? Just thinking out loud . . .