Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I'm doing a cargo trailer conversion. 7x18' flat front cargo. Its completely a living cargo trailer, no toy hauler or equipment.

I'm looking to do an awning, and I'm stuck on what's the best option. I will have a brand new aluminum cargo trailer in about a month.

So options I'm considering, and I'd love thoughts on best option, and best brand for price within that option
1. Box Awning (like the thule awnings)
2. Bag Awning
3. Standard awning with legs etc.
4. DIY Awning (ie tarp or something like that)

I'll do install myself. I don't feel attached to motorized, but would consider it, but I expect it to be not worth the money to me.

travist, Howdy;

Need some more info from ya, like what brand, model, construction of the
frame where the sides meet the roof. Those things can have a large impact
on what is and isn't possible.

hank

I have a 6 x 12 trailer that I installed one of these on. It works great and the price was 146.00 shipped when I got it.
https://www.vidaxl.com/e/8718475923367/ ... g-10-cream

Here is a 13 footer that is motorized and remote controlled.. still a pretty good price..
https://www.vidaxl.com/e/8718475951414/ ... g-13-cream

There is also a 20 ft model...
https://www.vidaxl.com/e/8718475951438/ ... g-20-cream

McDave

The best option is the one you can afford that will meet your needs and environment within that context. So much difference between alternatives to include price, installation, set up time, ability to handle wind, ability to tilt, etc..

I have used a bag awning which worked well, but hard to set up solo and not as robust in wind.

My brother has an electric crank out version with no down supports. It looks nice, provides the shade and could not be easier to deploy, but it has been ruined in low to moderate wind when sensors did not crank it in.

I have the traditional RV type and it is a one man operation and can survive a pretty good storm especially with some $20.00 anchor straps. This was the most important requirement for me living in Fl. where thunderstorms pop up out of nowhere. Second was ability to tilt low for sun position/driving rain. Third was ease of deployment. Price was a consideration also for sure.

From a camping perspective, IMHO, I think the area under the awning is extended living space and I want the awning to not only provide shade in sun, but shelter in rain so I do not have to sit inside a small trailer when it rains if I do not want to. With rain ussually comes wind. The point is, decide on how and when you will use your awning the most and all of the needed capabilities for that before you decide on what to get. All types have pros and cons inherent in the solution.. you just want to have more pros than cons for your intended usage scenarios and budget.

Good luck.

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McDave wrote:I have a 6 x 12 trailer that I installed one of these on. It works great and the price was 146.00 shipped when I got it.
https://www.vidaxl.com/e/8718475923367/ ... g-10-cream
McDave

It looks like it wouldn't be too hard to build some down poles and guy-wires for the outside edge of this unit. The price is definitely appealing.

Iconfabul8 wrote:It looks like it wouldn't be too hard to build some down poles and guy-wires for the outside edge of this unit. The price is definitely appealing.

I think they may make some supports for that already as an option, and if not, I think it would be easy to make as you say. Supports certainly would improve the performance in wind if done right and take care of that concern although you are limited either way to a more horizontal position and cannot adjust awning tilt way down at an angle for low horizon sun/or blown in rain.

As you know, every design has tradeoffs and that may not be a concern for some and you could fix that with an additional tarp of some sort in any case?

I would not recommend supports with an automatic version, however. Not sure what would happen if it tried to retract in wind and was tied down?

The price is attractive and I love how easily it deploys for sure!


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So it is an E-Z Hauler aluminum frame & skinned trailer. 16" on center vertical studs.

Will look pretty much identical to the picture on the main page: http://www.ez-haulertrailers.com/

Only difference will be that the space between the door and the roof won't be that big, maybe 4-6" in total.

You have about 45 deg of adjustment from straight out horiz to 45 deg tilt down. But because there are no side support arms for a visual warning, you have to be careful not to walk into the low edge, repeatedly. If you have a taller trailer or just don't extend the full 8 ft or you are of the low altitude persuasion, no problem. Graceful and observant people also have no problems. I just have to set it up so the low edge is higher than my melon for safety sake.

McDave