Since I knew it would be hot and sunny sometimes during my adventure, I wanted to make sure I could make some shade when I needed it. I looked into buying ready-made awnings but I really did not want to attach anything permanently to the roof. I want to maximize my gas mileage and minimize complication. Also, I greatly enjoy being stealthy and roof-awning screams, “somebody lives in here!”
I came up with a great idea for an awning with a large (10′ x 12′) medium-duty tarp, two extending poles that I bought from Lowes, and 50′ of paracord. I use two heavy duty stakes (and I have a hammer!) to keep the two poles upright. I have also wrapped the line around big rocks when I could not pound a stake into the ground.
I was not exactly sure how I was going to attach it to the roof, but thanks to Gene’s brilliant idea, I used very strong magnets which I have shown in photo below.
I bought 10 heavy duty magnets and evenly taped them (with Duct tape of course!) along one edge. This worked fabulously even in windy conditions. (See next photo)
Note: I did however, take down the awning that night before I went to bed in case the wind grew stronger.
