spldr
08-13-2003, 12:27 AM
I was stumbling thru a Big Lots store today looking for an inexpensive way to make a canopy for the side of my Ellie. I ran across some cheap ($16) car covers and went "Ah..this'll do, I can cut it up and use the material". And it matches the Ellie color, silver.
The more I looked at it, a light bulb appeared over my head. The ends of the cover are "fitted" like a sheet, and the width seemed right, material strong enough, I wondered if it would hug the tailgate and I could make a quick set up tent.
I picked it up and when I got home, I VERY quickly hooked a fitted end under the tailgate. I bungeed it across the tailgate front to back width just as added security in the wind. It was the PERFECT width. I drew the whole cover over the top of the Ellie and fastened the other end under the wipers, covering the front window completely. The form of the cover fit over the sides of the Ellie just at the perfect width to cover all the side windows, with enough slack to get both sets of doors open with no futzing! With the doors open they make excellent proper uppers for the cover..instant sun shade/canopy!
I used the trick I have used for my old makeshift tent, a rainfly with bungies. I use the large spring style paper clips to fasten the material to the hydrolic arms on the hatch and it keeps all the material drawn to the side of the Ellie. Never had a problem with bugs, and was in a hellatious rainstorm once. Stayed dry too! I am not worried about the car cover leaking either, tho if it does, I will keep the fly in the camping box for a cover up, or..just close the tailgate and hatch!
The cover measurements are: 210"x70"x46". Big Lots is a one time shot, so I doubt if you would find them there for much longer. I am sure these are standard measurements for a large cover tho.
The only downside is that those with sunroofs would have to modify it with an opening. Otherwise, it looks sharp, like it was made specifically for this purpose, works great, and sets up in less than 5 mins.
I will post pics when I bring my camera home from work. I keep forgetting! Duh! I am going camping this weekend (AGAIN!) and will shoot the whole set up.http://www.dreamlinks.net/~spldr/pics/procarious.jpg Here is one to start.
The more I looked at it, a light bulb appeared over my head. The ends of the cover are "fitted" like a sheet, and the width seemed right, material strong enough, I wondered if it would hug the tailgate and I could make a quick set up tent.
I picked it up and when I got home, I VERY quickly hooked a fitted end under the tailgate. I bungeed it across the tailgate front to back width just as added security in the wind. It was the PERFECT width. I drew the whole cover over the top of the Ellie and fastened the other end under the wipers, covering the front window completely. The form of the cover fit over the sides of the Ellie just at the perfect width to cover all the side windows, with enough slack to get both sets of doors open with no futzing! With the doors open they make excellent proper uppers for the cover..instant sun shade/canopy!
I used the trick I have used for my old makeshift tent, a rainfly with bungies. I use the large spring style paper clips to fasten the material to the hydrolic arms on the hatch and it keeps all the material drawn to the side of the Ellie. Never had a problem with bugs, and was in a hellatious rainstorm once. Stayed dry too! I am not worried about the car cover leaking either, tho if it does, I will keep the fly in the camping box for a cover up, or..just close the tailgate and hatch!
The cover measurements are: 210"x70"x46". Big Lots is a one time shot, so I doubt if you would find them there for much longer. I am sure these are standard measurements for a large cover tho.
The only downside is that those with sunroofs would have to modify it with an opening. Otherwise, it looks sharp, like it was made specifically for this purpose, works great, and sets up in less than 5 mins.
I will post pics when I bring my camera home from work. I keep forgetting! Duh! I am going camping this weekend (AGAIN!) and will shoot the whole set up.http://www.dreamlinks.net/~spldr/pics/procarious.jpg Here is one to start.