How to build a 270 overland awning for less than $150

(Update: printable hinge template and shopping list now available on my website)

Alright guys! i finally made a video that that follows the steps of building this 270 degree awning. Ive updated my design and its now 50% slimmer and totally eliminates the need to sew your own bag by using an available ARB awning bag for just $35! I hope you enjoy the video, thank you so much to everyone who has subscribed to the channel it truly makes it fun to share these projects!

(update) Awning weight is: 35.8lbs including bag and hardware

Here is the parts list:

Steel tubing: 3/4" - 1/16th wall square tubing ($10-15 per 20ft length at the steel supply. You will need 4x 7ft, 2x 7ft 4inch-

Steel plate: 3/16th or 1/4 inch steel plate, a 1x2 feet sheet should be enough. Try asking if the steel supply has a "rem" pile and you can pay for the pound. My local supply sells it for .50cents per pound and if you find 1x2 ft piece or larger it will be super cheap!

1ft of 1inch steel galvanized pipe. Im using galvanized pipe because the inner dimeter fits a skate board bearing perfectly. However you MUST remove the galvanizing before welding! its toxic!

Hinge bolts
3x- 3 1/2 inch 5/16th grade 8 bolts
6x 5/16ths washers
3x 5/16th acorn nuts

Lifter arm bearing bolts- 3x -5/16th 1.5inch bolts and nuts

[thetankslapper]

I don't know which I like better, his awning or his humble and down to earth way of making a daunting task seem simple. Cool guy.

[rhysboxsell]

Tips from a fitter welder:
Push while using mig don’t pull

When drilling you should have relatively high rpm but also be using coolant or cutting compound
Instead of welding the bearing in (this will most likely ruin the bearing) use a locking compound such as locktite, whith light heat you will still be able to remove the bearing

[OverlandUnderBudget]

Second video on cutting the tarp, and laying out the hinge coming soon!

[CLee-qher]

BEST design I have seen of this even better than some of the commercial ones.

[markmatisko]

I love watching newbies getting into welding. Lol.. it's called a bevel man. You want to put a bevel on the edge so your weld has a deeper penitration. You also want to mention how to set up your welder and what settings your using for the folks that have no idea what voltage and wire feed are for. That's an awesome welder your running. Super lucky to have won it! Congrats on that!!
You have a great set up though.. you got it a lot better than I did when I first started. I welded all my roof racks outside. Under a tent. Mostly limited to working on projects up until winter hit. It was a struggle but I had a growing buisness for roof racks.. anyway. Great video man. I love the creativity and sleek design in this awning. I've made simpler fold out awning but I'm sure I will be making one of these for myself now. Thank you and good luck on your journey to becoming a fabricator.

[frenchfryfarmer]

If no one has said it....get the welder nozzle closer to the weld. .
You'll have cleaner welds and you can turn down the shielding gas (expensive) ...turn the heat down as well and you can weld continous.
Been welding since I was 13/14...54 now. Thousands and thousands of feet of welds.

Great job. I am a welder/smithy and I sew as well. ...gonna sew up some army surplus awning material ...heavy, but it's an E350...she can handle it.

[mundodebandeirante]

very good your videos. I'm building a camper and the information is very important.

[dacrazycard]

17 years as a welder fabricator and I'm impressed. Great job. I'm going to use this design myself I think. Awesome that it utilizes standard size tarps. Thanks for sharing.

[mikemeister]

Was that a Porsche in the driveway next to the truck? That must be why you’re doing it on a budget.

All joking aside, it’s good to see a true DIY channel. Lots of people spending crazy money to have overland/camping rigs that somebody else is building out.

Good for you man!

[adityahabbu]

Man you nailed it, ,i was finding a diy because awnings are so god damn overpriced, ,this i can make in my bavk yard, ,and my jimny will love this, ,thanx mate, subscribed, ❤

[cordelgiglesworth]

I know it's an old video, but im sure your knowledge has grown extensively. i just wanted to say that as a fabricator of 35 years, im impressed with your skills and this video, and thank you. I've enjoyed it and ill be building one myself

[justinlyle]

Thanks so much for sharing. I hope you're getting paid good for all videos. Your channel is the shit.

[stealthnthunder]

Wow!! What a Nice Awning also a Great Detailed Video! Great Craftsmanship & Skills... 👏👏👏👍👌 I Will Build Myself One! Thank you Sir! 🙂

[TrailToughTrailers]

I'm almost 65 and have never had the guts to learn how to weld... YOU have the guts to learn new things!!! If I had the guys when I was your age I would be living in a DIY Skylab somewhere just past Saturn learning something new! My point is this... never stop learning and always follow your dreams. Last month I bought a MIG welder and am learning how to weld. I've been a cabinetmaker for 30+ years and that has kept me busy and having fun, BUT I have always looked over my friend's shoulder wishing I had the guts to learn to weld. Thankfully that time has arrived!!!! Awesome vid... keep up the great job(s).

[russ_vee_jr]

This is a really good design that I will build this fall (2023) to be my outdoor cutting/welding work area.

Also, i wil be going 100% BoonDocking from Maine, to Key West, Galveston, the Rockies, and the Great Lakes in 2024/2025.

Between now and then, I'll use this awning for 2/3 day camping trips.

This must be the lowest cost 270 project on UToob and definitely the easiest to

[thamsanqachesa]

Thank you my brother. Your video is simple, well explained and your character comes out super likeable and humble, great qualities in a corrosive world. Thank you. Hope I can find more from you. I am in Zimbabwe and was searching for this because money is hard to come by and also product is hard to find. Thanks again for a great video

[AgnesRiley]

You’re awesome, dude! The best video I watched in a long time. Super informative and I learned a lot. Thank you!

[sksnwmbl]

That was an amazing video. Thanks for sharing. I’m new to your channel but I will be watching move of your stuff.

[mya]

This is awesome! Definitely saving this for the future

[rebeccavarga]

You are amazing!!!! Your channel is so so good. This is a video I didn't even think existed. Thank you.