Lay a tarp out on the ground of the size desired for the awning. Use a sturdy, durable tarp and not one that tears easily or one designed for light-duty use.
Fold the front and backsides of the tarp over a length of 1 inch, and staple a seam to create a pocket along the entire length. Be sure to have the seams fold over on the down-facing side of the tarp.
Slip 1/2-inch PVC pipe through the front and back pouches. Cut the two pieces of pipe with a hacksaw so they extend out beyond the pouch 1 inch on both sides.
Attach two clamps to the van or camper side where you plan to connect the awning. Place the clamps roughly 10 feet apart across the camper. These will hold the rear bar of the awning securely to the structure.
Place 90-degree PVC corner pieces onto the ends of the four PVC pipe poles at the front and back of the tarp. Clamp the back pole to the camper side securely and test it to make sure it is not going to fall free.
Insert tent poles into the PVC corners and stand the tarp up to examine it. Make any adjustments to the camper or van’s side edge necessary to get it straight and balanced.
Cut four 12-foot lengths of tent line with a utility knife. Tie the end of one length securely to one of the rear PVC corner pieces. Tie a loop in the other end of the line and attach it to the ground using a tent stake and rubber mallet. Repeat this step with another length of tent line and the rear PVC corner piece on the other side, pulling the tarp taut as you go. Tie one end of each of the remaining lengths of tent line through the grommets at the front corners of your awning. Tie the other ends into loops stake the lines into the ground.
Adjust the tent poles or staked lines to get the awning placed so that there is no slack in it and it is tight across the front.
