Thursday, March 9, 2017

Video Of An Arched Awning In The Wind


I had an opportunity to see how an arched awning handles the wind. In the video, you can see the trees swaying in the wind, the flag and the awning valances flapping, and hear the wind blow. 

#archedawning
#vintagetrailerawning







Contact me Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi
  

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Video Of Sliding The Awning Welt Through The Awning Rail

To set up a vintage trailer awning quickly, have your  tent poles extended, tie-down lines unrolled, tent stakes and a hammer ready. Place everything in position on the ground about 8' out from the trailer. If setting up an arched awning, connect the shock pole sections and place them about three feet out from the trailer. Place the ladder at the far right of the trailer where the awning rail ends.
 Now you are ready to slide the awning welt into the c-channel awning rail.

Steps for setting up an arched awning alone :
1) Have adjustable height tent poles extended out on the ground in approximate location, with tip end about 8' out from trailer.
2)Have the tie-down lines, and tent stakes also in approximate position on the ground with a hammer ready.
3)Have your step ladder set up on the right end of the awning rail.
4)Get the shock poles put together and place them about three feet in front of the trailer.
5)Hold the weight of the awning in your left arm, with your right hand guide the awning welt along the c-channel awning rail. It takes both hands lifting and guiding and moving it along, from the ladder in one position.
6)With your left hand lift the weight and help pull the fabric along, as you slide the welt with the right hand.You may need to lift the fabric to keep the welt high enough to go into the awning rail. There are movies on my Blog and Facebook page.
7)Move the ladder out of the way.
8)Insert the tent pole tip into the right side grommet,keeping the pole tilted so you can slip the loop of the tie-down line over it. Straighten the pole and then go hammer in that one tie-down line. You do not need two lines on one pole. It will neutralize the tension.
9)With an arched awning, the tension to make it taut is from the shock poles, not the tie -down lines.
10)Now repeat process with other tent pole, tie-down line and tent stake. Repeat, you do not want them really tight.
11)This is how I set it up alone. Ready?
a)From the ground, insert the fatter end of the shock pole ( if one end has a metal connector)into the corner closest to the trailer. Make sure it goes in at an angle to the bottom.
b) At the opposite tent pole, tip the tent pole with your left hand, while using your right hand to inset the other end of the shock pole into the pocket. (This will be the narrowest end of the shock pole going in at an angle to the bottom of the pocket next to the grommet)
c)The shock pole will be drooping downward at this point. Re-straighten the tent pole.
d)Repeat process on other side.
e)Now move the ladder under the center of the awning.
f) Gently swing one shock pole up into the arched position over the tie. Secure lightly.
g) Gently swing other shock pole up into position crossing the first one. Tie poles together with strap.
h) You can try to adjust the poles some from the ladder, but I found it was much safer and easier to tap them with a broom handle from the ground.
i) There is a sweet spot, when they are arched just right. Once you have done it and can see the difference, you will know what to look for the next time.
j) The tie -down lines are to keep the wind from catching the awning. The awning will stand up by itself without tie-down lines. if there are two of you to set it up, I have some different instructions.
See if this helps.

Link to video









Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Sunbrella Marine Grade Awning Fabric Is On It's Way

My 2017 bulk order of marine grade awning fabric is on a pallet and ready to be shipped out today. Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi is excited to have some patterns that will be new to my inventory. I also am replenishing some of the Sunbrella patterns that I am getting low on. Pictured are a few of the new Sunbrella patterns that will be arriving. I will also provide a link to all of the patterns which will be available soon. As always, I will need to purchase coordinating thread and edge binding, for the awning fabric, once I see it in person.  Typical for this time of year, there is a waiting line for custom vintage trailer awnings. However, I did make some inventory awnings this winter, that are still available. 32 patterns of marine grade awning fabric in all, so this is just a glimpse !                     Contact 

Fabric Patterns 2017   Click Link to see patterns.

Manteo Cardinal

Tillman Shale SOLD

Beaufort Ember


Colonnade Current
Manhattan Dune
Preston Stone
Beaufort Chili SOLD OUT
Beaufort Azure SOLD OUT
Havelock Brick

Saturday, February 25, 2017

2017 Inventory Awnings For Sale Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi

I combined my inventory awnings into one post for your convenience.
 Due to the mild winter in the South, I am already 5 awnings deep in custom vintage trailer awnings.
My 2017 bulk order of Sunbrella fabric is on the pallet and ready to ship, this coming week.
So, this looks like the extent of Inventory Awnings for a while. 
Contact me: 
Facebook contact: 
UPDATE:
November 2017 
I have 6' x 6' Beaufort Azure awning for sale.
I also have 6' x 6' Kiawah Spa awning for sale.
In the 8' x 8' size, there is Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe and Turquoise awnings for sale
In the 10' x 8' size there is one Manhattan Fog awning available for sale.

 End of the year inventory awnings for sale:
6' x 6' Beaufort Azure awning for sale


6' x 6' Kiawah Spa Awning for sale



8' x 8' Turquoise awning fort sale

8' x 8' awning for sale

8' x 8' Taupe Tailored Bar Stripe awning for sale

8' x 8' awning for sale dfoster@bellsouth.net
 
10' x 8' awning for sale Manhattan Fog




 This is the last of the 2017 Inventory awnings. Contact me at dfoster@bellsouth.net PayPal payment and USA only.

September 2017 I now have (2) 10' x 8' Manhattan Fog Awnings for sale.1SOLD. I also have a 10' x 8' Motive Denim awning for sale (SOLD). In the 8' x 8' size, I have Mediterranean Canvas Block Stripe awning for sale (SOLD) and Dickson Beverly(SOLD) awning for sale. Now available  a 12' x 8' Awning for sale in Sunbrella BayCrest Sky.(SOLD)
12' x 8' BayCrest Sky Sunbrella awning for sale SOLD

12' x 8' awning for sale dfoster@bellsouth.net SOLD
#awningsforsale         #ropeandpoleawningsforsale     #vintagetrailerawnings


10' x 8' Manhattan Fog Sunbrella Awning for Sale
                                                                  SOLD
8' x 8' Mediterranean Canvas Sunbrella Awning for Sale SOLD

8' x 8' Dickson Beverly Awning for Sale SOLD

10' x 8' Motive denim Sunbrella Awning for Sale SOLD

 11'2" x 8' Inventory Awning For Sale SOLD



                                                              SOLD
8' x 8' Sunbrella Motive Denim with pockets for Shock Poles SOLD

Baycrest Pacific 7 1/2' x 8' Arched Awning with Blue Shock Poles SOLD
7 1/2'  Grey/Beige/ Chip Fancy with Pockets for Shock Poles SOLD
Sunbrella Sapphire Vintage Bar Stripe 10' x 8' SOLD
 
Sunbrella Burgundy/Black/White 10' x 8' SOLD

Friday, February 24, 2017

Shasta Compact Vendor's Awning

A customer shared her pictures of the arched awning she purchased from Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi, for her Shasta Compact.
She decided on Sunbrella Manhattan Classic marine grade awning fabric, since she is a Bee Keeper by trade.

 This looks like the first practice set-up in her driveway.
The adjustable height tent poles will hold up the arched awning, but they still need to be anchored with tie-down lines.
This picture shows the tie-down lines anchored to heavy objects, keeping with the Bee Keeping theme. It looks like a pot of flowers for pollinating (maybe clover) on one side, and maybe a Bee Smoke Pot on the other side.

Because the Shasta Compact has an awning rail that slants downward on one side, one shock pole needed to be adjusted to compensate for the longer reach of that shock pole.

So for Vendor's who regularly need to set up on concrete, hard packed soil, or even in the rain, the weighted tie-down lines are recommended. Tent stakes will not hold in saturated ground after a heavy rain, and of course the concrete in parking lots require weighted lines. 

I was excited to see the creativity this vendor used in making a very attractive display for selling honey.
 
Here is the awning on my Tag-A-Long Trailer as I was sizing the shock poles.


Setting the arched awning up at my house to be sure the shock poles were the correct length.

 Contact me
 https://www.facebook.com/vintagetrailerawnings

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Commonly Asked Questions About Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi

I frequently receive the same questions, about  Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi. So I am copying and pasting the answers, from my business Facebook page, and compiling them into one Post. Maybe this will be helpful to you.  You might have had some of the same questions yourself, but were afraid to ask!
Answer to a commonly asked question:
"Do I need to spray water repellent or UV protection on Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric awnings?"
No! Do not spray anything on marine grade awning fabric. It is 100% solution dyed acrylic fibers, intended to be out in the sun, wind and rain, providing protection for many years. Picture of my awning during a heavy rain storm that blew in unexpectedly last year. My awning is over 10 years old now. Expected 10 years before showing signs of fading, or leaking. A breathable fabric, for comfortable air-flow. Has a high UV rating to protect you from the harmful effects of the sun. Is also mildew resistant, cleans up with a weak bleach solution, and will not crack on fold lines like vinyl does.





















































































































































Since commercial awnings and boat covers are exposed to the elements constantly. After years in the pelting rain, and vigorous deep cleanings, the water repellent quality may be reduced. So, I did find out that there is a product, for awnings over 10 years old, that no longer adequately bead up water.



































































 
However, since our vintage trailer awnings are only used occasionally, and usually just receive spot cleanings, expect 10 years of protection from the original fluorocarbon water repellent treatment. The recommended routine cleaning is to remove any obvious debris and hose down the awning and let it air dry. I carry a small broom to sweep off storm debris before hosing off my awning. 


I looked up the definition of inherent, since UV protection is an inherent part of Sunbrella marine grade awning fabric. It also means intrinsic, existing as an essential constituent, a permanent inseparable element, or a basic part of something. So, my understanding is that the UV protection  is part of each fiber, incorporated into the solution dying process. Color and UV protection to the core of each fiber. UV protection against the harmful effects of the sun, and to keep the awning from fading. Color to the core of each fiber. It is not a screen printed pattern on a white background. It is equally vibrant on both sides of the fabric. Answer to another commonly asked question:
" I need my awning by such-n-such a date, will I have my awning by then?" I do my best to meet deadlines, however------
Because I never know: If an when my sewing machine will breakdown, if and when I will have an illness, if and when a deep freeze will make the basement too cold to work, if and when the power will go out, and on and on. Thank you for understanding that I am not in control of every situation that might happen, or the postal service delivery. For example: Right now I am waiting for Sunbrella Braid Trim and shock poles to arrive in the mail, for me to be able to complete several orders.
Answer to another commonly asked question:
"What size awning do I need for ____ brand of trailer, that is ___' long?" I need the length of the most level section of your own, installed, c-channel, awning rail, not the length of your trailer. Awnings are made to fit the installed awning rail. Do not include in your measurement where the rail curves downward on the ends. Awning rails may be installed along the roof-line, or they might be on the flat, front facing, surface of the trailer. For example: An Airstream trailer might be 16' over-all length, but their awning rail is only 6' long.
Answer to another commonly asked question:What is the Turn-Around time for a new awning order?As of today, there are three awnings in line and a Rock Guard awning. However, if you need an awning in a hurry, I do have several 10' X 8'awnings Pre-Made, and several 7 1/2 and 8'' Arched awnings Pre-Made. Make sure the level section of your awning rail is at least that long.
If a heavy rain storm rolls in unexpectedly,quickly tilt your tent poles. If you expect rain, graduate your tent poles, or Tee-Pee them, and adjust the tie-down lines accordingly.
We camp in high wind and heavy rain, so this is the set-up we use on our tie-down lines.

 We clamp these on the ends of the awning, to keep the wind from sliding the awning along the awning rail.
  












"What type of tent poles should I use?"
 After many years of using Coleman, and TexSport, adjustable height tent poles, which are steel tent poles, we graduated last year to aluminum, 8', Eureka, tent poles. Since we camp in extreme weather conditions, we always had extra poles in our trailer, just in case we needed one. Didn't want to worry about the poles, just wanted to enjoy a good rainstorm. However the telescoping, steel, adjustable height tent poles needed maintenance. In humid or rainy conditions, the sections needed to be separated, dried off, surface rust removed and stored in a dry place.

Here you can see the wind starting to puff up the awning.
 Answer to a commonly asked question:
"How much are your awnings?"
There is not enough information in this question to give an informative answer. Awnings are not "One-Size-Fits All".
Of course a small awning takes less fabric, thread, edge binding, vinyl welt, shipping cost and insurance, than a large awning. An awning with fringe, pockets for shock poles, plus the shock poles, adds to the price as well, plus shipping/insurance cost. The more information you provide me when inquiring about an awning, the closer an estimate I can provide for you.

"What are the advantages of an arched awning?"
There are several advantages to an arched awning:
1) The awning can be set up in the traditional Rope And Pole style or Arched up with shock poles. The pockets are hidden in the facings, so it looks fine either way.
2) Shock poles provide lift for extra height underneath.
3) Shock poles provide incline for rain run-off.
4) The tension on the shock poles makes the awning taut. 


So even when the ground is too soft, or saturated to hold tent stakes with tie-down lines in, the tie down lines can just be anchored with weights and the awning will still be taut. Sometimes vendors need to set up on hard-packed soil, or on concrete. Again, with weights on the tie -down lines, to keep the wind from catching the awning, the taut appearance is provided by the shock poles.
Answer to another commonly asked question: "How long does it take to make an awning?"
It generally takes about a week, to make a medium sized awning, plus 2-3 days more for priority mail shipping in the USA. Large awnings, plus awnings with shock poles, take longer to make.
I will be happy to answer
 your awning related questions online. I try to answer them throughout each day. Contact me:dfoster@bellsouth.net

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Manhattan Classic Arched 8' x 8' Vintage Trailer Vendor's Awning

More and more business vendors are ordering Vintage Trailer Awnings by Kristi, with shock poles. The arched design offers more height underneath and incline for rain run-off.



Another important feature is that the shock poles supply the needed tension for a taut awning. So even when the tie-down lines can't be adequately staked out for tension, they can be weighted down instead. 




 Some vendors are creatively using interesting items for anchors. 
You might consider items such as vintage watering cans, vintage coolers, vintage water jugs; things with handles to tie the lines onto that are also containers for adding weight. Use something that represents the goods you are selling. 





When the ground is too soft or too wet to hold in tent stakes, or too hard packed to hammer them in, or you need to set up your vending trailer on concrete such as in a parking lot, use weighted objects on your tie-down lines. 




 When it's time to close up shop, lower your tent poles and carefully bring the awning against the trailer. From behind the awning, you can now swing the shock poles into the down position and remove them from the pockets. They are under tension, so be careful. 



Now just pull the awning out of the c-channel awning rail.
Quick and easy, and no need for a ladder at the end of your busy day.
Contact me