Wind/Fly screens for motorhome

[Mel B]

I thought I'd let you all see what I've been up to recently - I've been making my own wind/fly screens for the awning. I got some nice voile material at a car boot sale when we were on holiday in July, cost £6 for one massive piece which was big enough to do all sides, plus another spare piece. I've had to buy cotton edging tape, elastic, thread but already had some Velcro and plastic rings (and the clothes props) so all in all it has cost under £20 in materials.

 

Well, this is the result, rather than do the front as one piece of piping that slides into front of the the awning, I did it in smaller pieces, that way I can make a doorway in it, or push it back out of the way if I want to, I've put a couple of toggle tie-backs on it too. The plastic rings were used on the elastic at the bottom of the pieces through which I can peg it down, better than doing it through the elastic and damaging it. I have put some sticky 'hook' pieces of velcro on the awning legs which match up with the 'fluffy' velcro part sewn onto the sides to keep it from flapping around in the wind. On the rear edges of the side panels, I've put some elastic and ties so that I can secure it to the side of the van using some suction hooks to keep it nice and tight.

 

I'm pleased with the result but it has taken a stupid amount of time to do, partly due to trial and error and working out how to do it the best way, and having to use a large piece of voile rather than narrower strips which the 'professional' ones are made of, which would have been easier to manage and keep in the 'shape' needed - anyone who has ever tried work with voile will knows how easily it can pull out of 'true' when you're laying it out trying to get a straight edge to hem - its not for the faint hearted I can assure you!!! *-)

 

So I've just managed to finish them in time to take on holiday next week when we go away for 3 weeks, it'll be nice being able to sit out longer and not get so chilled, or hopefully chased by flying bugs when trying to eat! :-)

[fairweather camper]

Excellent, let us know if they worked, i was told the voile was not wind proof, but i think it probably will be, good on ya

[Guest Tracker]

Welcome back Mel - Just one question - which one of you is it that is windy!

 

You can change your diet to reduce windiness you know!

[Guest pelmetman]

Wot!.................. no pelmets8-)

[maggyd]

You have made a good job of them Mel :-D I know voile isnt the easiest thing to work with without it puckering! I love the leaf pattern very POSH :-D how did you manage sewing on the velcro?? it sticks to the needle doesnt it ? or did you use the stick on type.

 

Even if they just last for tis next holiday they were worth doing. We have the slide in fiama front panel but it wouldnt stop the midgies as the ends are open, and we bought the end panel that was a waste of money we have never used it O.H. says its to heavy so we have never even taken it with us.

Ill wait for your verdict and might have a go at one myself.

[Mel B]

Hi Maggy

 

I used ordinary Velcro - down both sides of it there is a narrow strip without the fluffy or hooky bit on, which is what you sew through - I set the sewing machine foot to the side position which made it easier too. I used sticky Velcro on the awning legs ... can't get a sewing machine needle through them!!!! :D

[maggyd]

Mel B - 2011-09-09 8:48 PM

 

Hi Maggy

 

I used ordinary Velcro - down both sides of it there is a narrow strip without the fluffy or hooky bit on, which is what you sew through - I set the sewing machine foot to the side position which made it easier too. I used sticky Velcro on the awning legs ... can't get a sewing machine needle through them!!!! :D

 

 

Have you used them then? how about the leg adjustment (height) ?? if I did that they would end up stuck inside the front rail >:-) I have a job releasing them as it is I need to stand on a step stool 5'1and a bit as its downfalls. Anyway Ill just admire yours I have no intention of trying to make them and I hope my O.H. doesnt see them. ;-)

[Mel B]

Haven't used them yet as we found we didn't need them on holiday last time.

 

To make it easier to put them up, I put a band of sticky velcro on the end of the clothes prop that slots into the rear casing of the awning (the bit attached to the van) and sewed a piece of velcro on the top edge of each of the side panels which grips this prop band. It means that I can put the side panels on the props before offering them up and extending them into the front and rear awning casings, and just stand in the centre to tighten the prop - no need for steps at all and the side panels don't slip down the poles when trying to put them up.

 

As for the leg adjustment (height), I assume you mean because of my putting the sticky velcro on? It doesn't affect it at all as I haven't put full strips on, just a few 1 inch pieces as required and none of them are on the part that slots inside the other bit so there's nothing to catch/get stuck. Similarly, there's nothing in the front casing to get caught up on either.

 

I did try the material out on the drive before I made them to make sure it stopped most of the wind, like the 'proper' ones, which it does so once I do need to use them, I'm sure they'll work fine ... and look very pretty at the same time! :D