How to Make a Fold Out Camper Tent

Camper vans are used on camping trips and some come fully equipped with beds and washing-up facilities. Camper trailers are sometimes equipped with these amenities, but they are much smaller than camper vans. These trailers are connected onto the back of trucks, cars or vans. Some camper trailers come equipped with a fold-out tent, also called a fold-out awning. If your camper trailer has a damaged fold-out tent or your trailer didn’t come with one, it is possible to make one if you have some sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Canvas material
  • Sewing machine
  • Electronic drill
  • 2 hook screws
  • 2 key rings
  • 2 tent poles
  • Grommet hole cutter
  • 4 grommets
  • 4 tent stakes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of your trailer from side to side, using a tape measure. This will be the measurement for the width of your trailer tent.

    • 2

      Measure the trailer from the top to bottom, add a few inches, then add 6 feet to the measurement. The extra material allows your tent to attach to the trailer, extend outward by 6 feet, then angle down.

    • 3

      Sew hems around your tent material, using a sewing machine.

    • 4

      Cut a hole in each corner of the material, using a grommet hole-cutter tool. The holes should be large enough to fit your grommets.

    • 5

      Place your grommets in the corners of the material.

    • 6

      Drill two pilot holes on the side of your trailer, using an electric drill. This is where the tent will attach.

    • 7

      Screw in the screw hooks, using your hands.

    • 8

      Hook a key ring into each grommet, then attach the tent to the trailer by hooking the key rings around the hook screws.

    • 9

      Measure from the trailer out 6 feet and make a small mark in the ground.

    • 10

      Measure from this mark the length of the trailer. Push a support pole into the ground on both ends of the tape measure.

    • 11

      Grab the material and pull it out over the support poles. Continue pulling the material while angling it down to the ground.

    • 12

      Stake the end of the tent to the ground through the grommets.