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Cheap awning with suction tie-downs on hardtop?

GroovyGeek

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While browsing YT for ideas on how to put together a cheap awning with $10 Harbor Freight silver tarp and $17 tarp poles from Amazon I came across this video



This guy has the brilliant idea of using marine suction tiedowns to secure the tarp to the vehicle.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JS1R3V6

Has anyone used these on a MIC? Any reason to think they will cause delam or other damage when you crank them down? The Bronco MIC feels very fragile relative to the Jeep hardtop. They tried to make it light and easy to remove, and in the process made it "stupid light", at least IMO

P.S. Yes, I know the aluminum telescoping poles are not that much more expensive, but I actually prefer the multi-section steel ones which break down shorter and are easier to roll up inside the tarp.
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Burro5000

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I don't think those suction things will work on the top since the top has a texture to it. I have some for work that I can't try on the top but I can't even get them to stick to my kayak and that has a smoother finish than the MIC top.
 

RHeinz

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They will work on the windows, or flat sections of the body paint, not the textured MIC hardtop.
 

RHeinz

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Ford Bronco Cheap awning with suction tie-downs on hardtop? 3DF1648F-5251-4900-BE02-6BB5E2D8995E


If you zoom in you can see the Walmart tarp is “suction cupped” to both rear side windows. I used 2 suction cups per side.
 
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GroovyGeek

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Hmmm...M y wife has a suction cup phone mount that works well on the MIC. I have ordered the cups form Amazon, arriving Monday, will see how it turns out. Worst case I send them back to Amazon.

UPDATE: these indeed do not work well on the MIC, my wife's sticky phone mount seems to work. Debating whether to order some of the sticky ones and see if it will hold.
https://www.amazon.com/CONBOLA-Suction-Upgraded-Accessory-Securing/dp/B08N13T8X2

UPDATE #2: just received these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N13T8X2
Substantially cheaper than the Airheads, build quality feels very similar and have a very nice protective cup for the suction cup. The cup itself is slightly smaller but is quite sticky, and DOES form a seal with the MIC that holds at least for a few hours. However, given how fragile the MIC is I don't feel comfortable clamping to it and will probably keep the Airheads to use on the windows. They clamp well on widows, come off MUCH easier than the Conbola ones (are not sticky) and will be easier for quick setups and teardowns of the awning.
 
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GroovyGeek

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I think I have my solution: 7x9 ft silver tarp from Harbor freight plus two suction cups. Using the 9ft side you clamp one suction cup on the tailgate window and one on the front window,.apply tension to keep the tarp very taught. Then use the poles of your choice to finish the awning on the other 9ft side. Total cost is under $40.

I have decided to keep the airhead suction cups. They don't stick nearly well even on mild texture, but they are good enough on smooth glass and come off easier. The Conbolla ones stick MUCH better, especially in the presence of mild texture, but are quite cumbersome to remove and leave slightly sticky residue. The Conbolla are much better for permanent mounts but I need something.thwt is easier to break down

Ford Bronco Cheap awning with suction tie-downs on hardtop? 1000004117

Ford Bronco Cheap awning with suction tie-downs on hardtop? 1000004116
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