Paint Poles = Awning Poles

[AlWaysSumptin]

I picked up a pair of painter poles at a home improvement store for $15 ea. Added marine outside eye ends to the poles and deck mounts to the arms with ¼ flat machine screws. Just replaced the outer screws and had only two holes to drill. Added a pair of shortened wire lock Lynch Pins. I was worried about the friction locks being able to handle the pull of the straps but we had a very successful test run on Labor day. When the wind picked up I didn't have to “reel it in”.
The lynch pins allow fast install & removal so right now I take them off.
Won't get to use them again until next year but I think they are going to work out OK.
Thanks to OC and everyone else for the idea.

[SYE]

Nice mod, it looks like it will work just fine!!!!!

[golfmedik]

Very neat!!!

[cpaulsen]

Another thing which works good is the adjustable window wiper squeegee and brush. Take the squeegee part off.....short the adjustable part to whatever you need....put 2 bolts in your second step( I have 3) on your 5th wheel or trailer. Use a long enough bolt to go thru the step so you can double or triple nut the bolt...and ou can slide the open end of the adjustable part of the squeegee tube onto the nuts on the bolt underneath....push up to put a little tension on the step......twist the adjustable pole to lock it in place. You now have a couple of step supports for less then 10-15 bucks. Takes a few seconds for me to use and about the same to take down.

[Herk7769]

Very cool and inexpensive mod!

Keep us advised as to the friction lock and how it behaves as it wears...

[mark0224]

If the friction lock does fail you could take the poles in to the drillpress and drill a series of holes then get more lynch pins and use them. Looks good as is but can be modified further if needed.

[wrvond]

I went a similar route, except that the deck mount brackets I got at the marina are wider. I also was unable to find any eye ends. While I think that they will work ok as is, I would prefer to set them up like yours. Did you purchase yours locally, or is there an online resource for them?

Here's what mine look like, I haven't painted or mounted the deck mount brackets yet...

[garbonz]

Looks good. I used OC's brackets at the top. stantion hold downs at the bottom and shurhold adjustable boat poles. I like marine stuff for the anti corrosion properties.

[Tash]

There are so many great ideas on this site, you just gotta love it. We're here in Mexico for the winter and I'm using curtain rods as a temporary measure. But they are very thin so not sure how they would stand up to a strong wind. I like the paint poles with marine hardware. Will be picking up the parts on the way back to Canada in April.

[AlWaysSumptin]

Originally Posted by wrvond

I would prefer to set them up like yours. Did you purchase yours locally, or is there an online resource for them?

I had the parts laying around but if you do a search on-line for 'bimini hardware' you will find loads of resources. The aluminum pieces look to be running around $10-15 ea. with the nylon ones $4-6. I think nylon eyes may be OK but I would go with aluminum for the deck mounts.

[wrvond]

Just what I needed, thanks!

[Witch Doctor]

If an't made by OC it an't on my trailer. I like the polished stainless steel look my self. I also thought of that being I have 2 awnings to contend with, but decided to go with the true proven awning poles self storing. The only difference I was going to do was buy all fiberglass poles, didn't like the alum. insert. I have also seen them made with PVC pipe but they couldn't get enough down tension on them for me not worry. Good Mode, I'm sure they will workout just fine.