DIY Slide out shower curtain/awning frame

Made this slide out frame for a shower curtain. It slides in flush with my short rack on my shell, but you can easily modify it for a full-sized rack and put extra supports using a T connector:







Its basically a 4-foot x 1/2” PVC pipe in a 4-foot 1” pipe, a 3.5-foot long string is tied off to one end of the 1/2” pipe and the other end is tied to the inside of a 1” cap that covers the 1” pipe. It keeps the frame from being pulled all the way out when opened. The 1” pipe is secured to the rack using stainless steel zip ties.


A shower curtain or awning top can be attached using eye hooks screwed
into the corners and outer side of the frame, and hooks or magnets to attach it to the truck when in use, then fold and stow when finished.

Here’s a cool little propane water heater I got for showers, will post a review when it arrives (also needs a water pump and 12v power source):

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Camplux...N-_-V1_M1_CA-_-Product_URL&ecc_ord=WM19112717

 

Pretty awesome project! I am in the early phases of designing my own roof rack. I may try to incorporate something similar to this.

 

Yah, it’s so simple and handy, I wouldn't be surprised to see a commercial version of it. I didn’t patent it Oh well!

 

Be great for a shower/changing room. I sleep in my camper shell so laying down while changing gets old fast.

 

Oh yeah- and towel or clothing drying rack!

 

The possibilities are endless Haha!

 

Yes! This is what I need to do.

 

Very cool. Any updates to your project?

 

I don’t have any updates but I did think of a better idea to approach it, if you use a second 2” pipe that the others fit into, and use a locking string like the other, you can make it a double slide out section to add more room to the frame when you pull it out. As it stands right now it’s a little close to the side of the truck if the curtain hangs straight down but it still works, and this way there won’t be too much sag. One way to add more room is to pull the shower curtain out away from the truck on the bottom part so it is angled out, But you’ll have to have wedge shaped curtains to go on it correctly.

 

Yeah that would definitely give you more room but would the added length cause it to sag..I wonder if you could find an aluminum expanding telescopic design similar to to the rtt ladders to give it more rigidity. I still say your design for a simple diy is a great idea for what your using it for. Curious on your shower setup once completed. Keep it up.

 

So does the shower curtain go all the way around including protecting your truck from getting soap all over it ... ?? I wouldn’t want to accumulate soap on top of my paint and then it dry on there ..

 

I would build a lil ramp to stand on too. So you're not standing in water.

 

You could use full extension drawer slides like the people making camping drawers out the back.

 

I wonder if you added some small SS eye bolts with the eye on top, at each corner of the tube you pull out, then a pre-assembled length of thin steel cable/braided wire with carabiners on each end. Think Limb Risers.

Then, once extended, the cable would be clipped to the corners of the tube, and the other ends to the top rail of the cargo basket. Using cable would ensure there would be zero stretch.

However, even more support could be attained with the eye bolts and these

CAMPMOON Aluminum Tarp Poles Adjustable Set of 2, Lightweight Telescoping Tent Poles for Tarp Canopy Shelter

https://www.amazon.com/CAMPMOON-Alu...=extendable+tent+poles&qid=1603545859&sr=8-17

These would also act as corners to the shower room and in a windy situation keep the tarp or shower curtain from blowing freely.

Use these clipped on from the outside wrapping the fabric around the poles

$13 Heavy Duty Muslin Clamps 4 1/2" 6 Pack

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-M...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

True. I looked at those as a way to access a hi-lift jack in the bed and the longer ones started to get crazy expensive.

 

Good idea! Here’s a bamboo wood pallet like shower stand Amazon sells I was going to build or get....

mDesign 100% Angled Bamboo Non-Slip Rectangular Spa Bath Mat - for Bathroom Showers, Bathtubs, Floors - Angled Slat Design - Indoor and Outdoor Use - Natural Light Wood

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JV2HPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_apfLFb2R4XG1W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

You could do that, good idea. Or attach a short one directly on the side of the truck first. I dont worry about yhe soap, the truck gets pretty dirty when we camp and to be honest, I never waxed it and just wash when it is really dirty. Maybe thats why my super white paint hasnt peeled yet

 

Excellent idea! I was thinking of corner posts, those are perfect. People with full racks can use the slide out frame to hold a rain or sun awning too and also use these poles for it.

This is why the forum is a cool thing, the community adds to an idea and it gets even better! Thanks!

 

Using support posts is a great idea, as the design stands now on my truck, it is rather high on top of the shell so sag isnt an issue, but also its mainly the smallest 1/2” pipe that is the most flexible. Adding a second 2” pipe shouldn’t be an issue I would think....

 

Awesome!