Add flexible shade and weather protection with a quick-install campervan tarp.
When you’re building a campervan, outdoor living space is just as important as the space inside. The right shade solution can create a comfortable area outside your van for cooking, relaxing, eating, or escaping unpredictable weather.
The Dragon Fly Haku Tarp offers a flexible alternative to a traditional case awning. Designed for camping, the Haku Tarp Awning provides wind-resistant, adjustable shade and weather coverage while giving you more flexibility to adapt your setup throughout the day.
With a simple rail-mounted installation, adjustable poles, and multiple tie-down points, the Haku Tarp Awning can be configured around changing sun, wind, and weather conditions.
Keep reading for our tips, setup details and step-by-step guide to install the DragonFly Haku Tarp Awning on your campervan or roof rack.
WHY CHOOSE THE DRAGON FLY HAKU TARP?
1. Flexible shade for camping
The Haku Tarp creates additional covered space outside your camper van without requiring a large, permanently mounted case awning. The tarp can be positioned and adjusted based on where you need shade, making it useful throughout the day as the sun moves across your campsite.
2. Built for wind and weather
Camping rarely comes with perfect weather. Wind and rain can quickly change how you use your outdoor space. The Haku Tarp is designed to provide weather-resistant coverage, while multiple tie-down points give you additional options for securing the tarp when conditions become more challenging.
3. Adjustable coverage
The included poles allow you to change the angle of the tarp based on your surroundings. Adjust the tarp to follow the sun and create additional shade, or configure the coverage to better suit the conditions at your campsite.
4. Quicker to install than a case awning
For builders looking for an alternative to a traditional case awning, the Haku Tarp offers a simpler installation approach. The rail-mounted design provides outdoor coverage without the larger housing associated with many traditional awnings, making it a practical option for camper van builds where flexibility and simplicity matter.
HOW TO INSTALL THE DRAGON FLY HAKU TARP
What you'll need to install
- Dragon Fly Haku Tarp
- Mounting rails (included)
- Measuring tape
- Alcohol + rag
- Pencil
- Ladder
Before beginning installation, make sure the mounting surface is clean, dry, and suitable for the adhesive-backed rails.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY AND PREPARE THE INSTALL LOCATION
Identify a flat, seamless area on the side of your campervan or roof rack where the Haku Tarp Awning rail can be installed.
Clean the mounting surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, grease, and other debris.
Next, measure the installation area and confirm that there is enough room for the tarp rail to sit flat and straight. Mark the intended location before installing the rail.
Tip: Take your time with measurement and positioning. A clean, properly measured mounting surface helps create a straight installation and provides a better foundation for the adhesive.
STEP 2: INSTALL THE LARGER RAIL
Peel the protective backing from the 3M adhesive on the back of the larger rail.
Carefully position the rail along your measured and marked installation location. Keep the rail straight and even as you place it onto the van or roof rack.
Once the rail is properly aligned, firmly press it into place along its entire length.
Tip: Check your alignment before the adhesive makes full contact. Once the rail is installed, repositioning will be difficult.
Use the marks from Step 1 as your guide and apply consistent pressure along the rail.
STEP 3: INSTALL THE SMALLER RAIL
Next, peel the protective backing from the 3M adhesive on the smaller rail.
Align the smaller rail with the larger rail to create a seamless mount for the Haku Tarp.
Once properly aligned, firmly press the smaller rail into place along its entire length.
Double-check the alignment of both rails before moving on to tarp setup.
Tip: Keep both rails straight and evenly aligned. A well-aligned installation helps the tarp mount properly and makes setup simple when you're ready to use it.
HAKU TARP VS. A TRADITIONAL CASE AWNING
A traditional case awning can provide convenient shade, but it can also be difficult to install on your campervan and unusable in bad weather conditions.
The Haku Tarp provides another option for van builders who want flexible outdoor coverage without a roll-out or electric enclosed case awning. Consider these benefits when selecting the awning that works for you:
Haku Tarp benefits include:
- Flexible positioning and coverage
- Adjustable poles
- Multiple tie-down points
- Weather-resistant design
- Quick, secure rail installation (no drilling, no wiring)
- Less bulk and weight than a traditional case awning
- Adjustable shade as the sun moves
- Flexible setup for changing camping conditions
For campers who prioritize adaptability, the ability to change the tarp angle and secure multiple points can be especially valuable when dealing with unpredictable weather.
HOW TO SET UP THE DRAGON FLY HAKU TARP
Once the mounting rails are installed, setting up the Haku Tarp Awning is quick and simple.
Attach the tarp to the installed rails by aligning the tarp rail inside the j-track mounting rail. Next attach and extend the poles to create the desired height and angle. Adjust the position of the poles to maximize shade and coverage based on the sun, wind, and weather conditions.
Use the tarp's multiple tie-down points to secure it. For heavier wind or rain, use appropriate tie-down locations to secure and adjust the tarp angle to help manage changing conditions.
Setup tips
- Position the tarp to provide shade where it is needed most.
- Adjust the poles as the sun moves throughout the day.
- Adjust tie-down points for additional stability in changing weather.
- Angle the tarp to help direct rain away from your outdoor living area.
- Check all attachment and tie-down points before leaving the tarp unattended.
- Take down the tarp when severe weather or unsafe conditions are expected.
HOW TO STORE THE HAKU TARP
When you're ready to pack up, collapse the poles and slide the tarp out of the mounting rail. Allow the tarp to dry completely before storing it whenever possible. Storing the tarp while wet can contribute to mildew and unwanted odors over time. Fold the tarp neatly and secure the poles and components together for compact storage. Keeping the tarp and hardware organized makes setup faster the next time you reach camp.
STORAGE TIPS
- Allow the tarp to dry completely before long-term storage.
- Shake off dirt and debris before packing.
- Fold the tarp neatly to keep it compact and organized.
- Store the tarp in a clean, dry location when not in use.
- Keep the poles and mounting components together so everything is ready for the next adventure.
QUICK SETUP. EASY STORAGE. MORE TIME OUTSIDE.
One of the biggest advantages of the Dragon Fly Haku Tarp is how easily it fits into the camping routine. The rail-mounted system provides a quick way to create outdoor shade when you arrive at camp, while the collapsible setup makes it easy to pack away when it's time to move.
Compared with a traditional case awning, the Haku Tarp provides a flexible solution that can be adjusted, secured, and stored based on the conditions and needs of each trip.
CAMPERVAN SHADE THAT ADAPTS TO THE ADVENTURE
Your outdoor setup should work as hard as the interior of your van.
The Dragon Fly Haku Tarp creates a flexible extension of your camper van, providing shade and weather coverage when you need it. Its adjustable design makes it easy to adapt your setup throughout the day, while multiple tie-down points provide additional options for securing the tarp.
If you want a simple alternative to a traditional case awning, the Haku Tarp is a practical addition to a DIY or professional camper van build.
Things to consider:
- Space to secure tarp around your van
- Ladder for installing the tarp into rails
- Ground type (for spikes)
- Hammer (for spikes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Dragon Fly Haku Tarp Awning?
The Dragon Fly Haku Tarp Awnibg is a camping tarp awning designed to provide flexible shade and weather coverage alongside a camper van or roof rack. Its adjustable setup allows campers to change the angle and coverage based on conditions.
Can the Haku Tarp be installed on a campervan?
Yes. The Haku Tarp can be installed on a flat, seamless area on the side of a camper van or on a suitable roof rack surface using the mounting rails.
Is the Haku Tarp an alternative to a van awning?
Yes. The Haku Tarp provides an alternative to a traditional case awning for campers who want flexible shade and weather coverage without the weight and difficult installation of an enclosed case awning.
Can you adjust the angle of the Haku Tarp?
Yes. Adjustable poles allow you to change the tarp angle and position the coverage based on the sun or changing conditions.
How does the Haku Tarp handle wind?
The Haku Tarp includes multiple tie-down points that provide additional options for securing the tarp in heavier wind and rain. Always configure and secure the tarp appropriately for current weather conditions.
Does the Haku Tarp provide rain coverage?
The Haku Tarp is designed to provide weather-resistant coverage and can help create a sheltered area outside the van. Its adjustable configuration and tie-downs allow you to adapt the setup as weather conditions change. Allowing rain to drain off easily, and withstand heavier wind conditions.
Is the Haku Tarp difficult to install?
The rail installation is straightforward. The process involves identifying a suitable mounting location, cleaning and measuring the surface, installing the larger adhesive-backed rail, and aligning and installing the smaller rail.
Why choose a tarp instead of a traditional case awning?
A tarp can provide greater flexibility in how outdoor coverage is configured. The Haku Tarp can be angled and secured at multiple points, making it adaptable to changing sun and weather conditions while avoiding the bulk of a traditional case awning.
