How To Cover Camper Van Rear Doors To Leave Them Open And Protect From Rain

It never fails. If we leave the rear doors open on the Sprinter van at night while sleeping, it will rain. Guaranteed. I installed a screen door on the rear opening, so it's nice to leave the doors open for fresh air and to hear nature like you would in a tent, but it always ends up raining when the doors are open.

I would like a very easy, inexpensive way to cover the doors, and if possible, allow for the doors to be opened and closed without having to remove the cover.

This is the sleekest design I have seen, but it's only made for 2007 and newer sprinters, and it's expensive. https://www.go-hangout.com/

The top of the T1N Sprinter van measures about 60. The outer distance between the top of the doors when open is also 60 in.

I tested the Body Glove Pop Up Beach Tent 70.87" x 61.42". The fit of the roof part and sides is perfect, but the fabric is not waterproof and has mesh screen, and it doesn't cover the space between the door and van. In the image below, it's just resting on top of the roof and doors and it stays there fine. It would need to be attached to the roof and supported on the doors, and a cross brace between the doors to keep them open.

These beach shade shelters look like they may work better. They are sold by several different retailers under different brands, with slight variations in how they are made. The canopy is a little smaller at ~60in, so it will be a tight fit.

I used the Quest Quickdraw Outdoor Shelter (Dicks Sporting Goods), and although it was a tight fit, it is basically perfect. There's no mesh on the upper areas, so no need to replace the fabric.

Watch the video to see how to modify and attach it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWbOvM3Zm6I

• Old Bahama Bay Pop Up Beach Tent, Waterproof Windproof(Blue)

• 81 inches long, 54.5 inches wide and 62 inches high.

• Quest Quickdraw Outdoor Shelter (Dicks Sporting Goods)

• O'Rageous Beach Shelter (Academy Sports Outdoors)

This one claims to be 6x6ft (72 inches)

EasyGoProducts Beach Cabana Canopy Shelter

Another shelter type that could work well, and may be more waterproof are these pop up ice shelters.

HUNT MONSTER 300/600D Insulated Ice Fishing Shelter 2 Person

• Interior Dimensions 5x5x5.6ft - 60"L x 60"W x 66"H

• One side will need to be cut out. There's no floor, so that won't need to be removed.

• Claims to use 600D fabric, which is heavier duty than the beach shades.

• Insulation might work well to keep heat out better. Paint the roof silver, or add Mylar to reflect sunlight and heat.

HUNT MONSTER 300/600D Insulated Ice Fishing Shelter 3 Person

• Larger internal dimensions 72"L x 72"W x 80.4"H may fit a van that is wider than the 2006 Mercedes Sprinter van

• One side will need to be cut out. There's no floor, so that won't need to be removed.

• Claims to use 600D fabric, which is heavier duty than the beach shades.

• Insulation might work well to keep heat out better. Paint the roof silver, or add Mylar to reflect sunlight and heat.