The small 6x6 Clam screen room is what I have, it works well for me and the dog.
You cannot very well use them over top of a trailer. Some have a floor. Some have flaps that go over side walls to shed rain. Some do not. In the Northwest, I need the flaps and wind panels. I purchased enough wind panels to put one in front where the zipper is, then use a propane heater in cold weather.
If it rains, one has to put it away wet, and dry it out when one gets back home. I wish they made a waterproof bag because I've gotten mine soaking wet by having it in the roof basket.
The 6x6 is only about 53 inches long when in the bag (others are longer), so I can get it in the backseat floor if needed. I can put it up and down by myself which is necessary, as the dog only supervises. There is room for his bed, my chair, the heater, and the portable toilet in there, and even a small table.
I think I would rather use the Clam in wind because it seems like it is easier to tie down than the awning--and less expensive if it needs to get replaced. I don't know about a big wind like at the coast, I might chicken out and take it down.
It does not give me anything to have over the galley, but does work pretty well if close to the galley.
Hi wildcat,
I have several covers and tarps for my little guy 5 wide.
I just saw the clam shelter you have and purchased it from Amazon.
Set it up the other day and I am impressed with it.
Based on customer comments, I ordered and sprayed rain proof stuff on the top to increase water proofness.
Bottom line I am impressed with this set up. I put the cross bars on my little guy and use a couple cam straps to attach the clam shelter to the roof rack and peg down the corners. This should make the clam shelter a lot more stable.
Have not had a chance to use it on a real trip yet but hope to soon.
Thanks for your feedback on the clam.
dave
@davidreidok My Clam can be a bit difficult because I have somewhat short arms. They say the more you use it, the easier it gets. I have been known to attach a rope to one side and tie it to something and pull. Then I get a little step stool inside to punch the top up. That is a nuisance, but I still like it. I like to close off the view of nosey campers. Mine goes in my roof basket, but also fits in the back seat floor.
This summer, we got super hot weather for a while so went 30 miles to the coast, made great shade for my Northern breed dog and me. And it was 30 degrees cooler down there.
Well, I have long arms and am six foot tall and I had a difficult time getting my clam set up the first time. So do not feel bad about your experience.
I did not think of the rope trick but will for sure do that on my next camping trip. Thanks for a good tip.
I sprayed the top of mine also, but have not been in the rain yet. I'm only 5'4" which is why I need the step stool inside. Yeah, once I tied to a tree and once to my trailer hitch area, whatever is close.
I had not thought of attaching to my roof rack, I'll remember that. When just a little wind, I put a stake in the ground out from the three side handle straps and used a three foot bungee cord between clam and stake. So, it gave/moved a little but didn't go anywhere. If I were going to leave it for long, I'd probably stake it down properly; it was a lazy and quick way to do it. I haven't used a floor, but I found a seven foot square "floor" on Amazon in case I want it. I wish I would have had the Clam when at a lake with 50 million mosquitoes. I bought it right after.
