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​Awnings


An awning decides which side of the vehicle you live on. Straight, 180, 270 and 360 formats for 4WDs, utes and vans, plus the walls and brackets that finish them.

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Awnings

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Overview

Awnings Overview

About Awnings

An awning decides which side of the vehicle you live on. Everything else about the setup organises itself around that decision, usually without anyone noticing it was made.

Fit it on the passenger side and the kitchen ends up there, the chairs end up there, and the driver's door becomes the one you use to get in and out of the way. Fit it on the driver's side and it all flips. The awning is not just shade. It is the wall that turns one side of a vehicle into the front of a house.

Which is why the first question is not how big, but which side and how far around. A straight side awning covers the length of the vehicle and nothing more. A 180 wraps the corner and leaves the rear clear, which matters if the back is a tailgate kitchen or a trailer hitch. A 270 takes the side and the rear together, so the whole back of the vehicle stays dry. A 360 goes all the way round and turns the vehicle into the centre of a covered space.

The second question is how long you tend to stay. A bigger awning is more shelter and more setup, and on a one-night stop the setup is not always worth it. A straight awning goes up in a minute. A 270 takes a few more and is worth every one of them on the third day of rain.

The range here is built for canvas that will spend its life in sun that would destroy lighter fabric inside two seasons.

Then the parts that finish it. Walls that turn an awning into a room. Poles for wind. Brackets for racks the awning was not designed for. Straps for the day the forecast is wrong.

Pick the side first. The rest is easier once that is settled.

FAQs

Awnings FAQs

How do I choose the right size awning for my vehicle?

Selecting the right size depends on the mounting length of your roof rack and the amount of shelter you need. You should measure the flat section of your rack to prevent the awning body from overhanging the vehicle too far, which reduces wind noise and drag while driving. A 2.5 meter length is a common choice that provides a practical balance between usable shade and vehicle clearance.

Think about your typical campsite layout and the number of people requiring shade. Longer units provide more protection for cooking and storage but increase the weight on your roof. Browse our full range of Awnings to compare the different dimensions and find the right match for your setup.

What is the difference between a 180-degree and a 270-degree awning?

A 180 degree awning provides shelter along the side of your vehicle, while a 270 degree model wraps around the side and across the rear. The 180 degree design is a practical choice for quick stops, offering a rectangular shade area that is easy to deploy and pack away.

Choosing a 270 degree awning provides a much larger, L shaped living space, which is a major advantage for travellers with rear access drawer systems or kitchens. This wrap around coverage allows you to access the back of your rig while staying completely under cover from the sun or rain. Browse our range of 180 Degree Awnings for a compact setup, or explore our 270 Degree Awnings for maximum campsite shelter.

What is a freestanding awning?

A freestanding awning is a vehicle mounted shelter designed to support its own weight without the need for vertical poles or guy ropes in standard conditions. This design uses reinforced arms and high strength hinges to maintain a rigid structure while extended. It allows for an exceptionally fast setup, which is a major advantage for quick lunch stops or when you reach camp after dark.

While these units are built to be independent, most models include integrated legs for use during windy weather. Using the poles in gusty conditions protects the mounting brackets and vehicle from the leverage of a large canvas area. This balance of speed and structural strength makes freestanding models a favorite for travelers who move camp frequently and want to reduce the time spent on manual setup.

Can your awnings be mounted to any roof rack or canopy?

Yes, our awnings are designed to mount to most universal roof rack systems, flat platforms, and reinforced canopy surfaces. Most units utilize a standard rear channel system that is compatible with the T-slot bolts found in popular rack brands. This versatility allows you to fit the shade system to your existing setup with minimal modification.

If you are mounting to a custom canopy or a specific roof platform, you must ensure the surface is strong enough to handle the weight and leverage of the awning while traveling. Some installations require specialized hardware to achieve the correct height or to clear door openings. Browse our range of Awning Mounting Brackets to find a compatible solution for your rig.

Are awning mounting brackets included, or sold separately?

Most awnings include a standard set of universal L brackets and stainless steel hardware suited for mounting to traditional roof rack cross bars. These components provide a basic connection point that works with many common rack profiles. If you are mounting to a flat platform rack, a specific canopy design, or a reinforced roof system, you may need to purchase specialized adapters separately to achieve a secure and level fit.

Confirming the compatibility of your rack system is a vital step before beginning the installation. Using purpose built hardware prevents the awning from rattling or shifting on corrugated tracks and helps you maintain the correct height for door clearance. Browse our selection of Awning Mounting Brackets to find the specific hardware required for your vehicle setup.

Can I install a 4WD awning myself?

Yes, you can install a 4WD awning yourself if you have basic tools and an understanding of your roof rack system. Most units are designed for DIY fitment using standard hand tools like spanners and sockets.

The process involves fixing the brackets to your rack or canopy and then bolting the awning body into place. Because these units are often long and heavy, having a second person to help with the lifting is a smart move to prevent damage to your vehicle. You should check the tension of all fasteners after your first trip to confirm everything remains secure after facing road vibrations.

How can I turn my awning into an enclosed room or shelter?

You can turn your awning into an enclosed room by adding compatible side walls or a dedicated wall kit. These accessories typically zip or velcro directly to the awning frame and canvas, providing extra protection from wind, rain, and insects.

Adding walls transforms your simple shade into a private living area, which is ideal for extended stays or creating a secure space for gear. Most kits include windows and doors with integrated mesh screens to maintain airflow while keeping bugs out. This setup significantly increases your usable sheltered space without the need for a separate ground tent. Explore our range of Awning Wall Kits to find a match for your specific model, or look at our LED Lighting Kits to make your enclosed room more functional after sunset.

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