Awning recommendation?

[Hants]

I have the Front Runner rack, with an ARB awning.

Set it up for the first time today. Requires 2 people, and seems somewhat fragile (plastic connections for bars, and all bars must be setup at the same time else side loads on plastic.

Are there more durable awning options available? Ideally, that can be setup/stowed by 1 person.

 

[pwag]

Alu-Cab Shadow Awning. Seen it in action in the desert, very well made. This one continually stands out for me and will be mating with my FrontRunner rack with RTT (RTT ladder opens passenger side, mount Alu-Cab on driver side). FR + Alu-cab video

 

[razzyrazz]

Eezi Awn quality is hard to beat.

 

[Fisher23]

Which ARB awning do you have?

I have the ARB that stows in the aluminum case. I set that up no problem by my self in a few minutes. Think it's call a 2500. It's built nice.

 

[Hants]

I have the soft case one. 2.5m, I think.

Thanks for the pointers, all. I’ll do some research.

 

[Fisher23]

I also is easy to take off when not using it, loosen 2 bolts and then take it off one person to stow it.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

I've had two of the "normal" ARB awnings. As you have already learned, setup is a pain in the ass. What this inevitably leads to is the question "do I really want to set it up?" every time you make camp or stop for lunch. Very quickly, the answer to that question becomes a definitive NO. If setup is a pain, you won't use it, and that's all there is to it.

I recently got an AluCab Shadow Awning (270 degrees) and it's a completely different animal. Single-person sets it up or packs it away in 30 seconds flat. Free standing is a huge win, too. IMO this style of awning is the way to go, and the only style worth spending money on.

 

[Bomar]

Another for Alu Cab Shadow awning

 

[SharpeCat]

I use the 2500 x 2500 awning soft case and I set it up every day (I live full time in the LX) and takes me a few mins each time. I am 5’3 and 115 lbs so I’m short and small, but have no issues doing it on my own. Mind posting a video of you doing it?

I really can’t imagine another awning being so much faster that it is worth you going through the trouble of returning/selling yours then reinstalling and buying another. Everyone has their preferences though and I’m not here to judge, I’m just curious as to your approach to packing and unpacking awning.

 

[SharpeCat]

Requires 2 people.

Hope this helps, starts at 18:41 in case the timelink did not work.

 

[mpho]

I would recommend the 23 Zero 270 awning with Light Suppression Technology fabric. The awning fabric blocks out all UV light. The bag encloser is roomy and allows the zipper to close easily. They are located in SLC. Give Justin a call and he will take care of you....

 

[Markuson]

I've had two of the "normal" ARB awnings. As you have already learned, setup is a pain in the ass. What this inevitably leads to is the question "do I really want to set it up?" every time you make camp or stop for lunch. Very quickly, the answer to that question becomes a definitive NO. If setup is a pain, you won't use it, and that's all there is to it.

I recently got an AluCab Shadow Awning (270 degrees) and it's a completely different animal. Single-person sets it up or packs it away in 30 seconds flat. Free standing is a huge win, too. IMO this style of awning is the way to go, and the only style worth spending money on.

Has anyone figured out if the Prinsu RR can handle the mounting of the Alucab? I have heard concerns about the Prinsu’s less beefy side rails against outward leverage. Anyone know or maybe tried it?

I agree with the above comments...about how ease of set up can render something unused...just because it’s too much hassle... The alucab free-stand aspect and obvious ease of setup is a really big deal.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

I would recommend the 23 Zero 270 awning with Light Suppression Technology fabric. The awning fabric blocks out all UV light. The bag encloser is roomy and allows the zipper to close easily. They are located in SLC. Give Justin a call and he will take care of you....

I saw one of these at gamiviti And we set it up. It’s reeeaaallly nice and easy to open and stow. The build quality is excellent - especially the Hinges. Very impressive.

 

[YieldHunter]

Has anyone figured out if the Prinsu RR can handle the mounting of the Alucab? I have heard concerns about the Prinsu’s less beefy side rails against outward leverage. Anyone know or maybe tried it?

I agree with the above comments...about how ease of set up can render something unused...just because it’s too much hassle... The alucab free-stand aspect and obvious ease of setup is a really big deal.

Did you ever hear from someone who got the Alucab on a Prinsu? Prinsu customer service is very shy about saying their rack can handle ANY 270. I wonder what their concern is

 

[grinchy]

The no leg 270 degree awnings can put a lot of pressure on the rear corner of the rack. If the awning isn’t mounted with enough brackets, and with brackets of the correct size, I could see some failures happening. Of course in today’s world people make that the racks fault, not their own dumb self. It’s a no responsibility culture so manufacturers are super shy about what they can recommend.

 

[Eric Sarjeant]

On the Prinsu question, I’ll link my thought here. As for awnings on @Hants’ Front Runner question, anything will work.

I personally dislike ARB awnings, even the one with the aluminum cover, but that may be because I’ve seen it SxS with Alucab shadow 270 and the RLD ghost 360. Both are top-notch, but still doesn’t help with a 1-person solution as OP wants.

Since Hants has a Front Runner, may try the Front Runner “quick connect” awning brackets. I’ve wanted to try them out but they never seem to be in stock.

 

[Dashome]

I heard the shadow awning doesn't clear the rear hatch when opened. 23 zero and the Bush company supposedly do. I'm interested in any experience with these 3.

 

[highfructose]

Ozark trail instant canopy. $80

plus you can leave it at camp, take it to the beach, take it on the boat, take it to the shooting range, etc.

 

[Romer]

I have the 23Zero 270 awning and Got the girls the Batwing 270 awnings. They all are one person setups. We all have Gamiviti racks so don't know how they would work on yours

Bought them all from Tim at Gamiviti. I think he is now carrying a third one