Awning suggestions/questions

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TimTX

TimTX

Joined
Aug 9, 2017
Threads
47
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201
Location
Argyle, TX
I'm considering getting an awning to attach to my Prinsu roof rack...but would like some of your thoughts/opinions:

* First off, is it worth it lol?
* Do you use your awnings for anything else other than campsite?
* Do you have regular awning mounts, low profile mounts, or quick release mounts?
* Thoughts on short vs. longer awnings? I'm thinking length of roof rack
* Thoughts or suggestions for lower priced, but good awnings (won't be used often, but would prefer something quality)
* Not interested in any of the wrap around, 270* awnings...just a simple pullout
* Anything else I should consider?
 
If you don't mind a basic awning and care to drive to Austin, I have a regular rectangular awning (never used) that you can have for $100. It's just gathering dust in my garage.

Why would I sell it? I got a screaming deal on it but when I went to install it on the Prinsu, I found that the installation of it interfered with the RTT. This is a function of the particular RTT I have (Terrapod), it's just not a good fit on a Prinsu, and it makes it difficult to install an awning to the rack.

If I was doing this all over again, I would invest in a high quality 270 degree awning, the ones that don't require uprights to keep it in place. I would mount it on the driver side do it doesn't interfere with the snorkel. They're VERY expensive, but if you're going to be camping in hot weather or lots of rainy weather they make a huge difference in the camping experience. I would also use some of those nice Raksbrax (sp?) Aussie mounts that allow you to quickly remove the awning from the rack; it's a very expensive investment to leave it mounted permanently on the rack and exposed to the elements, not to mention the added weight.
 
I have an 8' ARB awning on my ARB rack. I think bigger is better because if it's raining or the sun is at an angle you quickly lose protected space underneath, it hangs beyond my rack, but seems fine and unobtrusive to me. It's easy to put up and down, especially with two people, and I can use it as a sunshade if were having a couple of drinks after mtb, as well as camping related activities. It is mounted with fortreks mounts. can't recommend this guy enough, I'm fairly certain he can get you exactly what you need. Modular Awning Mounts - http://fourtreks.com/modular_awning_mounts.html
 
I'm in the "anything else" category since you stated you'll seldom use it.
I have a 10'x10' standard pop-up that I keep strapped to the roof rack. I have had it for nearly 10 as my track day awning and is still in great condition. If you have aftermarket wheels with less offset or spacers you can butt the legs up against the tires and use the wheels to anchor the awning down. The 10' awning centers up exactly with the centerline of the wheel base.
Best part of all it only cost me about $100 and a couple straps, which I already had for strapping my track bike and gear down.
 
kevgentile said:
I'm in the "anything else" category since you stated you'll seldom use it.
I have a 10'x10' standard pop-up that I keep strapped to the roof rack. I have had it for nearly 10 as my track day awning and is still in great condition. If you have aftermarket wheels with less offset or spacers you can butt the legs up against the tires and use the wheels to anchor the awning down. The 10' awning centers up exactly with the centerline of the wheel base.
Best part of all it only cost me about $100 and a couple straps, which I already had for strapping my track bike and gear down.
Click to expand...
LOL, I already have one of those that I forgot about in the back shed...FIL gave it to me for my b-day or something. I could totally put that into service.
 
I'm going to cast a vote for team 'awnings are over rated' ....Just one guys opinion

I love seeing pictures of people with their fancy awning setup and the sun still shining right under it lol

Don't get me wrong, I've had a half dozen times where I wish I could just quick deploy an awning because it was raining but it wasn't worth the money and added weight to the vehicle . I'm sure they may be awesome to have once you own it but these vehicles now-a-days are being built up way too much and a lot of the stuff just isn't necessary.........

I went down the same path as you an ultimately decided on this option below. It all just depends on your camping style and what you need to prioritize when you're out there.

More time to setup - yes
Cheaper - yes
Effective in blowing snow and rain and could even be sealed to the ground - yes
1715721792246.png
1715721776315.png




And when it gets extra buggy out, this thing is crazy easy to store and setup. Fits full size table, grill, two chairs and a dog with room to spare. Side walls come off and it can be a screen house
1715721885795.png


1715721746773.png
 
I have a 270 because I want the rear coverage of my kitchen when its raining, and it is a lot more shade / dry area. It does hurt the gas mileage dragging it around, but if that's your concern, you should buy a Subaru.
 
Do some awnings mount to the rail/slot system of the RTT instead of brackets bolted to the rack?

My primary desire is "not bulky" and I'm willing to give up some of the coverage to have a slimmer, more compact stowed footprint.
 
Trapper50cal said:
LOL, I already have one of those that I forgot about in the back shed...FIL gave it to me for my b-day or something. I could totally put that into service.
Click to expand...

Another added benefit, although a rare case, would be hail protection. Just pop it up over the truck, anchor to the wheels and take shelter.
I know in most areas hail is not very common or happens very frequently, but I've been visiting the New Orleans area for a few weeks now and 2 massive storms have already rolled through. Last nights rendition threw out up to 2" diameter hail balls.
 
I ran an 8' ARB awning on my 4Runner for years. Welded up some quick attach mounts and added an LED strip to it. Was really handy for tailgating, camping, fishing.etc. Also used it for some shade while wrenching before I had a house with a garage. I would remove it when not in use.

Looking back a 10x10 canopy is just as easy to setup but way more versatile. You don't have the added weight hanging off your roof. I like @kevgentile idea to lash the canopy to the tires too.
 
We got an 8’ ARB awning about 7 years ago for our FJ62. Liked and used it enough, it made the switch to the 100 series.
I live in the southwest, and bringing my own shade and rain shelter with me wherever I go has turned out more useful than I imagined.
Camping, fishing, picnics, target shooting, tailgating, impromptu driveway cookouts, waiting for rafters at the pick up spot.
It’s been up for 7 years now, and is showing signs of “cooking in the cover”, but still does it’s job, and my kids have gotten used to it being a comfy place to chill when it’s up.
If you get one, don’t forget to stake it down every time though.
Doing that has saved us some mayhem a few times during sudden weather events.
(Ive even adjusted it a few times to harvest light hail for snowball fights in the summer, and harvested rain water for morning coffee a few times ).
 
Our use case is Queensland - especially when we go to K'Gari (pronounced "garee" and formerly known as Fraser Island). Having an awning for shade is awesome. As fewer of our kids are joining us camping, we use the awning with a tent at the end.

The big issue with awnings is the space they take when folded up, as well as the slightly increased noise and fuel consumption while driving.

If you have a rack system (Rhino-Rack, Yakima etc), there are awning brackets on eBay to enable quick on/off. I wandered out to the LX just now to demonstrate:

1) Awning 2m wide by 3m deep - note the "L" brackets with the Yakima AceO'Spades shovel holder
PXL_20240515_031416010.webp


2) Awning attached with 4 x 6mm hex screws with the spring loaded retainers in the rack rails
PXL_20240515_032552056.webp


3) And since K'Gari is a sand island, you're probably going to need a shovel to dig yourself out
PXL_20240515_032705682.webp
 
Standard awnings are somewhat tricky to set up by one's self but can be done pretty easily with practice. Two people definitely make it easier. Everyone's use case will be different. I set mine up to be quick detach and that has worked out well for me (8' ARB traditional awning). I also use the Moon Shade as another option. Really like the fact it packs down to the size of a ground tent. Most versatile for sure. The 270 options are great and offer lots of coverage and ease of deployment. AND the Kammock thing is friggin awesome!!!!
 
Just iinstalled the 6k wraptor 270 - while i havent camped with it - i must say the thing is freaking awesome


IMG_5694.webp
 
The Kammock looks sweet...but its also $1K vs. the others which seem more like $300-500. For as often as I would use it...a traditional might make more sense.
 
Funny how the Jeep guys and other communities find cheaper ways to do things compared to us Land Cruiser guys.
 
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