Awning suggestions/questions

[Mike NXP]

Funny how the Jeep guys and other communities find cheaper ways to do things compared to us Land Cruiser guys.

Totally, I've never been around such a group of overly paranoid vehicle owners who want their rigs to last forever and look good while doing it ( sometimes, myself included lol ) The entire 'overland' market of goods out there isn't helping, trying to tempt us with expensive gear

Jeep guys out on the trails, they have fun, they beat s*** up, break it, build it up again, and repeat. I'm used to run a inline 6 jeep when I was younger, I think the XJ? for several years. So much fun, I would just throw s*** on the roof, strap it down, and beat the piss out of it.

So to the OP's question, you'll get a mixed bag of opinions here. Just buy and build your truck based on your needs. If you find yourself in sudden storms and other conditions, that for some reason you then are going to stand outside in, then maybe a quick awning is what you need. Or if you're so loaded you have no space left to spare, maybe the awning mounted up there is a good idea.

But if your just cruising around , want some shade at camp, have a few minutes to spare, and you know how to run a guy line, then just get a tarp, pop up shelter, slumberjack tarp, etc. Everyones needs will be different, so buy accordingly.. I am biased but I can assure you the slumberjack will provide you with the most possible shelter and coverage on the sides .


Here is a forum with some pics, take note of how many of these cast virtually no shade and then oh s***, the sun moves in the sky so now what? Sure still some protection from rain and all that but IDK just not for me.

Awnings, let's see them

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[thetoyotaman]

Is the lumberjack tarp quality the same as a standard tarp or do you see differences?

 

[Mike NXP]

Is the lumberjack tarp quality the same as a standard tarp or do you see differences?

Are you wondering how their 'roadhouse tarp' compares to a normal tarp? Oh I see they also sell just square tarps.

It's lightweight and doesn't have a rigid tarp like feel, more like a rainfly. I suspect all of their offerings are the same material, the slumberjack is just shaped in such a way to easily hook into the rear of the vehicle. Straps for the roof rack and side straps for the tires. Then you can pull it out and cofnigure it a few different ways depending on your needs. I usually go A-Frame style, but you could make it a big wide bat wing style setup as well. You could also run it off the side of the vehicle but I always work out of the rear

Setup only takes like idk, 3-5 minutes

I was skeptical of it's durability at first but it's held up in 4 seasons and mixed conditions. I just make sure to get it good and dry before storage. Packs into a small duffel bag and I store in dry bags on roof or down below in the vehicle depending on the trip

 

[suprarx7nut]

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.

Totally, I've never been around such a group of overly paranoid vehicle owners who want their rigs to last forever and look good while doing it ( sometimes, myself included lol ) The entire 'overland' market of goods out there isn't helping, trying to tempt us with expensive gear

Jeep guys out on the trails, they have fun, they beat s*** up, break it, build it up again, and repeat. I'm used to run a inline 6 jeep when I was younger, I think the XJ? for several years. So much fun, I would just throw s*** on the roof, strap it down, and beat the piss out of it.

So to the OP's question, you'll get a mixed bag of opinions here. Just buy and build your truck based on your needs. If you find yourself in sudden storms and other conditions, that for some reason you then are going to stand outside in, then maybe a quick awning is what you need. Or if you're so loaded you have no space left to spare, maybe the awning mounted up there is a good idea.

But if your just cruising around , want some shade at camp, have a few minutes to spare, and you know how to run a guy line, then just get a tarp, pop up shelter, slumberjack tarp, etc. Everyones needs will be different, so buy accordingly.. I am biased but I can assure you the slumberjack will provide you with the most possible shelter and coverage on the sides .


Here is a forum with some pics, take note of how many of these cast virtually no shade and then oh s***, the sun moves in the sky so now what? Sure still some protection from rain and all that but IDK just not for me.

Awnings, let's see them

forum.ih8mud.com

I find myself repeating this a lot lately:

This entire enthusiast market is all about various shades of grey of taking a mundane thing and turning into something more convenient, luxurious and/or enjoyable. Almost invariably that means spending $$$ that you don't have to spend. If you own a Land Cruiser or even a 4Runner lately of any kind, you've already spent (and will continue to spend) more than you *have* to just to own and maintain a special vehicle.

All you need to drive most trails is a beat up pickup, perhaps not even with 4WD. No gear, no mods, nothing. Just a truck and gas. You can also enjoy trails in a $400k G-wagen 4x4 Squared with $100k in goodies. It's the same activity either way.

We're all playing a game of "Let's take this crude activity and make it more enjoyable with more than the bare minimum."

For non-car enthusiasts, spending $100 on a car add-on is silly, haha. By most reasonable people's estimations, we're all well "off the deep end" even if you're doing it all on the cheap.

 

[Mike NXP]

I find myself repeating this a lot lately:

This entire enthusiast market is all about various shades of grey of taking a mundane thing and turning into something more convenient, luxurious and/or enjoyable. Almost invariably that means spending $$$ that you don't have to spend. If you own a Land Cruiser or even a 4Runner lately of any kind, you've already spent (and will continue to spend) more than you *have* to just to own and maintain a special vehicle.

All you need to drive most trails is a beat up pickup, perhaps not even with 4WD. No gear, no mods, nothing. Just a truck and gas. You can also enjoy trails in a $400k G-wagen 4x4 Squared with $100k in goodies. It's the same activity either way.

We're all playing a game of "Let's take this crude activity and make it more enjoyable with more than the bare minimum."

For non-car enthusiasts, spending $100 on a car add-on is silly, haha. By most reasonable people's estimations, we're all well "off the deep end" even if you're doing it all on the cheap.

Very good points.

If you enjoy a good bike ride, the same craziness has taken over that market. I haven't ridden in a decade and decide it's time to get back into it. WTF happened? No I don't need all those gears, intelligent shocks, bag systems, hydraulic disc brakes, electronic shifters, etc. Just give me a single speed rigid frame and I'll tear s*** up.

Its up to the consumer to see through the marketing, identify what they truly need, and enjoy it. The massive amounts of information and opinions floating around doesn't make it easy.

The folks of a few generations ago would be laughing in our faces at how soft we've become

 

[suprarx7nut]

Very good points.

If you enjoy a good bike ride, the same craziness has taken over that market. I haven't ridden in a decade and decide it's time to get back into it. WTF happened? No I don't need all those gears, intelligent shocks, bag systems, hydraulic disc brakes, electronic shifters, etc. Just give me a single speed rigid frame and I'll tear s*** up.

Its up to the consumer to see through the marketing, identify what they truly need, and enjoy it. The massive amounts of information and opinions floating around doesn't make it easy.

The folks of a few generations ago would be laughing in our faces at how soft we've become
View attachment 3632627View attachment 3632629

Soft indeed. I guess my point is that we're almost all well beyond anything we *need* anymore.

It's all about what you want now. The market is flooded with niceties because nobody actually wants only what they need. Where's the fun in that, haha.

 

[TimTX]

I agree...but how many of us "need" a 25 year old Land Cruiser. I know I don't...lol. I've worked hard, am blessed and fortunate to say that and won't EVER forget that! As I say, some people have Boats, Jet Ski's, Motorcycles, etc. They are toys...expensive at that, so is my Land Cruiser. Do they NEED those...of course not! A cheaper, newer, reliable 4Runner would do 90% of what the LC will...but that isn't the issue.

An awning is the same thing...it would be an expensive addition to my toy. I just don't want it to be TOO expensive lol, so trying to be somewhat reasonable....which is the reason for my post! Appreciate everyone's feedback/input.

 

[Exiled]

I find myself repeating this a lot lately:

This entire enthusiast market is all about various shades of grey of taking a mundane thing and turning into something more convenient, luxurious and/or enjoyable. Almost invariably that means spending $$$ that you don't have to spend. If you own a Land Cruiser or even a 4Runner lately of any kind, you've already spent (and will continue to spend) more than you *have* to just to own and maintain a special vehicle.

All you need to drive most trails is a beat up pickup, perhaps not even with 4WD. No gear, no mods, nothing. Just a truck and gas. You can also enjoy trails in a $400k G-wagen 4x4 Squared with $100k in goodies. It's the same activity either way.

We're all playing a game of "Let's take this crude activity and make it more enjoyable with more than the bare minimum."

For non-car enthusiasts, spending $100 on a car add-on is silly, haha. By most reasonable people's estimations, we're all well "off the deep end" even if you're doing it all on the cheap.

Agree 100%. The "Overland" craze has taken things about seven levels past logic, moving past making things sturdy and well-designed to completely over-engineered and over-built and super expensive. Social media exacerbates that X10, too. I recently saw an "overland paper towel holder" that was $100+, and I just had to laugh. People are already paying $250 for a plastic traction board and someone out there sells a super-slick mount that holds four of them for the low-low price of $300. So you're in for $1300 for a tool that you may never need in the span of a year....

 

[geo5]

I have and recommend the rhino rack sunseeker 2.5m awning, mounts to my rhino rack pioneer platform roof tray. Rhino rack offers many mounting solutions.
I also have a zip in tapered extension panel for extra coverage.
Super nice to have for shade, rain. Deploys fairly easily. Had it for 8yrs- replaced the outer bag but otherwise in good condition. Rhino still makes parts for it.

 

[suprarx7nut]

I agree...but how many of us "need" a 25 year old Land Cruiser. I know I don't...lol. I've worked hard, am blessed and fortunate to say that and won't EVER forget that! As I say, some people have Boats, Jet Ski's, Motorcycles, etc. They are toys...expensive at that, so is my Land Cruiser. Do they NEED those...of course not! A cheaper, newer, reliable 4Runner would do 90% of what the LC will...but that isn't the issue.

An awning is the same thing...it would be an expensive addition to my toy. I just don't want it to be TOO expensive lol, so trying to be somewhat reasonable....which is the reason for my post! Appreciate everyone's feedback/input.

Agree 100%. The "Overland" craze has taken things about seven levels past logic, moving past making things sturdy and well-designed to completely over-engineered and over-built and super expensive. Social media exacerbates that X10, too. I recently saw an "overland paper towel holder" that was $100+, and I just had to laugh. People are already paying $250 for a plastic traction board and someone out there sells a super-slick mount that holds four of them for the low-low price of $300. So you're in for $1300 for a tool that you may never need in the span of a year....

Perhaps you guys misunderstood me.

I'm saying we're ALL in the same boat - that of being soft and owning way more than any of us *need*. Owning a 20 year old luxury SUV is inherently expensive. And it's all good.

Don't knock anyone that wants to spend $11k/year on this hobby if you only want to spend $4k (barely more than keeping a 100 running in great shape). Most people spend almost nothing on their car and barely know the model and year.

We're all well off into crazy-land, so let's stick together, haha.