Awning suggestions

[vegasfj40]

Hello everyone. I just ordered a Prinsu rack for my GX. Was wanting to put an awning on but not sure what to get. I know what I dont want and that is a regular retracting type. Would like to get one that opens in a 270 degree style. Any suggestions or favorites? I was looking at OVS Nomad unit. Let me know what you have and any pics!

 

[Bang Bang]

My opinion (and, yes, I know what opinions are worth), a 270* awning is awesome in theory until you are attempting to deploy it by yourself. Now, if you spend big $$$ and get one that can be deployed leg-less then I guess it's a different story.
I have never had an awning on my GX but I have had a few on my off-road square drop trailer. I got some no name brand Chinese knock off 270* from a friend. It was a total pain in the ass for me to deploy by myself. I currently run an ARB 8' on the side of the trailer and an Ironman 6.5' off the back, both with the room enclosures. I can have them both deployed in about 10-15 min (a little longer to zip in the room enclosures) by myself. I would tell you if you know someone who has one and you have never deployed one before, ask your friend to let you try before you buy.

 

[xychromosome]

I have this one from ironman4x4. It's cheap, has held up well for the past 3 years I have had it, and is relatively easy to set up. It is tricky to set up when windy, usually need an extra set of hands to keep it steady during set up and take down.

 

[r2m]

What I use and this is quite different, I made for myself what I call an "awnbrella". It is a 6.5' x 10' rectangular umbrella for $80.00 (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Pakarde-Rectangular-Umbrellas-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B0CQR5N9R9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=TJW0BYJ41AYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0VD6AdzfPVCrM6ZPz9vjsqBKEJbjXsFBwbp_wY_f7dz-MwRBPcNwmDiKhcaDTd00Dwk9I7V03xuZM_BX2vjKo3Hx_r8rl6VGuS_ahTLHyYWOIJIwB1NSxFb-70lkustpJC2n4ewsukoW7hHybRJ3kxxKSqIvKNXGhcy8nlagcSkpirAO1YAvT1d8ymOeI5Dm_b5kIbGVXAe-JjksIMV3JjHN0BLpMSxNCO7_S-ZKPZE1koSiRIeRIwRQexeh4cr-81aTotdm4ilPk44w62ydhWjOd9G1QLSfBjUucYJY5lc.6f7r3BLNZ2eKhHKy7lIvEZP6vrmL2rvAew13BLSiZP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rectangular%2BPatio%2BOutdoor%2BMarket%2BTable%2BUmbrella&qid=1720544741&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=rectangular%2Bpatio%2Boutdoor%2Bmarket%2Btable%2Bumbrella%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1)
with a folding stand: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0754Q7G7F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
Some inexpensive tarp clips to attach to your rack: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Supporting-Tarpaulins-Canopies-Sunshades-Swimming/dp/B08HCH4VTP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=24TAIJ2Y2KYI1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CQWVNUTtI8es7Rulu0ZAmMbzjsZHdSnxpAmjlRugZTucpHX7mrpzLISmkbG9QJCV0v7r_5Coxjc0WycIsuUh_FRIXv933xY5opYbWCOtV01pyXrmBmxS0AxgkpBuVHNVrj6Bi_Eck-eIgKxbhYt4W3Yb-OUi4OXc5f6SvAaxXAuT7EHAAGkM6ZHzo8_1W52ZHGE31plPIG5ZgLp-636uPPXirt4nPZeZ09PF_RRo5lloCsCH2nWqQm2ESS5nEQ3de6D7duMOFH7FpTa70IZCSTAQ3OUnvB2LtaeqX_hKLSc.sT4owR6Ies8U-4bA5wxo1tLeTpqVnFu9a7tV45xDONY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tarp+Clips%2C+Heavy+Duty+Thumb+Screw&qid=1720544976&s=hi&sprefix=tarp+clips%2C+heavy+duty+thumb+screw%2Ctools%2C161&sr=1-5
And you're set to go! All for a little over $100.00. The best part is you can easily attach the umbrella to ANY side of your rig AND even have it stand-alone if your not going to be sitting near your rig.
If you go to my post starting at post #83: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-5
you'll see how I have it.
I have made an improvement, now I have the umbrella in a 6" PVC tube on the side. The cloth cover was getting too weather damaged.
Here's a good picture of the umbrella in it's PVC tube on the rack. It is capped on both ends. The back end designed to come off and has a small combo padlock to keep people from getting into it.

 

[vegasfj40]

What I use and this is quite different, I made for myself what I call an "awnbrella". It is a 6.5' x 10' rectangular umbrella for $80.00 (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Pakarde-Rectangular-Umbrellas-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B0CQR5N9R9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=TJW0BYJ41AYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0VD6AdzfPVCrM6ZPz9vjsqBKEJbjXsFBwbp_wY_f7dz-MwRBPcNwmDiKhcaDTd00Dwk9I7V03xuZM_BX2vjKo3Hx_r8rl6VGuS_ahTLHyYWOIJIwB1NSxFb-70lkustpJC2n4ewsukoW7hHybRJ3kxxKSqIvKNXGhcy8nlagcSkpirAO1YAvT1d8ymOeI5Dm_b5kIbGVXAe-JjksIMV3JjHN0BLpMSxNCO7_S-ZKPZE1koSiRIeRIwRQexeh4cr-81aTotdm4ilPk44w62ydhWjOd9G1QLSfBjUucYJY5lc.6f7r3BLNZ2eKhHKy7lIvEZP6vrmL2rvAew13BLSiZP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rectangular%2BPatio%2BOutdoor%2BMarket%2BTable%2BUmbrella&qid=1720544741&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=rectangular%2Bpatio%2Boutdoor%2Bmarket%2Btable%2Bumbrella%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1)
with a folding stand: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Pakarde-Rectangular-Umbrellas-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B0CQR5N9R9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=TJW0BYJ41AYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0VD6AdzfPVCrM6ZPz9vjsqBKEJbjXsFBwbp_wY_f7dz-MwRBPcNwmDiKhcaDTd00Dwk9I7V03xuZM_BX2vjKo3Hx_r8rl6VGuS_ahTLHyYWOIJIwB1NSxFb-70lkustpJC2n4ewsukoW7hHybRJ3kxxKSqIvKNXGhcy8nlagcSkpirAO1YAvT1d8ymOeI5Dm_b5kIbGVXAe-JjksIMV3JjHN0BLpMSxNCO7_S-ZKPZE1koSiRIeRIwRQexeh4cr-81aTotdm4ilPk44w62ydhWjOd9G1QLSfBjUucYJY5lc.6f7r3BLNZ2eKhHKy7lIvEZP6vrmL2rvAew13BLSiZP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rectangular%2BPatio%2BOutdoor%2BMarket%2BTable%2BUmbrella&qid=1720544741&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=rectangular%2Bpatio%2Boutdoor%2Bmarket%2Btable%2Bumbrella%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
Some inexpensive tarp clips to attach to your rack: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Supporting-Tarpaulins-Canopies-Sunshades-Swimming/dp/B08HCH4VTP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=24TAIJ2Y2KYI1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CQWVNUTtI8es7Rulu0ZAmMbzjsZHdSnxpAmjlRugZTucpHX7mrpzLISmkbG9QJCV0v7r_5Coxjc0WycIsuUh_FRIXv933xY5opYbWCOtV01pyXrmBmxS0AxgkpBuVHNVrj6Bi_Eck-eIgKxbhYt4W3Yb-OUi4OXc5f6SvAaxXAuT7EHAAGkM6ZHzo8_1W52ZHGE31plPIG5ZgLp-636uPPXirt4nPZeZ09PF_RRo5lloCsCH2nWqQm2ESS5nEQ3de6D7duMOFH7FpTa70IZCSTAQ3OUnvB2LtaeqX_hKLSc.sT4owR6Ies8U-4bA5wxo1tLeTpqVnFu9a7tV45xDONY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tarp+Clips%2C+Heavy+Duty+Thumb+Screw&qid=1720544976&s=hi&sprefix=tarp+clips%2C+heavy+duty+thumb+screw%2Ctools%2C161&sr=1-5
And you're set to go! All for a little over $100.00. The best part is you can easily attach the umbrella to ANY side of your rig AND even have it stand-alone if your not going to be sitting near your rig.
If you go to my post starting at post #83: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-5
you'll see how I have it.
I have made an improvement, now I have the umbrella in a 6" PVC tube on the side. The cloth cover was getting too weather damaged.
Here's a good picture of the umbrella in it's PVC tube on the rack. It is capped on both ends. The back end designed to come off and has a small combo padlock to keep people from getting into it.
View attachment 3673604

Thanks for that idea! Is it sturdy in a light 10mph or so wind?

 

[Cold Iron]

What I use and this is quite different, I made for myself what I call an "awnbrella". It is a 6.5' x 10' rectangular umbrella for $80.00 (Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Pakarde-Rectangular-Umbrellas-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B0CQR5N9R9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=TJW0BYJ41AYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0VD6AdzfPVCrM6ZPz9vjsqBKEJbjXsFBwbp_wY_f7dz-MwRBPcNwmDiKhcaDTd00Dwk9I7V03xuZM_BX2vjKo3Hx_r8rl6VGuS_ahTLHyYWOIJIwB1NSxFb-70lkustpJC2n4ewsukoW7hHybRJ3kxxKSqIvKNXGhcy8nlagcSkpirAO1YAvT1d8ymOeI5Dm_b5kIbGVXAe-JjksIMV3JjHN0BLpMSxNCO7_S-ZKPZE1koSiRIeRIwRQexeh4cr-81aTotdm4ilPk44w62ydhWjOd9G1QLSfBjUucYJY5lc.6f7r3BLNZ2eKhHKy7lIvEZP6vrmL2rvAew13BLSiZP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rectangular%2BPatio%2BOutdoor%2BMarket%2BTable%2BUmbrella&qid=1720544741&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=rectangular%2Bpatio%2Boutdoor%2Bmarket%2Btable%2Bumbrella%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1)
with a folding stand: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Pakarde-Rectangular-Umbrellas-Protection-Waterproof/dp/B0CQR5N9R9/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=TJW0BYJ41AYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0VD6AdzfPVCrM6ZPz9vjsqBKEJbjXsFBwbp_wY_f7dz-MwRBPcNwmDiKhcaDTd00Dwk9I7V03xuZM_BX2vjKo3Hx_r8rl6VGuS_ahTLHyYWOIJIwB1NSxFb-70lkustpJC2n4ewsukoW7hHybRJ3kxxKSqIvKNXGhcy8nlagcSkpirAO1YAvT1d8ymOeI5Dm_b5kIbGVXAe-JjksIMV3JjHN0BLpMSxNCO7_S-ZKPZE1koSiRIeRIwRQexeh4cr-81aTotdm4ilPk44w62ydhWjOd9G1QLSfBjUucYJY5lc.6f7r3BLNZ2eKhHKy7lIvEZP6vrmL2rvAew13BLSiZP4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rectangular%2BPatio%2BOutdoor%2BMarket%2BTable%2BUmbrella&qid=1720544741&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&rnid=2661617011&s=lawn-garden&sprefix=rectangular%2Bpatio%2Boutdoor%2Bmarket%2Btable%2Bumbrella%2Clawngarden%2C148&sr=1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
Some inexpensive tarp clips to attach to your rack: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Supporting-Tarpaulins-Canopies-Sunshades-Swimming/dp/B08HCH4VTP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=24TAIJ2Y2KYI1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CQWVNUTtI8es7Rulu0ZAmMbzjsZHdSnxpAmjlRugZTucpHX7mrpzLISmkbG9QJCV0v7r_5Coxjc0WycIsuUh_FRIXv933xY5opYbWCOtV01pyXrmBmxS0AxgkpBuVHNVrj6Bi_Eck-eIgKxbhYt4W3Yb-OUi4OXc5f6SvAaxXAuT7EHAAGkM6ZHzo8_1W52ZHGE31plPIG5ZgLp-636uPPXirt4nPZeZ09PF_RRo5lloCsCH2nWqQm2ESS5nEQ3de6D7duMOFH7FpTa70IZCSTAQ3OUnvB2LtaeqX_hKLSc.sT4owR6Ies8U-4bA5wxo1tLeTpqVnFu9a7tV45xDONY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Tarp+Clips%2C+Heavy+Duty+Thumb+Screw&qid=1720544976&s=hi&sprefix=tarp+clips%2C+heavy+duty+thumb+screw%2Ctools%2C161&sr=1-5
And you're set to go! All for a little over $100.00. The best part is you can easily attach the umbrella to ANY side of your rig AND even have it stand-alone if your not going to be sitting near your rig.
If you go to my post starting at post #83: Builds - R²M 2013 GX 460 Overland Build - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/r-m-2013-gx-460-overland-build.1104719/page-5
you'll see how I have it.
I have made an improvement, now I have the umbrella in a 6" PVC tube on the side. The cloth cover was getting too weather damaged.
Here's a good picture of the umbrella in it's PVC tube on the rack. It is capped on both ends. The back end designed to come off and has a small combo padlock to keep people from getting into it.
View attachment 3673604

The link to your stand goes to the umbrella so I went to your build page and pulled the correct link for anyone interested. Because I am interested LOL

Stand link

At the Side by Side shoot weekend before last in Wi. several people had the hitch mount umbrellas

Was surprised how many people could sit under one. But with the damn barn door on the GX...

I have a 10x10 canopy tent that is more than 20 years old now. Have been through 3 covers but the frame has held up well through all types of weather. But setting it up isn't a one person job, it can be done but there is some work involved. Because of the size and weight it sits on my deck in the summer instead of the woods anymore. Because cabins LOL. But would be nice to have a quick and easy shelter in the summer for the few times I could use one.

Not going to lie I do miss a tailgate to sit on and the lift window of a topper above.

 

[Washingtontaco]

This is what you want!

We used them every day in Namibia in 90 degree + heat. Easy one person set up no poles, about 90 seconds. My business partner liked them so much he bought one when we got back. Dont F around with cheap crap, you wont be happy and you wont use it.

After a trip to Death Valley I decided to buy a En Suite bathroom by Quick Pitch as by business partner is on 90% of my trips.

Just think if you plan on a single or dual swing out tire carrier and if you want driver or pasenger side deployment. Personaly I would buy driver side deployment due to the rear door swing.

ALU-CAB 2.6M 270 Shadow Awning – Mule Expedition Outfitters

Experience versatile shelter with ALU-CAB 2.6M 270 Shadow Awning from Mule Expedition Outfitters. Unleash effortless outdoor comfort on your adventures.

dasmule.com

 

[r2m]

Thanks for that idea! Is it sturdy in a light 10mph or so wind?

Just like any awing if it's windy (or umbrella), you'll need guy lines. That's what the small tarp clamps are for. Use those, some paracord and stakes, it'll hold up to most anything.
With the tarp clamps you can hold down on any side and as many as you need to keep it secure.
What I like about it is that I can put it up literally anywhere. Even stand-alone if you can't park next to where you want to be, like by the water.

 

[WTITW]

Ive owned the ARB 2.5m, the Ironman 2.5m and now have the Ironman XTR143 freestanding 270. The XTR is by far the easiest to deploy and most heavy duty. Its a bit harder to put back in the bag but my favorite of the three by far.

The ironman and ARB single panel awnings are nearly identical but the ARB uses heavier fabric and aluminum (its about 40% heavier Id estimate).

Single panels are great if you want to use a screenroom but a freestanding 270 is stronger, easier to deploy and provides much more shade.

Ironman has the XTR 143 on sale often. I think I paid $475 delivered.

 

[185]

Anything that is stowable and deploys automagically when opening the barn door would be amazing. Havent see one yet though.

 

[r2m]

Ive owned the ARB 2.5m, the Ironman 2.5m and now have the Ironman XTR143 freestanding 270. The XTR is by far the easiest to deploy and most heavy duty. Its a bit harder to put back in the bag but my favorite of the three by far.

The ironman and ARB single panel awnings are nearly identical but the ARB uses heavier fabric and aluminum (its about 40% heavier Id estimate).

Single panels are great if you want to use a screenroom but a freestanding 270 is stronger, easier to deploy and provides much more shade.

Ironman has the XTR 143 on sale often. I think I paid $475 delivered.

I'll attest to how easy Jake's awing is to setup from overlanding with him a couple months ago.
We're all setting up camp and lickety-split, his awning was all set up!

 

[vegasfj40]

Ive owned the ARB 2.5m, the Ironman 2.5m and now have the Ironman XTR143 freestanding 270. The XTR is by far the easiest to deploy and most heavy duty. Its a bit harder to put back in the bag but my favorite of the three by far.

The ironman and ARB single panel awnings are nearly identical but the ARB uses heavier fabric and aluminum (its about 40% heavier Id estimate).

Single panels are great if you want to use a screenroom but a freestanding 270 is stronger, easier to deploy and provides much more shade.

Ironman has the XTR 143 on sale often. I think I paid $475 delivered.

Thanks for this info. How long have you had it? Was just looking at a similar type from Quickfit. Seems like it and the AluCab units are similar in design and price but are 1k more dollars than the Ironman you mentioned.

 

[WTITW]

Thanks for this info. How long have you had it? Was just looking at a similar type from Quickfit. Seems like it and the AluCab units are similar in design and price but are 1k more dollars than the Ironman you mentioned.

I've only had it since March but in addition to taking it on 4 camping trips I also took it on a 2500mile road trip to Yellowstone and back last month. We hotel-ed it that trip but still deployed it 2-3 times for lunch. I've had it out about ten times so far, and I really like it. It sags a bit on the leading and trailing supports so I usually throw out the poles on the ends to keep it a bit higher and adjust the pitch. Since you can tether it to the rims (at least with my wheels), it creates a downward force against the poles (if you deploy them), which is nice for moderately windy conditions without having to guy it out. I'm not sure if the other brands you mentioned have poles that fold into the supports or not, but they make it really solid when you use them on the Ironman. On our last trip it rained for a few hours so I put the middle poles out too and guyed them down JIC. I've been meaning to look at the support hardware to see if I can take a bit of the sag out by tightening them up.

Ironman's stuff is a nice mix of price / quality / weight. I have zero concerns about this holding up. But I mostly forest road and only camp about 20 nights per year. I'm guessing the Alu-Cab is really well made. If I were an overlander that might matter, but I'm just a dad who drags his kids out on 5-10 weekenders a year so the Ironman nails the value for me.

I was a little off on the price. Looks like I paid $620 delivered with the Awning LED kit. Only problem is I don't think they're stocking it right now. They were sold out for months after the sale I bought mine on, so maybe they pulled them from the website because of that. If you call, ask for Bubba (no joke). He's their head sales dude and can probably tell you when/if they're going to carry them again. Super knowledgeable guy.

One issue with the GX is that there's a gap over the barn door (See the Jill making b-fast pic). I can slide it forward another inch or two but unless your roof rack is 6-8" fore of your door seal it's probably going to have a gap.

Hope that helps. Let us know what you get and how it goes!

 

[WTITW]

They're also a supporting vendor here so maybe they can chime in on availability.

Hey @Ironman4x4Bubba You guys getting the XTR 143 back? Can't find them on the site anymore...

 

[nodashi]

I have the freestanding 270 awning from openroad with their sale for $400 its hard to beat. I've only installed it and am going to put it to use soon so i cant review long term yet but so far so good.

 

[WTITW]

I have the freestanding 270 awning from openroad with their sale for $400 its hard to beat. I've only installed it and am going to put it to use soon so i cant review long term yet but so far so good.

That looks pretty nice and you can't beat that price, though it's not as big as the Ironman. Love the integrated lighting wiring, but why black? That would get pretty toasty here in AZ. Do the poles stay attached? I didn't see a channel that they live in on the supports.

 

[nodashi]

That looks pretty nice and you can't beat that price, though it's not as big as the Ironman. Love the integrated lighting wiring, but why black? That would get pretty toasty here in AZ. Do the poles stay attached? I didn't see a channel that they live in on the supports.

yes the poles are attached. It feels pretty robust material. I put some 303 uv protect spray on the cover of the awning because that always starts to fade from the constant sun

 

[ducktapeguy]

Get as big an awning as your budget will allow. You're never gonna wish for less shade out in the desert.

I upgraded from a regular 2m square to a knockoff 270 awning. The 2m one worked fine, but you had to constantly work at staying in the shade it just wasn't big enough for more than a couple people.

The 270 is actually easier to deploy, I can have it setup in less than a minute. However, packing it away takes slightly longer. I rarely staked either of them down because if it got windy enough to require it, I'd probably just pack them away because no amount of staking will prevent them from flying in high winds.

 

[JDUB fab]

I have the Ironman 6ft, would definitely like a 270. Recently found the awning enclosure room for mine on Facebook for only 75$ new in box. Have yet to deploy it. I would say I don’t use the awning much, or nearly as much as I would have expected, but when I do it’s needed.

 

[r2m]

I have the Ironman 6ft, would definitely like a 270. Recently found the awning enclosure room for mine on Facebook for only 75$ new in box. Have yet to deploy it. I would say I don’t use the awning much, or nearly as much as I would have expected, but when I do it’s needed.
View attachment 3681898

As you noted, a 270° would be way better. Not everyone, nor every time can one pull up to their picnic bench and hang their awning over it.
To be able to park your rig in a position best for a one-sided awning is even harder! Sometimes there's not a lot of choices of which direction you can park in relation to the sun, view or whatever, which is why I like my awn-brella!