Truck-mounted awnings

[marcfj60]

I saw several truck-mounted awnings this past weekend at 100s In The Hills and think I'm going to buy one. I thought I would do a little asking around before I got one.

I saw TJM, ARB and FoxWing versions at the meet.

Who has one? What brand/model? Would you buy it again?

 

[pappy]

Ali has a strong opinion on this subject. He even has me convinced that one might be a good idea for Baja. I just wish they weren't longer than my 4Runner. We used David L.'s last spring and it was nice to have.

 

[pappy]

Ummm, I just did a little shopping and Ironman has a mini version that's only 4.5' long and extends out 6.5' for $170 to my door. I wonder if I can fit that into the budget before the next trip?

 

[slimbuddha]

I don't have one yet, but its going to be part of a package when I get the roof rack.

 

[marcfj60]

I saw how incredibly useful they were when it started raining and we were primitive camping this past weekend. Everyone was huddled under one of the 3 awnings that people had set up. I have one of the those large, heavy folding units you get from Costco/Wal-mart/etc. but it takes up a lot of space and is very heavy. Plus, it's busted more often than it's functional. The truck mounted units don't take up any space inside the cargo area and set up pretty quickly. We are going to be camping in Yellowstone and Grand Teton for nearly 2 weeks in September and I think it would be great for providing shade and rain shelter when we need it.

 

[OGBeno]

I think the one David is running is my old one. Cheap but useful.

 

[pappy]

I think the one David is running is my old one. Cheap but useful.

Yep, that's the one.

 

[BigDogKona]

If money is no object...

http://youtu.be/Beem9h8fAFQ

 

[marcfj60]

Money is an object. I need a balance of price and functionality. I want something better than a tarp but not nearly as fancy as a FoxWing

 

[alia176]

Beno and I have the Ironman4x4 and for the money, it's the most affordable awning while offering the longest fold out length at 98". http://www.cruisercorps.com/ironman-instant-awning.html

All awnings are made with the same material in China so quality is the same.

 

[marcfj60]

7' X 8' is a nice big area to cover. The ARB version I was standing under seemed a little small. I can't seem to get a quote to ship it. Did you guys get yours shipped?

 

[slimbuddha]

Marc,
A couple of other options, check out this thread where someone made their own: https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/601396-76-homebrew-awning.html
Or, check with Bundu Gear... not sure if he is still operating out of Santa Fe, but you may be able to just go pick it up. http://www.bundugear.com/

 

[alia176]

I don't have one yet, but its going to be part of a package when I get the roof rack.

I thought your camper had an awning attached to it?

 

[OGBeno]

Mine is on David L's 80 series.

 

[slimbuddha]

I thought your camper had an awning attached to it?

It does, but there are often times where I take day trips where it would come in handy.

 

[alia176]

It does, but there are often times where I take day trips where it would come in handy.

Wait a min, you take day trips and we can't get you to go wheeling because of your requirement to stay by the home? Something fishy here....

 

[marcfj60]

He has no problem going camping with me.

 

[2manycruisers]

I'm very happy with the Ironman, just make sure it's well-anchored in the wind. Fortunately the aluminum bends instead of snaps.

Sadly Bundu moved back to Charleston to be with his little boy. All his stuff ships from Phoenix. The Howling Moon is nice, but you're just as well to buy Ironman.

 

[marcfj60]

The Ironman distributor is in the process of moving from NJ to the West Coast. I can't get anyone to answer my phone calls or email. I'm going to order an ARB from 4WheelParts.

 

[pappy]

The Ironman distributor is in the process of moving from NJ to the West Coast. I can't get anyone to answer my phone calls or email. I'm going to order an ARB from 4WheelParts.

Try these folks:
Sierra Expeditions. They are in Mesa, AZ. 4WheelParts will not be your least expensive option.