Car awnings are essential gear that provides comfort, convenience, and protection. Whether you're seeking a shady spot in a desert landscape, a rain shelter in a misty forest, or a private place at a crowded campsite, the right awning turns your vehicle into a mobile basecamp. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why you might need a car awning, the various types available, how to ensure compatibility with your vehicle, key considerations when choosing one, installation tips, and more.
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At James Baroud, we take pride in the fact that our founder, Mario Martins, has been manufacturing awnings since the s. The result is a portfolio of awnings with premium features such as: the same technical fabric used in our rooftop tents, a mosquito mesh that keeps bug away, and UV-protective clear plastic. Our portfolio allows overlanders to mix and match configurations to achieve their desired privacy, lighting, and ventilation. Check out our previous blog post to learn why we choose certain materials for our products (and what materials we stay away from).
A car awning is essentially a protective canopy attached to the side of your vehicle, the rear, or even directly on the rooftop tent itself. When deployed, it provides an extended shaded or sheltered area. This space can serve a wide range of purposes, from creating a comfortable lounge spot at your campsite to protecting your cooking area from the elements. By transforming your car, SUV, or truck into a makeshift living room, dining area, or workshop, a car awning adds a whole new dimension to overland travel and outdoor recreation.
Traditional camping often involves scouting for natural shade or dealing with free-standing canopies that take up valuable storage room in a vehicle. By contrast, a well-designed car awning gives even shade on demand and it is attached to the exterior of the vehicle maximizing interior space.
Did you know?
Studies show that shaded areas can feel up to 18'27°F (10'15°C) cooler than direct sunlight, significantly improving your comfort on hot days. This can make a world of difference when camping in arid regions or parking for a midday picnic during a summer road trip.
These are the most familiar form, extending directly from the side or rear of the vehicle to create a linear area of shade. They are typically lighter, simpler, and quicker to set up. While relatively basic in form, a quality straight awning can still offer reliable shelter in a variety of weather conditions.
Side and rear awnings range in sizes. Typical sizes are 1.4m (4.5ft), 1.8m (6ft), and 2.4m (8ft) wide to accommodate different vehicle sizes and usually extend out 2.4m (8ft). The awning structure consists of an Aluminum casing where the awning fabric folds onto, two extending arms that swing out and attach onto another aluminum casing creating a tense rectangular section of fabric. Then two adjustable legs fold down to the ground which gives it support and the desired height. They have tie downs at the joints of the arms to secure it to the ground in the event there is excessive wind. The awning is symmetrical so it can be used on either side and the rear. Weight of most straight awnings will be less than 18kg (40 lbs) with simple L shaped brackets to attach it to a crossbar or platform.
Pro Tip ' Opening and Closing the Awning
It can be tricky for 1 person to open and close side awnings by themselves however with practice and the proper technique it can be done. Be especially careful in very windy conditions. To open a straight awning for a car by yourself in windy conditions, begin by setting up anchor points approximately 9ft away for the vehicle and keep the straps where you can reach them. Remove the cover and unwrap only about 8 inches of the awning. Then swing out the support arms from the awning casing attached to the vehicle. Proceed to unwrap the rest of the awning. Let the end of the awning rest on the floor without letting it go. Set up the straps at the end of the awning and the anchors to prevent the awning from being pulled by the wind like a parachute. Then set up the side arms, lower the legs and adjust the height of the awning. If necessary, then relocate the anchor points. With some experience, this process should take less than 5 minutes.
For travelers who require more expansive coverage, the 270-degree awning unfolds around the side and rear of the vehicle. This design effectively wraps a large portion of the perimeter, providing a broad, L-shaped living area. Such coverage can simultaneously protect a cooking station, a gear storage zone, and a shaded lounge spot. The complexity of their hinged supports and articulated arms requires precise engineering, but when done well, they provide a spacious and convenient shelter solution.
270 awnings are not symmetrical. Therefore it is a different awning for the driver side and passenger side. Conventionally they are labeled left handed or right handed since there are vehicles with the driver on either side of the vehicle. Picture the top of a vehicle with its front on the up (North) direction, then place your hand over it. Your left hand will have the index finger pointing up and thumb pointing right. That replicates the shade coverage of a left handed 270 awning. In the US, left handed awnings are more popular as they would cover the Driver side of the vehicle. Jeep awnings are very convenient as the tailgate is right handed so left handed awnings provide perfect space between the driver door and the tailgate (If you are a Jeep owner, our 6 Jeep tent considerations blog post might be useful). Mercedes G Wagon have left handed rear doors therefore right handed awnings are more suitable. With more structural and fabric material 270 awnings can weigh up to 100 lbs and have significantly heavier duty mounting hardware than straight awnings.
Lastly, 270 awnings are perfect for vehicles with a tailgate or trunk that opens to the side as those can serve as a 'wall'. On the other hand, if your tailgate or trunk opens upwards, this type of awning may not be the best fit for you.
Pro Tip ' 270 Awnings
270 awnings are perfect for vehicles with a tailgate or trunk that opens to the side as those can serve as a 'wall'. On the other hand, if your tailgate or trunk opens upwards, this type of awning may not be the best fit for you.
Before you buy a 270 awning, make sure that the rear of your vehicle is fully covered. We hear from a lot of our customers that they switched to the James Baroud 270 awning because the one they previously bought only provided partial cover.
Not all awnings rely on additional ground poles for stability. Self-supporting models use reinforced frames, tensioned fabrics, and hinges to stand without immediate external support in mild conditions. This design allows for rapid deployment, while added stakes may still be necessary in higher winds, the initial ease of use distinguishes them from more traditional pole options.
More conventional awnings rely on vertical poles that touch the ground and anchor lines that hold them stable. Although they take slightly longer to set up, this approach can handle more challenging conditions, such as gusty winds, by distributing stresses and reducing the load on the vehicle's mounting points. Ground-supported awnings can often be adjusted in height or angle, allowing for better water runoff during rain or more tailored sun protection.
Pro Tip ' Importance of Anchoring Down Awnings
Most awnings in the market can be used self standing in perfect weather conditions. However, typically after setting up an awning, if non-perfect weather is approaching, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the free standing awning will take the storm. Consider likely scenarios such as 30mph wind coming while you are cooking or hiking a trail, or torrential rain, or snow, or a raccoon or monkey. There are many unforeseen scenarios when camping outdoors so it is smart to always anchor down awnings for any eventuality.
Some awnings can be upgraded with optional panels, essentially turning open shade into semi-enclosed rooms. These walls introduce versatility, offering improved privacy for changing clothes, setting up a mobile kitchen free from other people's eyes, or even creating a protected sleeping zone. The ability to add and remove these panels as needed allows travelers to adapt their setup, from busy campgrounds to remote environments where privacy and protection become essential.
It is key to understand how your car awning will attach to your vehicle and how to select a model that fits seamlessly into your roof rack. Just like choosing a rooftop tent, picking the right awning involves considerations and trade offs. Typical considerations are:
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The vehicle needs a sturdy mounting system with at least two mounting points that are at the same height. Make sure the roof racks or crossbars that can handle not only the weight of the awning but also the forces exerted by wind and motion when the vehicle is in motion.
Car awning casings have 2 to 3 slots along the casing. Brackets are typically L-shaped so that one side bolts onto the casing and the other side attaches to the crossbars or roof rack. These brackets usually allow mounting looking up or down to adjust the height to clear vehicle doors. There are many different bracket configurations for quick release, theft prevention, and adjustable height. Ultimately there are instances where drilling is required. Do not be afraid of drilling into a rack or crossbars as it is often the most secure way to install. When in doubt, consult a dealer that installs awnings regularly.
Awnings will last many years if they are properly cared for. Aside from the obvious advice of keeping them clean, it is recommended to carry a hand broom to remove water and organic debris from the canvas before storing away.
Also, is extremely important to note that you need to check you roof rack weight limits to ensure safety and avoid accidents. We have an extensive guide to help you navigate this topic here on our roof rack post
Pro Tip ' Ensure a Draining Angle
An awning should always be mounted with a draining angle. When the awning (particularly the straight one) is installed with no draining angle, you risk damaging the fabric because of the weight of the water. Moreover, the poles may give in to the weight or the water may drain in the car direction. If you're sleeping with the awning assembled, the morning dew can also add up to pools of water on top of the awning.
Depending on the activity, vehicle set up and length of the trips, tents and awnings are used independently. However, often tents and awnings are used simultaneously and many tent companies pair their offering with awnings and awning accessories. One unique feature of James Baroud awnings is that they have a hole that allows access to the tent from the awning. Paired with the 'tunnel' accessory, you can get from the awning to the tent without getting wet on a rainy day. The Falcon awning 270 and Falcon Shower even have a ladder mount integrated to allow hanging the ladder in the accessory itself simplifying the setup of the accessory in the roof system.
Did you know?
While often thought of as a shower or annex, the Classic and the Falcon are technically considered an awnings. Designed to fold out and create a small, private enclosure for rinsing off, it uses the same principles of quick deployment and protective fabric as traditional awnings.
Choosing the right awning can be daunting. If you need to talk to an expert about your specific requirements, fill the form bellow with the details and we will be in contact soon.
The time varies, but most are designed for quick deployment. With a bit of practice, extending and securing your awning should only take a few minutes.
Yes, as long as it's properly stowed and the manufacturer's guidelines are followed. High-quality awnings are built to withstand travel conditions.
Sidewalls are optional, but can greatly enhance privacy and protection. They're useful for shielding from wind, adding a changing space, or creating a more enclosed area when camping in crowded spots. Take into account some models come with them some other dont, please check troughfully to be sure.
Roof top tents have been making headlines as one of the best ways to camp, but what is a roof top tent? A roof top tent is a portable shelter mounted to the roof of your vehicle or rack system. They are quick to deploy, favored by overlanders, and bridge the gap between a traditional tent and a recreational vehicle.
If you're looking for a roof top tent that will fit your vehicle and sleep capacity, you can use out Ultimate Tent Finder Tool.
The first roof top tents originated in Europe in the mid-20th century. Independent travel was growing hand in hand with car tourism, and these new tents solved multiple frustrations. The everyday adventurer no longer needed to worry if the roadside hotel was fully booked when arriving in an unfamiliar town. Roof top tents also saved travelers money by forgoing the expense of formal lodging.
The first designs were a pop-up style with a hard shell and a fold-out canvas tent, now known as the 'soft shell' style. These roof tents were commonly referred to as 'Air Camping' due to their elevated position on top of a vehicle. The appeal of air camping was clear from the start, though it has seen a resurgence in recent years as new designs have transformed the market potential. These include fold-out hard shell tents like the Skycamp, hybrid tents utilizing a book fold design, wedge-style tents, and even miniature tents that can mount to a compact car.
Today, most roof top tents practically pitch themselves, so even the most inexperienced camper can set up in under five minutes. Modern RTT designs feature gas struts to lift the tent shell once the latches have been released. Depending on the model, you may also need to unfold an expansion panel and deploy the ladder.
Roof top tents present many advantages over other options, most crucially how accessible they are. If you're still wondering what is the point of a roof top tent? Here are 10 reasons why they're worthwhile.
With so many options to choose from, there's a roof top tent for every vehicle. You do not need a special car or even an off-road vehicle to join the club. There are roof top tents like the X-Cover 2.0 Mini suited to compact cars and truck bed racks, as well as king-size tents like the Skycamp 3.0 suited to larger vehicles like SUVs. The best thing you can do is research the options, then seek out a style that fits your needs, your car, and your budget.
There are multiple considerations to account for, such as:
Each tent manufacturer will have comprehensive specifications so you can make an informed decision. If you've never explored roof racks or static and dynamic weight, the customer service team of any RTT brand should be able to walk you through it all. If you want a complete showroom experience to see the tents up close and better understand the finer points of each model for comparison, many RTT makers have dealer locations where you can do just that.
Depending on the experience you're seeking, you can take a minimalist or maximalist approach to camping in an RTT. You want to be sure to cover your basic needs, so there are a few key items to pack for your next adventure.
Check the weather forecast and consider what clothes will be appropriate, as well as any topical toiletries like bug spray or sunscreen. Lights (flashlights, lanterns, headlamps) are not only a creature comfort but also a safety consideration to navigate camp once the sun goes down. Not every campsite will have running water, latrines, or communal waste stations, so be prepared. Pack 1 L of water per person per day. Bags to pack out your garbage and recyclables. Toilet paper and any toiletries and hygiene items appropriate for where you're camping. If you're unfamiliar with best practices for camping without a bathroom, give this a read. Looking for tent accessories to take things to the next level? Definitely consider an Annex that can provide shelter from wind or elements when you're not sleeping. Storage Racks or Shoe Racks are a popular choice to keep essentials within arm's reach (and out of your bed).
Of course, you'll need to pack something to eat and a way to eat it while camping. Kitchen systems can take whatever shape is most relevant to you. Maybe you just want a way to brew your morning cup of coffee and heat water for dehydrated backpacker meals. Though if you fish or hunt - or just like to eat well - you may want a more robust kitchen system like the Disco Series that allows you to prepare meals from scratch. If your meal plan includes perishable provisions, a cooler and ice should be added to your packing list. As well as dishes and utensils.
While roof top tents universally include a basic mattress, you'll need a bit more than that to get a restful night's sleep under the stars. You might have sleeping bags, pillows, or blankets at home that will work just as well as any you may find at an outdoor equipment store. We can promise that no RTT camp counselors are coming to do bed inspections and judge you for bringing an old comforter over a -20 mummy bag. However, some sleep system items are worth the splurge for the comfort and convenience they offer. Down blankets and sleeping bags can compress to a fraction of their size, allowing them to be stored inside your RTT. This means less time making and unmaking your bed, as well as fewer items to pack inside your vehicle. The RTT Sleeper is specially designed for use in roof top tents with more fill in the top half of the bag to keep you warmer where it matters most. If you're thinking you might want to upgrade your mattress, or any other bedding for your tent, check out the Sleep Systems collection.
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