Hard mounted awnings - are they worth it?

[chorky]

So my original plan was just to use some eyelids on the side of the RTT and hook up a standard waterproof tarp. The idea here being it is cheaper and lighter and modular. But, theres sales happening everywhere so I am lightly considering a hard mount option - https://www.4x4colorado.com/collect...-270-led-awning-system?variant=42187908022428

But, I believe it is 80 pounds if memory serves me right. That seems fairly typical, maybe on the heavier side but it is the same thick canvas that is on their tents, which I like.

I am wondering how useful these things really are and how much of a game changer they have made for people - if the added weight, cost, and bulk is really worth it. I have seen lots of people on various videos with their hard mount awning failing.

About the only benefit I really see is 1) they are always there ready to deploy, and 2) they sorta wrap around the vehicle. But they don't really save any set-up or take-down time, its not like setting up a tarp is very difficult.

Curious to see various opinions.

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[MPMB]

I think it depends. It depends on what type of camping you do, and the weather you do it in.

I love the idea of an awning, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

We have the Tepui Autana RTT with the vestibule. We've never used the vestibule in the ~5 years we've owned the tent.

I'm more about speed. Pack/unpack needs to be quick and simple for me. Unless we're staying in the same spot for a couple of days (usually not). Plus we usually camp in bear country, so there's not a lot you can leave out when you're away from the campsite.

Ideally, if we stuck with the RTT camping model, I would want a small trailer for the RTT, a 270* awning with sidewalls on the trailer, and that'd be basecamp. Or spend a little more money and get a travel trailer.

 

[Jaxmax]

The weight up high on one side might be an issue at 80lbs. I surf fish a lot from my Jeep and thought I really needed (wanted) a 270 awning, but realize the area I need covered is the back of truck where kitchen slide will be and where I work the fishing gear and bait from, and typically stand at tailgate, even an ARB 4’ wide 8’ out from truck awning is not that heavy and won’t be a wind drag thing on the back of my RSI cap. I would prefer the aluminum encased version but alas that is not an option at this time. They will set up faster and better than a tarp. I missed an ARB in Northridges scratch and dent section for short money…..Jack

 

[fourfa]

I skipped it with my Alu-Cab, though it seems to be a very popular option. We tend to break down camp in the morning, drive all day, and set up at sunset. Don’t encounter tons of rain or snow either. So I didn’t see a ton of benefit for me, just the cost and weight.

If you tend to go somewhere, set up camp, and stay parked for a while - different story

 

[chorky]

I think it depends. It depends on what type of camping you do, and the weather you do it in.

I love the idea of an awning, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

We have the Tepui Autana RTT with the vestibule. We've never used the vestibule in the ~5 years we've owned the tent.

I'm more about speed. Pack/unpack needs to be quick and simple for me. Unless we're staying in the same spot for a couple of days (usually not). Plus we usually camp in bear country, so there's not a lot you can leave out when you're away from the campsite.

Ideally, if we stuck with the RTT camping model, I would want a small trailer for the RTT, a 270* awning with sidewalls on the trailer, and that'd be basecamp. Or spend a little more money and get a travel trailer.

Yeah agreed the idea of them is nice but I am not sold that they are really worth it - the RTT is a game changer compared to a ground tent (for me). My typical camping is going to be one or two nighters for the most part, maybe a week long trip a few times a year, but likely not staying at the same place longer than a day or two.

The weight up high on one side might be an issue at 80lbs. I surf fish a lot from my Jeep and thought I really needed (wanted) a 270 awning, but realize the area I need covered is the back of truck where kitchen slide will be and where I work the fishing gear and bait from, and typically stand at tailgate, even an ARB 4’ wide 8’ out from truck awning is not that heavy and won’t be a wind drag thing on the back of my RSI cap. I would prefer the aluminum encased version but alas that is not an option at this time. They will set up faster and better than a tarp. I missed an ARB in Northridges scratch and dent section for short money…..Jack

I agree with the weight as well. I can get close to the same coverage (not the corners) with a standard tarp.... at less weight and cost. Weight is really the biggest factor for me and 80 pounds is a lot .

 

[John in the Woods]

Agree with the folks above. I tend to camp and explore on foot for a few days, and last year I was roasting in the sun and getting stir crazy in some persistent rains on several days. I picked up an OVS Nomadic 270 this year, and so far it’s been great. Setup, especially if you don’t need to set up the poles, takes less than a minute, and the coverage is massive. In light wind, I’ll use it sometimes when I park for lunch. It also turns out to be a fairly decent brush guard on tight trails, which is a bonus.

if rain or intense sun can be an issue, and if you stay in place a day or more when you’re out, I think it fits you’re needs. If not, save the weight and the cash, and spend it on fuel or fishing gear.

 

[MPMB]

I'll also add that with our RTT, I have it opening towards the rear, so I can do stuff on the tailgate like cook and be covered. Sideways rain and wind are my only foes.

If we change RTT to a pop-up style instead of a fold-out style, an awning might be bumped up on the priority list.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I'm running a smaller Ironman 4x4 6.5' straight awning. 25 pounds or so. It's a 'nice to have' for me, and since its a smaller setup I'm not paying as significant a weight/bulk penalty.

Just as much as camping and wheeling trips, we use our awnings for day trips locally - and in south Louisiana in the summer, any inch of shade you can get is worth while.

I'll also use it on occasion in the driveway. Provide shade while working on a project - etc. I do not have a garage and sometimes I don't want to rearrange vehicles to get my carport cleared out.

Out camping - sometimes we stay in one place a bit and need protection from rain and sun - sometimes we don't.

But since it was only $225...that was the factor for me.

I could not stomach the cost of quality 270s, even with going on a couple big trips a year.

 

[darkhorse13]

Well I'm an outlier here... We use our awning more than our RTT. Our AluCab awning is over 4 years old and has followed us on (2) separate vehicles. It takes less than 30sec to deploy and 60sec to put away. Having shade is so nice and the CO sun is brutal. We also use it in the rain and sometime set up the wall kit as well. Now if you were to ask "is the wall kit worth it?" I'd be hesitant to give you a convincing answer on that.

IMO, yes, a full time 270 awning is worth it. The weight and bulk are moot points and have not given me pause when off roading. As far as the cost, that's in the eye of the beholder... everything "overlanding" seems expensive though.

My only recommendation is to get a free standing awning or one that has the legs built in. Free standing awnings ARE A GAME CHANGER.

 

[darkhorse13]

If you do decide to stay with a tarp style setup you can purchase a high quality version like this... I also have one of these that we keep in the wife's Crosstrek.

 

[flipboltz]

Well I'm an outlier here... We use our awning more than our RTT. Our AluCab awning is over 4 years old and has followed us on (2) separate vehicles. It takes less than 30sec to deploy and 60sec to put away. Having shade is so nice and the CO sun is brutal. We also use it in the rain and sometime set up the wall kit as well. Now if you were to ask "is the wall kit worth it?" I'd be hesitant to give you a convincing answer on that.

IMO, yes, a full time 270 awning is worth it. The weight and bulk are moot points and have not given me pause when off roading. As far as the cost, that's in the eye of the beholder... everything "overlanding" seems expensive though.

My only recommendation is to get a free standing awning or one that has the legs built in. Free standing awnings ARE A GAME CHANGER.

We cannot agree more. The Alu-Cab 270 Shadow awning is the best. Sturdy enough to not have to put the legs down 95% of the time. The sun and rain/snow protection is great. Leaving a dry area when we step out in the morning is also a huge benefit.

 

[KC_H]

I got rid of my hard mount awning and went with the Moon Shade.

Saved about 50 pounds and does everything that I need...

 

[ttn333]

Decided to split the difference and picked up the medium size ovs 270LT. Weighs about 50lb vs 80lb. from the larger one. Super easy to use and pack up. They have an even smaller one that comes in at 31lbs. Fairly light. Chose the LT for it's coverage size, weight and ease of setup and pack up. I hear the larger one can be difficult to fit back in the bag. I'm ok not having coverage at the cab area as all my cooking and hanging out is around the canopy.

 

[chorky]

I'm running a smaller Ironman 4x4 6.5' straight awning. 25 pounds or so. It's a 'nice to have' for me, and since its a smaller setup I'm not paying as significant a weight/bulk penalty.

Just as much as camping and wheeling trips, we use our awnings for day trips locally - and in south Louisiana in the summer, any inch of shade you can get is worth while.

I'll also use it on occasion in the driveway. Provide shade while working on a project - etc. I do not have a garage and sometimes I don't want to rearrange vehicles to get my carport cleared out.

Out camping - sometimes we stay in one place a bit and need protection from rain and sun - sometimes we don't.

But since it was only $225...that was the factor for me.

I could not stomach the cost of quality 270s, even with going on a couple big trips a year.

i was just looking at those the other day. Theyre nice and light and a lot cheaper too!

Decided to split the difference and picked up the medium size ovs 270LT. Weighs about 50lb vs 80lb. from the larger one. Super easy to use and pack up. They have an even smaller one that comes in at 31lbs. Fairly light. Chose the LT for it's coverage size, weight and ease of setup and pack up. I hear the larger one can be difficult to fit back in the bag. I'm ok not having coverage at the cab area as all my cooking and hanging out is around the canopy.

oh nice that looks really good. Their lighter option sounds nice. What is different about it? And how is yours mounted?

 

[ttn333]

i was just looking at those the other day. Theyre nice and light and a lot cheaper too!



oh nice that looks really good. Their lighter option sounds nice. What is different about it? And how is yours mounted?

The lighter option gives you less coverage. I have mine mounted on two cross bars with the provided bracket.

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