Comfortable Camping: Discover the Right 4×4 Awning for Your Outdoor Adventures

By Ava Brown, May 29, 2023

If you’re a camping enthusiast, like to venture deep into the wilderness with your 4×4 or simply want to spend a few days breathing fresh air, you know that having shade and a comfortable living space are crucial for any camping trip. And this is where an awning comes in.

Whether you’re heading to the Great Sandy, deep inside the bush or to the Nullabor, an awning should be part of your ultimate 4×4 accessories list. Why? Here are some pretty convincing reasons:

• You’ll get shade against the smoldering heat;
• You’ll have rain and wind protection in harsh weather;
• You can extend your living space;
• You’ll get more privacy to relax.

So, How Can You Find the Right Awning for Your Needs?

Similar to other pieces that bring the comforts of home to the outdoors, such as solar panel kits, you should invest in a high-quality awning. It’s a purchase that will make your camping stay so much better for everyone. So, take the time to shop around.

The following factors are usually the most important in shaping the decision about which 4 x 4 awning to buy.

Ease of Installation

Let’s be real, if you spend 5 hours in your 4WD driving around the bush, you won’t be too happy having to spend another hour setting up an awning. So, if you pick something that’s complicated to install, you will probably avoid using it.

That said, you may want to look for something that comes with a straightforward construction and simple setup instructions. For instance, if you don’t need much space, a simple side model that can stand freely on two support poles is a great choice.

On the other hand, if you travel with the family and need more space, there are also larger models that feature walls. And these don’t necessarily have to be complicated to install. Anything that doesn’t require many ropes to keep up will be pretty straightforward.

Remember: The easier it is to set up and take down, the more likely will want to use it.

Canvas Quality

Just like tents, most awnings are made of canvas which is a blend of polyester and cotton. However, there’s a noticeable difference between one cotton-poly blend and another.

In comparison to other poly-cotton canvas options, ripstop canvas offers the highest durability to weight ratio. It has a thicker and stronger thread across the canvas, resulting in an relatively light but incredibly durable awning.

Weather in Australia can be unpredictable and the last thing you need is a leaky awning. That said, of course you’ll also want to make sure the fabric is waterproof.

Another quality to look for is UV resistance, which will prevent the canvas from fading and deteriorating in the sun. A 50+ UVP rating is ideal for an awning. This will keep you comfortable and covered while also protecting the awning from sun damage and making sure you are protected from the sun’s rays.

Stitching

Even a top-notch canvas fabric is useless if the final product is shoddily put together. Because of this, it’s a good idea to always inspect the stitching to make sure it’s tidy and free of significant flaws.

Make sure the seams are strengthened as well so you can be sure they will keep together even when exposed to wind and rain.

Types to Choose From

Side

The most affordable and simple-to-install choice would have to be side awnings. They can just as well be installed on the drivers’ side or the passenger’s side, and this just comes down to personal preference.

Side models are often installed using a rail affixed to the roof racks along the passenger side of the car. To choose which side is best for you, just consider how and when you’ll use it.

To set it up, just pull out the front rail of the awning, remove the legs, and secure the two poles along the side of the awning for support. Overall, setting up shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

Batwing

These are much bigger than the typical side models and have wings that stretch far enough to cover a considerable area. This makes them perfect for when you want to spread out as much as you want with your family.

The only thing to consider is that base of this sort of awning needs to be properly connected to your roof rack because it is much larger than the other type. The large hinge that supports the entire awning is located at the back end of the base; here is where the “wings” are joined and must be positioned towards the back corner of your car.

To Sum Up

Your 4WD camping setup will definitely benefit from the increased comfort and adaptability that a 4 x 4 awning can provide. When you find the appropriate one for you, you’ll be amazed at how often you use it because it is so convenient.