Why Having a 4WD Awning is a Great Idea

For those who go out regularly in their four-wheel drive, stopping for lunch is usually controlled by where you can set up the vehicle. You want a place that offers shade, that is out of the wind and out of the way! However, with the popularity of 4WD awnings taking off, you may have a much easier solution! 4WD awnings open from the side or rear of your vehicle and install in minutes, providing instant protection from the weather.

Most canopies on the side of the vehicle are 2.5 meters by 2 meters, or 2 meters by 2 meters. The longest side is usually the one that runs the length of your vehicle, so be sure to measure to see which one will sit the best. These things are great and incredibly cheap. In fact, you can get a good quality one for under $ 300 and have it in place in about an hour.

4WD awnings are designed to be installed by one person and very quickly. The procedure typically involves unzipping the case, unhooking the brackets, rolling up the canopy, and raising the legs. The legs are built into the aluminum frame from which the awning comes out. Pick them up, attach the brackets and if it’s windy, put some pegs in the ground with tie ropes that go to the awning. I usually suggest that pinning it down is a good idea as a gust of wind will pick it up and throw it all over your vehicle. This often results in panel damage!

4WD awnings are completely weather resistant; A puddle of water has collected on our awning when it was raining heavily, and not a drop passed. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch or want to sleep under the canopy, they are a brilliant idea. You can get canopies that pull out from the rear of the vehicle and canopies that will cover all 3 sides of the vehicle. Expect to pay a considerably higher amount for these, but if they suit your purposes, that’s great!

Various accessories for 4WD canopies can be purchased, including insect proof sides or solid sides that allow you to convert the canopy into a tent on the side of the vehicle. For about the same cost as you would pay for a normal tent, you can have a large one, attached to your vehicle!