Alu-Cab Shadow Awning dilemma
- Thread starter Camodog
- Start date
Raingler_Nets
New member
You just have to make your own brackets that will really lift it high. Saw one with the ladder too and it did clear, but the awning was raised up about 6" above the tents case.
alirawk
Member
You might want to rethink this. One of my favorite things about having the awning is being able to make a camp kitchen in the rear of the vehicle. Thus a need to have the tail open. And if you're going to try to use the brackets idea I laid out above -- then they'll surely have to be even tall than 4" to accommodate for the ladder under the open awning. Unless, I suppose you're planning on using the ladder with awning closed -- trying to access something from the tent? or on top of the tent? In either case, it would like be easier having a telescoping ladder and accessing whatever from the side. And here's another issue -- the alu-cab really does work best with flat bars on a roof rack, like you'll find on prinsu or frontrunner racks. The round Gobi bars will require your to buy/make some sort of an adaptor -- I know this because I sold my Gobi roof rack to use the alu-cab. Of course, I'm perhaps missing something about your intentions with this set-up. Let me know, as I'm quite curious. Also, I've gone through so many iterations of this set-up with my ride, I might be able to help you work through it.
TheGoat4R
New member
GOBI and ALU-CAB
I agree with all your comments. This whole evolution centers on being able to open the rear hatch and fix lunch by accessing the fridge, etc., in the rear of the vehicle Using the ladder before the awning is deployed is OK - just need to grab chairs or whatever is on the roof rack first. My concern is being able to open the hatch far enough to access gear and work at the rear of the vehicle.
In my latest exchange with GOBI, they suggested I consider the Bundutec Awning. I've attached some photos and a PDF provided by GOBI.
The Bundutec awning is actually larger and higher than the ALU-CAB and has a somewhat different configuration. In the photos it looks like there may be more clearance above the rear hatch.
Thoughts?
I agree with all your comments. This whole evolution centers on being able to open the rear hatch and fix lunch by accessing the fridge, etc., in the rear of the vehicle Using the ladder before the awning is deployed is OK - just need to grab chairs or whatever is on the roof rack first. My concern is being able to open the hatch far enough to access gear and work at the rear of the vehicle.
In my latest exchange with GOBI, they suggested I consider the Bundutec Awning. I've attached some photos and a PDF provided by GOBI.
The Bundutec awning is actually larger and higher than the ALU-CAB and has a somewhat different configuration. In the photos it looks like there may be more clearance above the rear hatch.
Thoughts?
Attachments
sn_85
Senior Member
I'd look into the Eezi-Awn Manta 270. Same type of fold out pattern on the rear of the truck which shoudl allow you to open the hatch. The Bundutec seems to be lacking in quality. Check out the 270 awning review on Expo.
Made in the Shade – Overland Journal’s 270 Awning Head To Head Test – Expedition Portal
Manta 270 Awning – Equipt Expedition Outfitters
alirawk
Member
I don't know anything about the Bundutec awning. Are you planning to use an RTT? If so, will you be using a Bundutec? If so, on that I have thought, and they're not good/ideal for my use. And those thoughts are entirely based on the size of the RTT -- what I like most about the alu-cab is the slimness of the profile when closed.
If you're not using an RTT, how are you attaching the awning to the rack? I didn't know alu-cab made brackets for that or are you manufacturing your own? And if you're not using an RTT, why not get one of the pop up awnings for less money? Like any of these:
The 5 Best Pop Up Canopies Reviewed For 2019 | Outside Pursuits
TheGoat4R
New member
Pop-Up vs Roof Top
I do not plan on buying a RTT. My goal is to be able quickly set up some shade when we stop for lunch, or to explore an area, wade a stream with flyrod in hand, etc.
As it turns out, GOBI makes mounting brackets for several awnings including ARB, Bundatec, and ALU-CAB.
I have several pop-up canopies and have used them for many years. My objection to them is they are bulky, heavy, and difficult to setup by yourself. I know it can be done because I've done it many, many times. But, something deploys from the roof rack will be easier.
I do not plan on buying a RTT. My goal is to be able quickly set up some shade when we stop for lunch, or to explore an area, wade a stream with flyrod in hand, etc.
As it turns out, GOBI makes mounting brackets for several awnings including ARB, Bundatec, and ALU-CAB.
I have several pop-up canopies and have used them for many years. My objection to them is they are bulky, heavy, and difficult to setup by yourself. I know it can be done because I've done it many, many times. But, something deploys from the roof rack will be easier.
Brandon H
Member
Decided to bring this thread back from the dead. I am currently in the market for a Alu-cab, or equivalent awning to go on my Gobi Rack. The problem i am seeing is that i will not be able to get the hatch up all the way. I have also seen the 180 awning which will allow full opening of the hatch.
Peregrine 180 With Light suppression technology - 23ZERO USA
Also, it seems Gobi's brackets WILL allow a 270 awning to clear the hatch. Anyone else experienced it?
Peregrine 180 With Light suppression technology - 23ZERO USA
Also, it seems Gobi's brackets WILL allow a 270 awning to clear the hatch. Anyone else experienced it?
alirawk
Member
If you look up on this thread you'll see the steel brackets I attached to my Alu-Cab RTT to lift the awning above the hatch. I'm sure you could very easily do the same with the Gobi. i just looked up the Gobi awning brackets for the alu-cab and you could easily a piece of flat stock to them to raise the awning, much as I did with the alu-cab RTT.
Although the Peregrine 180 looks interesting and especially at half the price of the alu-cab -- I must tell you that the alu-cab awning is rather remarkable in the ease of its deployment and stand alone wind resistance. I have used it without any support legs in the middle of Joshua Tree spring winds where I was having a difficulty staying upright, but the awning held strong no problem.
Somebody mentioned the bundutec awning. I don't have any personal experience with that, but it looks cool. It's bigger and covers more of the rig, which seems to be most ideal if you're attaching to a stand alone trailer -- but a little irrelevant if going on top of your 4-runner as the extra panel only covers the hood of the ride. However, it too will likely run you closer to a couple grand when tax and shipping are included.
Hope this helps.
Brandon H
Member
Thanks so much for the update. Yes im pretty dead set on the alu-cab awning. I was very impressed with the construction of it. It is definitely worth the money. I see you're in LA. Ill have to check yours out sometime. I'm in Santa Clarita.
alirawk
Member
For sure. We can hit Gorman sometime. Or Rohwer Flats. Let me know if you need any further insights on your awning.
SnoRnR
New member
Have you considered the Bush company 270 awning? I think it might work with the Bush company Alpha tent. They have a bracket you can orientate up to raise the awning. Plus the awning mounts to the tent not the rack, so is higher to start. Im looking into it. Not much help if you don't want a new tent though.
Brandon H
Member
I saw that! Looks really awesome! Only problem is that the tent bracket is for 2 slots. My roofnest falcon only has one slot (Well 2 but the other opens with the top). I already ordered the Alu-cab Gobi mounts hoping it will get the awning up high enough to allow the rear hatch to open . I have yet to meet anyone with these mounts and an alu-cab awning
SnoRnR
New member
Awesome I hope it works out. I am desperate to find a solution. I am fitting a slide out fridge/cooker pullout and will be cooking from the rear. I will be happy if I can find a 270 awning. I will be ordering a Bush Company Alpha tent though so will look at that route. Let us know how you get on and post some pics.
Brandon H
Member
I ended up going with this option for my ALU-Cab Awning. Waiting on the brackets to come in this week so I can check it out. I ordered the Driver side (Left) awning and brackets.
Bumping this again, curious if anyone has tested a high clearance bracket with success on a 270 awning, and what did they use? I want a 270 but dont want it touching my tailgate at all.
