Awning - Help Convince me that I need one

[JKRunner]

So as the title suggests I really want an awning for my 4runner specifically the Batwing awning from Rhino Rack. My struggle is that the Practical side of me is really not sure I will utilize if enough to justify the price, but the Emotional side of me really wants one because they look cool and it seems like a good thing to have.

So for those of you that have awnings please let me know IF you actually use them and if so for what applications? Also if you have an opinion that I should NOT get one let me know your thoughts as to why.

Thanks in advance.

 

[IanB]

You don't need one, nobody does. You want one. :hatsoff:

 

[ayeyothisiskyle]

If you're the type of camper that gets to their destination and stays for awhile, or tailgate a lot and does not mind the setup and breakdown time of the batwing (around 5 mins), DO IT.

Note that you would have to watch the hatch door when the batwing is out.

 

[thegreatchangsby]

Lets try this....
(How often do you go camping?) = X
$600 / 2X = ?

Is that ? worth it for easy shade on camping trips over the course of 2 years? If you get one used, and keep it in good condition, you can always sell it for close to the same amount!

I say go for it!!

 

[KingTaco]

I have an ARB 2500 that I would almost never use except for when I pair it with the tent enclosure. If you camp in the desert with no natural shade, then it becomes more valuable by itself. You need to secure it, so if you tailgate and want it in a parking lot, that means bringing weights. It's certainly possible to setup yourself, but exponentially easier with a helper. Like [MENTION=62240]IanB[/MENTION] said, none of us need this stuff, but you know you've already made up your mind :evil:

 

[Dillusion]

I just use a pop up.

Awning is useless to me as most of the time fishing beach can be on the drivers or passengers side depending on where we just drive and stop. I didn't want to have to keep switching sides.

 

[JKRunner]

Agreed!

I have an ARB 2500 that I would almost never use except for when I pair it with the tent enclosure. If you camp in the desert with no natural shade, then it becomes more valuable by itself. You need to secure it, so if you tailgate and want it in a parking lot, that means bringing weights. It's certainly possible to setup yourself, but exponentially easier with a helper. Like [MENTION=62240]IanB[/MENTION] said, none of us need this stuff, but you know you've already made up your mind :evil:

 

[Buszzbait]

https://slumberjack.com/roadhouse-tarp/
I’m thinking of one of these slumberjack setups. Seen them on amazon for $99. Different ways of setting it up.

 

[unsub1]

It just depends on your wants/needs.

I live in Central Texas and mostly mountain bike and camp. Our trees around here are predominantly cedar (juniper) that provide no shade. I use my awning a couple times a week when I park at the lift-served bike park and set up camp for the day. Sun exposure is brutal if the temps weren't bad enough. I have an ARB 2500 and can deploy/pack it in less than 5 minutes. It's a popular spot to relax in the shade and drink beers in between runs. I wouldn't trade it for anything. And it's been a life saver on my mountain camping trips.

Get what you want!!

 

[Turkery]

You don't need one, but if you want one and can afford it, then buy one.

I live in Central Texas and get A LOT of use out of it, wouldn't build another rig without one!

 

[Cymon]

Ez Up Canopy or similar. Portable, you can use it wherever/whenever, set it up and can drive away, and it sets up in about the same time or less. You can also get bug netting or sides to attach to enclose it. Only negatives are it doesn't look as cool on a roof rack as hanging from the side or in a trunk and they are mostly water resistant instead of waterproof, but that can be remedied with a $10 tarp to throw on top when it rains. FYI the Quest ones from Dick's sporting goods are the exact width of the 4runner trunk, so you can just put it behind the back seats and it doesn't take up much room at all.

 

[kso818]

Yeah...you don't need one. You want one. I have the ARB 2500 awning that I plan on maybe using a handful of times per year.

Like a previous post said, if you plan on posting up in a camp spot for multiple nights, then it can be useful. But if you are on the go and not in the same spot for more than an evening, then not really useful. Or if its raining while at camp it can be useful.

I got my awning mainly for a rally race we go to in New Hampshire and Maine every year. We are in the direct sunlight for hours on end for multiple days in mid July so the shade from the awning is helpful. Other than that, wont use it really unless its raining.

 

[matoolie]

I was thinking of an awning also, but ended up going with a Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp.

https://slumberjack.com/roadhouse-screen-tarp/

Came out recently. Adds mesh screen walls to their previous tarp only model to create screened in room with the vehicle. Compared to awning larger coverage, mesh screen included, cheaper than name brand awnings, and attaches to rear of truck where rear gate remains open for good access.

 

[SD2808TR4]

I was thinking the same thing about the awning! Do I need one? Do I wanna spend that much?

However after reading this thread, I'm sold on slumberjack. Another W for t4r.org

 

[Jetboy]

I use mine regularly during the summer. Do I need it? No. Is it really nice to have? Yep. I live in the desert. It's hot. Quick shade is nice. I have an off brand EBAY one for $100. Works great. Setup is fast. Storage is easy. I do not keep it on full time. I only use when camping/exploring. I also have the ARB Delux tent room. It's fantastic for river days where the bugs are out in full force. I have never camped in it. Also setup/teardown is super fast, so I like that about it.

 

[Knuckledragger]

I’m also trying to convince myself that I need one. I just can’t get over the fact that I won’t be able to just drive away whenever I want if I have one up.

That being said, an awning will be my first purchase when I buy some form of camper.

 

[JKRunner]

I do a lot of Mountain Biking and beach days and I HOPE that I would use the Batwing during these times but still not sure.

 

[dirtydurley]

I just bought an ARB 2500. Don’t need it but really wanted one [emoji16]. it was one of the cheaper “mods” I want for my vehicle, so that helped me make my decision.


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[moshie]

I have been thinking the same thing...I want an awning, but don't know if I'll use it or if it will be useful! I have been looking at just an ARB one with room annex.

 

[unsub1]

I do a lot of Mountain Biking and beach days and I HOPE that I would use the Batwing during these times but still not sure.

I guess it just depends how badly you're getting blasted by the sun in those situations. It's a big deal in this neck of the woods.