Rack Mounted Awnings - Any Long Term Reviews Yet

SOcalTRAIL

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I know a couple of you fellers are running awnings on the side of your Baja and Gobi racks. After doing some wheeling and shooting in the desert last weekend, I was thinking how nice an awning would have been. If I remember correctly, there are some ARB awnings out there... How are they holding up?? Any regrets??? Anyone running the other brands like Howling Moon, Front Runner, etc?

Thanks!!!!
 
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I use some tarpaulin, string, a few sticks and some tent poles and bob is your uncle, literally. However if you've got cash to burn, how about one of there bad boys:

Eezi-Awn Bat 270 Degree Awning, Right Hand Side
Eezi-Awn Bat 270 Awning
$1,300.00
Introducing the Eezi-Awn Bat Awning. An innovative design awning can be deployed by one person in less than a minute, creating 270 degrees of free standing coverage around your vehicle from a 4" x 6" x 86”PVC case. When deployed, the awning stretches 80" to the side, 84" from the corner, and 80" to the back of the vehicle. The Bat Awning features a full aluminum frame construction with waterproof rip stop canvas panels, integrated height adjustable legs, and left side or right side applications. A perfect solution for camping, sporting events or family outings.

Specs.
Dimensions, Closed 4" x 6" x 86"
Dimensions Open 80" to side, 84" from corner, 80" to back
Weight 46 lbs.
Materials Aluminum frame, waterproof rip stop canvas panels
Color Silver, Beige
Item EZA408

Eezi-Awn Bat 270 Degree Awning, Right Hand Side | Equipt Expedition Outfitters

Eezi-Awn Bat 270º Awning - YouTube
 
I think CVT also makes some awnings with removeable walls so you could make a small shelter (might be nice in the desert). Pawzitiv is running an ARB awning, maybe want to PM him though I'm not sure how often he comes around anymore. There is also the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] version which is obviously good cause he won T4ROTM!

EDIT: Here's a link to the CVT Awnings http://www.cascadiatents.com/Awnings_Mesh_Rooms_Canvas_Wall.htm?m=84&s=585
 
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I've been running an ARB awning full-time for about 20 months now. It is holding up great. There might a couple of tiny holes in the cover from bushwhacking, but the awning is overall in great shape and definitely comes in handy. The twist-lock poles can be finicky when wet, but other than that setup is super easy with 2 people, and manageable with one (I'm 5'6'', if you're taller I'd imagine it is easier). For ~$225, my though process was that if it served me for ~3 years before being ragged out I'd get my money's worth. At this point I thinking this thing is good for much longer than that.

I have also considered the fancier offerings (eezi-awn, foxwing, howling moon), but this is one area where I chose the "budget" option and haven't actually regretted it later.
 
Ha! My $25 awning is still working flawlessy.

I was completely shocked at our camping trip last October at The Cove at how well it held up.

The last night there was just 4 of us left and we slept through 40+ mph winds- Crazy loud in the woods! The winds moved Pats "boom boom room" about 6 inches- and it had a bunch if 1" stakes holding it down.

My tarp awning made it through the entire time unscathed. I couldn't believe it!
 
I'm with joneseyyy on this one. I've had the ARB 8' on the side of the trailer outside for two years, looks great, and I have another brand new one sitting in the shop to mount on the GOBI...as soon as I finish my HiLift/ Awning brackets.... that baby is going on.

At the end of the day, if anything happens to it..I'm only out 189$

Auto Anything has them for 189$ free shipping....how the hell can you beat that???
 
Ha! My $25 awning is still working flawlessy.

I was completely shocked at our camping trip last October at The Cove at how well it held up.

The last night there was just 4 of us left and we slept through 40+ mph winds- Crazy loud in the woods! The winds moved Pats "boom boom room" about 6 inches- and it had a bunch if 1" stakes holding it down.

My tarp awning made it through the entire time unscathed. I couldn't believe it!


That baby wasn't moving because of the wind there Big boy.....tell them the truth..:banana:
 
This I want to see :hail:

Ask and yea shall receive...hold the HiLift on top and bolt the ARB on the side.

I am probably going to put a smaller version at the furthest point forward in case I hook something.




oh..

Jeff was blowin' his own horn...:horn:

lol...
 

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Open rear hatch = instant awning. :whoo:

True! Need more room though.

I think CVT also makes some awnings with removeable walls so you could make a small shelter (might be nice in the desert). Pawzitiv is running an ARB awning, maybe want to PM him though I'm not sure how often he comes around anymore. There is also the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] version which is obviously good cause he won T4ROTM!

EDIT: Here's a link to the CVT Awnings CVT Awnings /Mesh Rooms/Canvas Walls | Cascadia Vehicle Roof Top Tents


Thanks for the link!


Long term for a tarp and some poles? Forever lol.
Here is the best one http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/92013-antman-s-thread-41.html#post1153666 post #605 I believe. [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] did it right!

Antman's setup is great, no doubt. Just looking for something a little more permanent.


I've been running an ARB awning full-time for about 20 months now. It is holding up great. There might a couple of tiny holes in the cover from bushwhacking, but the awning is overall in great shape and definitely comes in handy. The twist-lock poles can be finicky when wet, but other than that setup is super easy with 2 people, and manageable with one (I'm 5'6'', if you're taller I'd imagine it is easier). For ~$225, my though process was that if it served me for ~3 years before being ragged out I'd get my money's worth. At this point I thinking this thing is good for much longer than that.

I have also considered the fancier offerings (eezi-awn, foxwing, howling moon), but this is one area where I chose the "budget" option and haven't actually regretted it later.

[MENTION=42717]Jonesey[/MENTION]y - just the man I was looking for. My thought are the same on the awning. For $225, you cannot really argue with the ARB awning. Unless those pricier brands set themselves up and serve me beers, I think I will end up with the ARB as well. You have the 6.5' ARB, correct?
 
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I think mine is the 2.5 meter version, so a little longer than 6.5 feet.

Does that ARB awning allow for attachment to say a 62" Yakima LoadWarrior with extension?:eyebrows: I'm looking at something around 6ish feet so either the 2.5meter ARB or 79" CVT Awning that I can attach to either the basket or the aero crossbars or OEM roof rails. Not sure the differences between how the CVT or ARB attach if anyone has pics or wants to explain I'd be utmost appreciative.
 
I've been using a Mombasa awning for a little while. Made up some brackets just like the ones Duc has and haven't had any issues at all.
 
I have an 8' ARB Awning hooked onto my Thule Rack, fits fine with my Yakima Megawarrior.
 

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I have an 8' ARB Awning hooked onto my Thule Rack, fits fine with my Yakima Megawarrior.

Maybe I have the dimensions the wrong way, but that doesn't look like an 8' awning (or is the "8'" meant to be the measurement coming OUT from the truck and not the length?).....
 

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