Choosing the Right Awning for Your Vehicle: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to add some shade and shelter to your vehicle for your next outdoor adventure? Choosing the right awning can make a huge difference in comfort and functionality, whether you’re going camping, overlanding, or just need extra coverage for a road trip or a soccer game. In this vehicle awning guide, we’ll break down the different types of vehicle awnings available and help you choose the perfect one. Plus, we’ll walk you through an example installation of the 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning—a top choice for many vehicles—so you’ll know exactly what to expect when it’s time to set up. Watch the video at the end for a step-by-step walkthrough with the Wayward Aussie himself!

Types of Awnings for Your Vehicle: Which One’s Right for You?

When choosing an awning, there are several options to consider, depending on the coverage you need and the type of vehicle you have. In this vehicle awning guide we will tell you everything you need to know. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of vehicle awnings:

• 90° Awning: The smallest option, offering basic coverage for a compact setup. This is ideal for those who need a little shade but don’t require full coverage. Sometimes referred to as straight pull awnings or a 90-degree car awning canopy. 90° awning rooms are available and offer a fully enclosed room keeping out insects and other unwanted guests.

• 180° Awning: Provides more coverage, spanning across one side of your vehicle. Perfect for those who want to expand their outdoor space while keeping things relatively simple. 180-degree awnings have optional wall kits available to expand your outdoor living area even more than just the awning itself.

• 270° 5-Arm Awning: A fantastic middle ground, providing ample coverage while ensuring the awning doesn’t interfere with the vehicle’s rear hatch. This is the option we’ll install in this guide, and it’s perfect for vehicles with smaller wind spoilers or when you need full coverage on three sides. Wall kits are available for these types of 270-degree awnings and provide extra living space for the area around your vehicle.

• 270° 6-Arm Awning: Offers even more coverage than the 5-Arm version, wrapping around the vehicle almost completely. However, this can sometimes interfere with the rear hatch, so be sure to check compatibility with your vehicle before choosing this model. If you need even more of an expanded outdoor living area, wall kits are available and provide extra protection from the elements.

Why the 270° 5-Arm Awning is a Popular Choice

The 270° 5-Arm Awning is an excellent choice for most overland and off-road vehicles, offering a great balance between coverage and ease of use. Here’s why it’s so popular:

• Optimal Coverage: With 270° of shade, this awning offers a large area for shelter, perfect for sunny days, rainy weather, or providing a space for meals, pets, relaxation, or gear storage.

• Rear Hatch Clearance: The innovative 5-arm design ensures your vehicle’s rear hatch can still open freely. If you have a small wind spoiler or other rear hatch components that could interfere with larger awnings, this design works around that.

• Durable and Reliable: The materials and construction are built to withstand various weather conditions, making it a long-term investment for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures. These awnings are compact and easy to mount.

Preparing for Installation: What You’ll Need

Once you’ve chosen the right awning, it’s time to gather your tools and get ready for installation. For this vehicle awning guide, we’ll focus on the 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning, a solid choice for many off-road and overland vehicles.

Here’s what’s included in the kit:

• Bracket Kit: The kit comes with three brackets, but you may only need two for installation.

• Hardware Kit: Bolts, washers, and nuts to mount the awning securely.

• Guy Ropes: These provide extra support but aren’t essential for the install itself.

Keep in mind that the hardware kit might not work with every roof rack, so it’s essential to check compatibility before starting the installation. For example, if you’re using a Prinsu Roof Rack, you’ll need to get custom M6 nuts and bolts, as these are not included in the standard kit.

Step-by-Step Installation: Mounting the Awning

Now that we’ve got the right awning and tools, let’s walk through the installation process. Although the 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning is being installed on a fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner in this example, the process can be applied to most vehicles. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Mount the Brackets

Start by positioning the brackets on your roof rack. The key here is making sure they sit securely and not too close to the roof. You’ll want to test different orientations to find the one that gives the best fit.

2. Attach the Awning

Once the brackets are set, slide the M6 carriage bolts into place, add the washers, and secure everything with Nylock nuts. Remember to leave the bolts slightly loose at first to allow for easy adjustments later.

3. Check Rear Hatch Clearance

Before tightening everything down, check that the awning clears the rear hatch. The goal is to make sure the awning arms won’t interfere with opening the hatch or with any other parts of the vehicle. Adjust the awning’s position as needed.

4. Final Tightening

Once the awning is positioned correctly, go ahead and tighten all the bolts. Avoid using power tools for the final tightening phase—manual tools are better for ensuring a secure fit without stripping the bolts.

5. Packing the Awning

After the awning is installed, The Wayward Aussie shows how to pack it away properly for transport. By positioning the material over the arms and securing it with the rain flap and straps, you’ll keep everything in place and prevent any shifting.

The Key Benefits of the 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning

Still not sure if the 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning is the right choice? Here’s a quick list of benefits to help you decide:

• Perfect Coverage: With 270° of shade and optional wall kits, this awning provides optimal protection from the sun and rain and expands your outdoor living area for games, meals, pets, and relaxation.

• Rear Hatch Friendly: The 5-Arm design ensures your vehicle’s rear hatch opens freely, which can be a concern with other awning designs.

• Built to Last: Strong materials and a robust bracket system ensure the awning stays reliable even through tough weather conditions.

Pro Tips for Installing Your Vehicle Awning

To ensure a smooth and stress-free installation, here are a few additional tips from The Wayward Aussie:

• Pre-check hardware compatibility: Not all roof racks are created equal. Ensure the hardware kit works with your rack, or you may need additional parts.

• Leave bolts slightly loose: This allows for easy adjustments to the awning’s position before tightening it all down.

• Use manual tools for final tightening: To avoid stripping stainless steel bolts, use manual tools for the final stage of tightening.

Choosing the right awning for your vehicle can significantly enhance your outdoor experience, whether you’re off-roading, camping, overlanding, or just looking for some extra shade. The 23ZERO Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning is a fantastic choice for those who need both coverage and functionality, ensuring you can keep your rear hatch clear while enjoying a 270° shelter. With this vehicle awning guide, you’re ready to pick the right awning and install it with ease, no matter what vehicle you drive.

Check Out The 23Zero Peregrine Pro 5-Arm Awning Install Video!

Happy Camping!