I've had roll out ARB awnings and the Alucab Shadow awning. I now have a Dragonfly Tarps Pendragon tarp that is modified on one long side to attach to my vehicle. This provides the most shade, simple & quick to setup, more stable in wind, you can angle the sides down low or up high. Easy to use on either side of the vehicle. I loved teh Alucab Shadow Awn but the changing shad location was annoying. The Dragonfly Tarp always has the shade exactly where I want it regardless of the time of day.
Excellent as always, Andrew! I just hope that with the fame and notoriety you're no doubt receiving as one of the worlds foremost experts in adventure filming, photography, and Overlanding that you never lose your dedication to absolute honesty and integrity regarding your gear reviews. Because that is one of the very reasons you are the best! The absolute best in the field!
I've got two Hannibal roll-out awnings (one on a Defender, one on a D2). They are quite simple and easy enough to set up in under a minute. Rain can pool in the awning but that can be sorted with a single pole or just tying down one corner. As you note - depending on the angle of the sun your shade doesn't last forever, but you can hang a light tarp off the side to give more shade. And again - it's quick to set up for lunch if you stop somewhere without shade. I've had both awnings for almost ten years, and they are still working fine after many trips and wind and rain storms. Of course the beauty of the bat wings is that when it rains you can have a kitchen in the rear of the vehicle
If your in the northern hemisphere you should park so the awning is on the northern side of the truck. If you park and open the awning towards the sun, it’s not going to be very effective.
The thing I like about you Andrew is you don't tell Porky Pies about the kit you own, use or borrow. Not saying I agree fully on some of your opinions, but you have my respect on your opinions as you make a lot of sense and I do recommend anyone looking to get into this life style to watch your video's because you give sound advice. Getting back to your post here.. Companies that charge so much money for their products must make the product work correctly, strong enough to withstand the punishment that Overland travel can throw at it and be able to take that criticism to make their product better. After all some are charging a small fortune. I have met you in passing at the Overland Expo West in 2017 and asked you a quick question about the Lexus you was using at that time. You gave me an honest reply that was very close to what I was thinking of it myself just from looking at it. I myself make a lot of my kit that works to my liking and cost very little. I try to make Overlanding as cheep as possible and comfortable as to be expected. I do find that Overlanding the USA is very easy as you are never that far from a petrol station so you have very little to worry about when carrying fuel, food or water. Keep up the great work Andrew.
Good review. I opted for the Drifta 270’ Rapid Wing Awning, it’s very strong, good canvas and the poles are integrated and height adjustable. The weight I believe is stated 17kg, although I think it’s heavier than that. It’s not cheap at $1,180.00... however cheap isn’t good and good isn’t cheap! I’m very happy with it and have had a lot of people come up and ask about it while on the beach. One point which you raised about the Alucab awning, is also true about the Drifta one, and that’s wind. I’ve mastered the art of packing the Drifta awning away by myself easy enough, that is as long as it isn’t too windy otherwise two people would make it easier so it doesn’t become a sail.
Thank you for your honest reviews. I am planning on getting back into camping and one of my weaknesses is I like to get everything I can conceive needing before I even go on my first trip. A Batwing type awning would be awesome but are very expensive for a hobby I may or may not like doing once I start again as I am in my mid 50s and not a teenager anymore. I had to laugh at myself because I never even thought of just getting a cheap tarp, a couple of poles and attaching it to my FJ Cruiser to use a couple times and see if it was something I needed enough to buy a real rooftop awning. Thanks for the suggestions of keeping it simple until I decide if I need one.
I'd like a 270° awning, but our current vehicle has a rear hatch that opens quite high above the roofline. RAV4. When I get a proper 4WD again someday, I now see a bonus to barn doors on the back. In all fairness, I'll probably just clip a tarp on the side and guy/pole it out.
I bought he ostrich wing, also made in South Africa. Very! strong. From what I discovered only the alucab and ostrich wing have properly welded rigid beams... the eezy awn is riveted, not nearly as strong so you really have to use the poles. Supapeg is great but again a lot more set up time as you have to use the poles. I liked the ostrich also because it has zips on it so you can zip in a side wall to any section to block out the sun.
The main problem with the Shadownawn is that it pools water when it rains because of the way the edge of the material is made. It has a natural tendency to turn upward at the edge and that causes heavy pooling. This problem gets worse when you add the side walls to it because it pulls down in the middle more. But that said, it's still the best awning on the market and we like it so much we run one on the Jeep and one on the trailer.
It’s nice to see Mrs. St. Pierre White in the video. I’d like to see more of her. She must be a tolerant woman with finely tuned selective hearing. :-)
I have never found a truck mounted awning (of any sort)to the be an effective means of protection from the sun. The're true value becomes abundantly evident when rain is what you wish to shelter yourself from. The 270 degree units allow entry to the side and rear of your vehicle in one device. Perhaps you're becoming too accustomed to arid climates. You're videos inspired my 80's build and a 7500 km adventure to 5 National Parks in Utah last year. Chive On Wise Sage.
Exactly the video I needed to see. I never use my side awning, it’s just not.....very good. I think I’d use a 270 degree awning a heck of a lot more, especially in the not so good weather.
My rooftop tent opens to the back of my truck I can secure the annex, and use my tail gate out of adverse weather conditions. I built my side awning brackets to lift up and move it to either side of my truck rack. Have fun stay cool
If its a one person set up.. these are GOLD after a long day. If you have friends to help..then the ones that you must have vertical poles for are also good. But if money isnt an issue these are great.. especially on rocky ground where you cant peg to ground
I notice there is a 270 degree shade awning on the market now that comes off the front of the vehicle at right angles (as per a trational 2.4 x 2.4m awning). So you don't loose that shade at the side of the vehicle because of the angle the sail leaves on most 270 degree awnings.
I'm on the market for a 270 free standing awning (with drop down lets for windy days). The Alu Cab cutout in each of the arms was concern to me. You're right, the Alu Cab is very strong, one of the best. However The Overlander Nextdoor vlogger has (had) one, it failed, bending right where the Alu Cab cutout is located. IMO it was user error, but still, not sure I'll get an Alu Cab. Wish they'd at least reinforce those spots.
I opted for a straight pull-out awning simply because my vehicle has a lift gate rear hatch. I would have to mount a 270° very high off the roof to have the support clear the tailgate. Between the straight awning and the lift gate, I should have adequate, but not ideal, shelter.
Thank you for this video. Whilst I was listening to this video, I was browsing several webshops for awnings. Your comments were very helpfull. One thing: I'm considering an awning because I live and travel in rainy Europe and Asia. Shade is not my top priority, I just want to stay dry. Cheers
I don't see the problems if you need that much shading get one or more of the lightweight backpacking rain fly tarps they're light around a pound cost about $10.00 on Amazon. Tie a cord between 2 of your struts and drape the tarp over it you can hang it down as low as you need all the way to the ground or pull it out horizontal with a couple poles and adjust at any hight you want which I think is a better idea than trying to move the around in circles every few minutes. By the way the tarp came with ropes and stakes and I got some poles they came in pairs and adjust from 36" to 84" I don't remember the price it was less than $30.00
I like the idea of 270°. BUT you're expecting, as mostly, people being in subtropic area AND a car design like yours. For trucks that aren't focused living on the back side of the truck, they will not benefit of that style. Imagine the Ford E350 (sports mobile) with barn doors, or sprinter etc. Or trucks with integrated cabs, like the ones you've seen in Germany. The back is always the most dirtiest place of the truck and I am personally happy when I am ready to permanently CLOSE these doors to only have access to the lower doors like you would have to access a standard trunk. To prevent from rain is actually the more important part of its use for me. Therefore it needs to be water tight to the truck above the side doors. I am always thinking of a better solution than just a straight awning above the barn doors... the absolutely most important thing is: EASY TO USE! I agree totally with that. I had an Iveco 40.10 with a great awning that was undone automatically, in 10 sec. But as the truck, the roof, was so high the access was in 2.40 meter! So you think at least twice if you really need it.
Interesting how you say "Quick Shade 30 seconds" :) You might as well have given the link in the description ;) Great Video though.... Pro and Cons for everything. The 270 wing design is for me, as it has to be fast. If i want a room on the side of my 4WD, i'll just buy a pit tent with sides. What i am surprised, is no one has invented an entire Vehicle Shade Solution! I hate parking my 4WD in direct sun, the cabin temp sky rockets, fridges work over time and whole thing is just unpleasant. I have seen 1 person that made a shade sail that went from one side of his vehicle, over his vehicle roof and out 3meters on one side, it had a hip and if it rained, the whole vehicle was kept dry.
I enjoyed the video series you posted of your trip to Christmas Valley and California. There’s a huge area of forest near there that I spend 30-45 consecutive days in every year. Also, did you know that you were only a couple of hours drive from Crater Lake? If you ever want to visit Oregon again I would love the opportunity to show you some areas that not many people know about. You have to be an Overlander to get that far off the beaten track lol. Or I can simply supply you with the GPS coordinates so you can get there on your own. Happy trails
I have the ARB 2000 (2mtr) Awning and the Awning Tent and it's a great setup (if you don't have to use or move your Car/truck whilst it's up)..... if you do have to move your car/truck, then maybe look for a Gazebo and Gazebo Tent that can stand on it's own :)
I've noticed from a few of your video's that you are biased to Alu-Cab. Like in the Overlanding North America series when the fridge slide came apart when you were talking about how good it was. What I like about you is how brutally honest you can be about products. Taking down a review about an awning because people were listening to your review??
Not biased to Alu-Cab, They make some products that I like and use. I removed the previous video because people were making entirely the wrong conclusion about the awning. I did not say it was weak, but that is what was concluded. I redid the video to explain things better.
In the northern hemisphere it seems you park so that the awning is on the north side of the vehicle with the rear facing the East. Why won’t that work?
I would love to know how well this type of awning deals with strong wind. W.A. - as most locals know - stands for WINDY Australia. There is wind, and then there is WIND, and most of the places we go there is WIND! The lack of legs on this awning really worries me. Anyone who has camped at places like Bush Bay will know the kind of wind that W.A. can deliver. That is the sort of wind I want an awning to be able to survive.
Hi Andrew. I really enjoy your videos you are so inspiring thank you. I have a dilemma, finding if possible a 270 degree awning to fit my Toyota Fortuner. Because the tailgate lifts up and has a spoiler. 3x im interested in as mainly looking at free standing or semi free stand and also nit wanting a lot weight are the 13zero falcon, bushwakka 27p endo darkness or the destination 4wd 270 or 180. The cheapest was the 1st then bushwakka then Aussie made destination 4wd. Are there any inherent brands yiu know woukd fit or these brands any comments. I woukd go 189 but most 180 apart from the destination 4wd don't really have much cover. Thank you.
The folding table with windshield you have on the inside of the backdoor. Where did you get that please Andrew? Looking for something just like this right now............
Fantastic review, Andrew. 👍 I've looked at a lot of different 270 awning and was seriously considering the shadow awn but after seeing this review and looking at one in flesh, I'm steering well clear of it! Far too heavy, far too expensive nearly $2000aud for a awning!! Wtf! Most overrated product on the planet! and like you explained, there's no way of dropping one side down to compensate for the suns angle, or the driving rain. I settled on the Rapid wing made by an Australian company called "Supa-rv Australia" Also sold by Drifta. Best bang for buck. So for all those people researching what awning to buy... Check out THE most functional and best quality 270 awning you can buy! No question about it. Just my opinion. 😉
Hi Andrew great video as always you should make a video of the most comfortable camping chair. Let's face it with all the perfect gear and not having a proper chair it's no fun.
The best camping chair to use is one with solid hard arms, not those flappy fabric jobbies. Also a "hard" base to support the base of your thighs is good to have.
Andrew, did you try to extend shade by attaching something to the edge? It could be some kind of tarp. Opposite side of tarp you can mount on the ground.
Thanks Andrew, great review. How do the 270 awnings affect climbing into a rear-facing roof top tent? Does the awning have to be partially closed to access? How often would you keep the awning out overnight?
The problem with these 270 quick pitch awnings is quite simple really. Price. Most of them are in the order of above $1000. A simple square canvas side awning from an everyday supplier is less than $200 and does a decent job. You could buy 5 of the simple styles for the price of 1 quick pitch 270 style. That’s money better spent on vehicle improvements like suspension or tyres or even better- fuel for actual trips. It’s why you see so few of them out and about. In general- love the concept hate the price seems to be the common opinion.
Of course they did. They went nuts. But any negative review gets flack. But, and this is important: People were concluding the wrong information from the previous review, that the awning was weak. it isn't weak. There may be issues with this Alu-cab awing, but lack of strength isn't one of them. I removed it entirely on my own volition after I had sat on a very windy beach for a weekend, and the video had been on the channel for about six months.
Welcome to UA-cam Audience: Most People only (!) receive the negative points out of a statement into their brain! Seems people (at least on social media like FB and YT) cannot or don't want to wage between arguments. It's the Twitter century > 140 letter, that's all you need...
Hi Andrew, I’m after a new awning and I’m mounting to a Rhino Pioneer Platform. I like the look of the Ali Cab awning you have but there are hell expensive, from what I can gather, around 2K! What’s your thoughts on Darche or Foxwing 270 awnings, I’m definitely after a 270 for the maximum coverage.
Hi Andrew. Really enjoy your videos, question about the Alu Cab awning. Looking for a 270 awing and liked the look of the one you have. I am in Tasmania, so we get wind and rain, would you recommend the Alu Cab as a fast pitch one night awning? Also couldn’t see the price anywhere, what do they retail for?
All awnings are pretty awful from an engineering perspective as there's too many weak points in the system. For standard awnings the weak cam lock joints halfway along the horizontal poles is one of the most ridiculous things ever, particularly on square awnings where you don't need them to compress to half their size. Having them on the vertical poles is pathetic too as they're only rated to about 6kg so if you get a bit of rain they're almost guaranteed to slip. But then you can angle the horizontal poles down somthe water runs off, however you do that by stressing out the aluminium extrusion at the fixed pivot points as they're not designed to move in that way. So, theres actually nothing good about them whether you spend $100 or $500. Manufacturers, please make something with ball joints for the pivot points at the extrusion & push button locks for the vertical & horizontal poles as you only need one hole as close as you can to the outer edge to lock the horizontal poles in place & maybe 4 positions for the vertical poles. That way you have a super strong awning that will adjust vertically for shade or water run off without stressing the aluminium extrusion. Oh, & sell it for less than $200 retail as I've priced up buying all the necessary bits to make 2 (with a few extra personal touches as I want mine to potentially survive in snow & I am a design engineer after all 😉) for less than $60 paying full retail price for everything & there's no way you'll be buying anything like the quality of materials I will. Damn, we should do a rant video together 😀
Good review as always, but I think you missed something really important. THE RAIN!! I'm also in Australia, and have another brand of 270° awning, but on my last trip the stand-out performance wasn't how it performed in the sun (although great!), but how fantastic it is when its bucketing down!! In summer in QLD especially, when it rains you know about it, a cheap tarp & pole combo wouldn't stand up to anywhere near as much rain/wind, and you'd be drenched after setting it up. So easy to move around vehicle and stay dry (gullwing/back seats/rear door), and with the additional sides (which zip on in no time) they offer awesome coverage.
I like alu cab products, but the little pop up post so water doesn't pool seems like an after thought/ad on. If I'm paying that kind of money it should be engineered to not need that.
Carson Keitt Agree 100% Spending that kind of money for anything less than a needlessly complex solution when a simple straightforward one is available seems absolutely absurd! Really hope you can detect my sarcasm here.
I had to turn down my speakers for the intro, turn them up for your into speach, then turn them back down for your long ocean scean. That was kind of weird and put me off.
Hi Andrew, I thought your head was going to explode, you have been thinking so hard about something so insignificant ;-) best bit was your dear wife correcting your breakfast choice..... Bacon and eggs dear! Greeting from back home in the sunny blighty
Can I get some advice from the comments? My mother is looking to by a new 4x4 (not a ute). She wants something that she can drive around daily and such. it will mainly be on paved roads, but she also wants to be able to take it off road every now and then and take it down on the beaches. We are looking a Toyota Prado. Anyone got any suggestions?
hahahaha....... I was going to say...... I don't think Fruit Salad would be your FAVOURITE breakfast!!!! (knew you'd be a Bacon and Eggs man). Cheers, Don (Dons Shed) :)
What you should of shown Everyone, was products like poles to support 270 wings, sand screw pegs, and the added walls. Mention the weights as well. Really it's been half a video, follow it up please.
I thought you speak your mind and dont give a damn on what the manufacturer say? So you have seen a few breakage at that weak link and now it is acceptable now
No complains, we follow your stories quite a bit and when things are shit, you say they are and the good stuff gets complimented. And we did made purchases and used items based on your recommendations. Cheers
I've had roll out ARB awnings and the Alucab Shadow awning. I now have a Dragonfly Tarps Pendragon tarp that is modified on one long side to attach to my vehicle. This provides the most shade, simple & quick to setup, more stable in wind, you can angle the sides down low or up high. Easy to use on either side of the vehicle. I loved teh Alucab Shadow Awn but the changing shad location was annoying. The Dragonfly Tarp always has the shade exactly where I want it regardless of the time of day.
Excellent as always, Andrew! I just hope that with the fame and notoriety you're no doubt receiving as one of the worlds foremost experts in adventure filming, photography, and Overlanding that you never lose your dedication to absolute honesty and integrity regarding your gear reviews. Because that is one of the very reasons you are the best! The absolute best in the field!
I've got two Hannibal roll-out awnings (one on a Defender, one on a D2). They are quite simple and easy enough to set up in under a minute. Rain can pool in the awning but that can be sorted with a single pole or just tying down one corner. As you note - depending on the angle of the sun your shade doesn't last forever, but you can hang a light tarp off the side to give more shade. And again - it's quick to set up for lunch if you stop somewhere without shade. I've had both awnings for almost ten years, and they are still working fine after many trips and wind and rain storms. Of course the beauty of the bat wings is that when it rains you can have a kitchen in the rear of the vehicle
If your in the northern hemisphere you should park so the awning is on the northern side of the truck. If you park and open the awning towards the sun, it’s not going to be very effective.
The thing I like about you Andrew is you don't tell Porky Pies about the kit you own, use or borrow. Not saying I agree fully on some of your opinions, but you have my respect on your opinions as you make a lot of sense and I do recommend anyone looking to get into this life style to watch your video's because you give sound advice. Getting back to your post here.. Companies that charge so much money for their products must make the product work correctly, strong enough to withstand the punishment that Overland travel can throw at it and be able to take that criticism to make their product better. After all some are charging a small fortune. I have met you in passing at the Overland Expo West in 2017 and asked you a quick question about the Lexus you was using at that time. You gave me an honest reply that was very close to what I was thinking of it myself just from looking at it. I myself make a lot of my kit that works to my liking and cost very little. I try to make Overlanding as cheep as possible and comfortable as to be expected. I do find that Overlanding the USA is very easy as you are never that far from a petrol station so you have very little to worry about when carrying fuel, food or water. Keep up the great work Andrew.
Thank you Mr Ben
Good review.
I opted for the Drifta 270’ Rapid Wing Awning, it’s very strong, good canvas and the poles are integrated and height adjustable. The weight I believe is stated 17kg, although I think it’s heavier than that. It’s not cheap at $1,180.00... however cheap isn’t good and good isn’t cheap! I’m very happy with it and have had a lot of people come up and ask about it while on the beach.
One point which you raised about the Alucab awning, is also true about the Drifta one, and that’s wind. I’ve mastered the art of packing the Drifta awning away by myself easy enough, that is as long as it isn’t too windy otherwise two people would make it easier so it doesn’t become a sail.
Thank you for your honest reviews. I am planning on getting back into camping and one of my weaknesses is I like to get everything I can conceive needing before I even go on my first trip. A Batwing type awning would be awesome but are very expensive for a hobby I may or may not like doing once I start again as I am in my mid 50s and not a teenager anymore. I had to laugh at myself because I never even thought of just getting a cheap tarp, a couple of poles and attaching it to my FJ Cruiser to use a couple times and see if it was something I needed enough to buy a real rooftop awning. Thanks for the suggestions of keeping it simple until I decide if I need one.
I'd like a 270° awning, but our current vehicle has a rear hatch that opens quite high above the roofline. RAV4.
When I get a proper 4WD again someday, I now see a bonus to barn doors on the back.
In all fairness, I'll probably just clip a tarp on the side and guy/pole it out.
I bought he ostrich wing, also made in South Africa. Very! strong. From what I discovered only the alucab and ostrich wing have properly welded rigid beams... the eezy awn is riveted, not nearly as strong so you really have to use the poles. Supapeg is great but again a lot more set up time as you have to use the poles. I liked the ostrich also because it has zips on it so you can zip in a side wall to any section to block out the sun.
The main problem with the Shadownawn is that it pools water when it rains because of the way the edge of the material is made. It has a natural tendency to turn upward at the edge and that causes heavy pooling. This problem gets worse when you add the side walls to it because it pulls down in the middle more. But that said, it's still the best awning on the market and we like it so much we run one on the Jeep and one on the trailer.
It’s nice to see Mrs. St. Pierre White in the video. I’d like to see more of her. She must be a tolerant woman with finely tuned selective hearing. :-)
I just found your channel and I love the way you put the pros and cons in your reviews. Keep up. Tks
Shade? Who needs that! In England we're more concerned about keeping the rain off!
I have never found a truck mounted awning (of any sort)to the be an effective means of protection from the sun. The're true value becomes abundantly evident when rain is what you wish to shelter yourself from. The 270 degree units allow entry to the side and rear of your vehicle in one device. Perhaps you're becoming too accustomed to arid climates. You're videos inspired my 80's build and a 7500 km adventure to 5 National Parks in Utah last year. Chive On Wise Sage.
Exactly the video I needed to see. I never use my side awning, it’s just not.....very good. I think I’d use a 270 degree awning a heck of a lot more, especially in the not so good weather.
Hello from Azerbaijan. Thanks for your videos! You are the best!
My rooftop tent opens to the back of my truck I can secure the annex, and use my tail gate out of adverse weather conditions. I built my side awning brackets to lift up and move it to either side of my truck rack. Have fun stay cool
If its a one person set up.. these are GOLD after a long day. If you have friends to help..then the ones that you must have vertical poles for are also good. But if money isnt an issue these are great.. especially on rocky ground where you cant peg to ground
Oh and always try and buy spare hinges from supplier
I notice there is a 270 degree shade awning on the market now that comes off the front of the vehicle at right angles (as per a trational 2.4 x 2.4m awning).
So you don't loose that shade at the side of the vehicle because of the angle the sail leaves on most 270 degree awnings.
I'm on the market for a 270 free standing awning (with drop down lets for windy days). The Alu Cab cutout in each of the arms was concern to me. You're right, the Alu Cab is very strong, one of the best. However The Overlander Nextdoor vlogger has (had) one, it failed, bending right where the Alu Cab cutout is located. IMO it was user error, but still, not sure I'll get an Alu Cab. Wish they'd at least reinforce those spots.
I opted for a straight pull-out awning simply because my vehicle has a lift gate rear hatch. I would have to mount a 270° very high off the roof to have the support clear the tailgate. Between the straight awning and the lift gate, I should have adequate, but not ideal, shelter.
Thank you for this video. Whilst I was listening to this video, I was browsing several webshops for awnings. Your comments were very helpfull.
One thing: I'm considering an awning because I live and travel in rainy Europe and Asia. Shade is not my top priority, I just want to stay dry.
Cheers
I don't see the problems if you need that much shading get one or more of the lightweight backpacking rain fly tarps they're light around a pound cost about $10.00 on Amazon. Tie a cord between 2 of your struts and drape the tarp over it you can hang it down as low as you need all the way to the ground or pull it out horizontal with a couple poles and adjust at any hight you want which I think is a better idea than trying to move the around in circles every few minutes. By the way the tarp came with ropes and stakes and I got some poles they came in pairs and adjust from 36" to 84" I don't remember the price it was less than $30.00
I like the idea of 270°.
BUT you're expecting, as mostly, people being in subtropic area AND a car design like yours. For trucks that aren't focused living on the back side of the truck, they will not benefit of that style.
Imagine the Ford E350 (sports mobile) with barn doors, or sprinter etc. Or trucks with integrated cabs, like the ones you've seen in Germany.
The back is always the most dirtiest place of the truck and I am personally happy when I am ready to permanently CLOSE these doors to only have access to the lower doors like you would have to access a standard trunk.
To prevent from rain is actually the more important part of its use for me. Therefore it needs to be water tight to the truck above the side doors.
I am always thinking of a better solution than just a straight awning above the barn doors... the absolutely most important thing is: EASY TO USE! I agree totally with that. I had an Iveco 40.10 with a great awning that was undone automatically, in 10 sec. But as the truck, the roof, was so high the access was in 2.40 meter! So you think at least twice if you really need it.
My awning is to stop rain not sun pooling is a major problem for some awnings
Unless you park east-west to ensure awning is on south side?
Interesting how you say "Quick Shade 30 seconds" :)
You might as well have given the link in the description ;)
Great Video though.... Pro and Cons for everything.
The 270 wing design is for me, as it has to be fast.
If i want a room on the side of my 4WD, i'll just buy a pit tent with sides.
What i am surprised, is no one has invented an entire Vehicle Shade Solution!
I hate parking my 4WD in direct sun, the cabin temp sky rockets, fridges work over time and whole thing is just unpleasant.
I have seen 1 person that made a shade sail that went from one side of his vehicle, over his vehicle roof and out 3meters on one side, it had a hip and if it rained, the whole vehicle was kept dry.
I love mine. Its sturdy. BUT , mine DID break in the spot you mention. Great warranty and still running strong/
I enjoyed the video series you posted of your trip to Christmas Valley and California. There’s a huge area of forest near there that I spend 30-45 consecutive days in every year. Also, did you know that you were only a couple of hours drive from Crater Lake? If you ever want to visit Oregon again I would love the opportunity to show you some areas that not many people know about. You have to be an Overlander to get that far off the beaten track lol. Or I can simply supply you with the GPS coordinates so you can get there on your own. Happy trails
I love your videos keep them coming 👍your like the David Attenborough of 4x4 I love listening to you
My build is going to be a 4x4 Ford Van. I'm thinking the ARB 2500 with the extension room is ideal for me as I can expand my habitat,
I have the ARB 2000 (2mtr) Awning and the Awning Tent and it's a great setup (if you don't have to use or move your Car/truck whilst it's up)..... if you do have to move your car/truck, then maybe look for a Gazebo and Gazebo Tent that can stand on it's own :)
I've noticed from a few of your video's that you are biased to Alu-Cab. Like in the Overlanding North America series when the fridge slide came apart when you were talking about how good it was. What I like about you is how brutally honest you can be about products. Taking down a review about an awning because people were listening to your review??
Not biased to Alu-Cab, They make some products that I like and use. I removed the previous video because people were making entirely the wrong conclusion about the awning. I did not say it was weak, but that is what was concluded. I redid the video to explain things better.
You earned a new subscriber just from the introduction. Good stuff! Keep it up!
In the northern hemisphere it seems you park so that the awning is on the north side of the vehicle with the rear facing the East. Why won’t that work?
I would love to know how well this type of awning deals with strong wind. W.A. - as most locals know - stands for WINDY Australia. There is wind, and then there is WIND, and most of the places we go there is WIND! The lack of legs on this awning really worries me. Anyone who has camped at places like Bush Bay will know the kind of wind that W.A. can deliver. That is the sort of wind I want an awning to be able to survive.
Hi Andrew. I really enjoy your videos you are so inspiring thank you. I have a dilemma, finding if possible a 270 degree awning to fit my Toyota Fortuner. Because the tailgate lifts up and has a spoiler. 3x im interested in as mainly looking at free standing or semi free stand and also nit wanting a lot weight are the 13zero falcon, bushwakka 27p endo darkness or the destination 4wd 270 or 180. The cheapest was the 1st then bushwakka then Aussie made destination 4wd. Are there any inherent brands yiu know woukd fit or these brands any comments. I woukd go 189 but most 180 apart from the destination 4wd don't really have much cover. Thank you.
The folding table with windshield you have on the inside of the backdoor. Where did you get that please Andrew? Looking for something just like this right now............
Fantastic review, Andrew. 👍
I've looked at a lot of different 270 awning and was seriously considering the shadow awn but after seeing this review and looking at one in flesh, I'm steering well clear of it! Far too heavy, far too expensive nearly $2000aud for a awning!! Wtf! Most overrated product on the planet!
and like you explained, there's no way of dropping one side down to compensate for the suns angle, or the driving rain.
I settled on the Rapid wing made by an Australian company called "Supa-rv Australia" Also sold by Drifta. Best bang for buck.
So for all those people researching what awning to buy... Check out THE most functional and best quality 270 awning you can buy! No question about it. Just my opinion. 😉
Hi Andrew great video as always you should make a video of the most comfortable camping chair. Let's face it with all the perfect gear and not having a proper chair it's no fun.
After testing a couple myself I ended with a Golliath from Oztrial.
The best camping chair to use is one with solid hard arms, not those flappy fabric jobbies. Also a "hard" base to support the base of your thighs is good to have.
Beautifully produced.
Just saw this. With regard to shade, position the vehicle so the awning folds out to the north and west.
Andrew, did you try to extend shade by attaching something to the edge? It could be some kind of tarp. Opposite side of tarp you can mount on the ground.
he mentions doing this in the video
I'm just impressed with the camp spot! looks excellent!
Thanks Andrew, great review. How do the 270 awnings affect climbing into a rear-facing roof top tent? Does the awning have to be partially closed to access? How often would you keep the awning out overnight?
The problem with these 270 quick pitch awnings is quite simple really. Price. Most of them are in the order of above $1000. A simple square canvas side awning from an everyday supplier is less than $200 and does a decent job. You could buy 5 of the simple styles for the price of 1 quick pitch 270 style. That’s money better spent on vehicle improvements like suspension or tyres or even better- fuel for actual trips. It’s why you see so few of them out and about. In general- love the concept hate the price seems to be the common opinion.
Can you do a video on where to mount spare tires?
Did Alu-cab issue a complaint about the video?
Of course they did. They went nuts. But any negative review gets flack. But, and this is important: People were concluding the wrong information from the previous review, that the awning was weak. it isn't weak. There may be issues with this Alu-cab awing, but lack of strength isn't one of them. I removed it entirely on my own volition after I had sat on a very windy beach for a weekend, and the video had been on the channel for about six months.
I did not make out of it that it is weak ,, if you listen good that is not what you said ,,but ok you took it off
Welcome to UA-cam Audience: Most People only (!) receive the negative points out of a statement into their brain! Seems people (at least on social media like FB and YT) cannot or don't want to wage between arguments.
It's the Twitter century > 140 letter, that's all you need...
I did not take it off. I replaced the old grey bag with the new black one. The awning itself is the same.
Hi Andrew, I’m after a new awning and I’m mounting to a Rhino Pioneer Platform. I like the look of the Ali Cab awning you have but there are hell expensive, from what I can gather, around 2K! What’s your thoughts on Darche or Foxwing 270 awnings, I’m definitely after a 270 for the maximum coverage.
Supa Peg is the best allrounder.
Hi Andrew. Really enjoy your videos, question about the Alu Cab awning. Looking for a 270 awing and liked the look of the one you have. I am in Tasmania, so we get wind and rain, would you recommend the Alu Cab as a fast pitch one night awning? Also couldn’t see the price anywhere, what do they retail for?
How much are they? Website doesn’t have prices.
any awning losses its shade when the sun moves . normal awnings suck. . this looks sweet
Show me how to install them side tables and back door storage that's what I'm interested in storage!
Darren Hale which video?
All awnings are pretty awful from an engineering perspective as there's too many weak points in the system. For standard awnings the weak cam lock joints halfway along the horizontal poles is one of the most ridiculous things ever, particularly on square awnings where you don't need them to compress to half their size. Having them on the vertical poles is pathetic too as they're only rated to about 6kg so if you get a bit of rain they're almost guaranteed to slip. But then you can angle the horizontal poles down somthe water runs off, however you do that by stressing out the aluminium extrusion at the fixed pivot points as they're not designed to move in that way.
So, theres actually nothing good about them whether you spend $100 or $500.
Manufacturers, please make something with ball joints for the pivot points at the extrusion & push button locks for the vertical & horizontal poles as you only need one hole as close as you can to the outer edge to lock the horizontal poles in place & maybe 4 positions for the vertical poles. That way you have a super strong awning that will adjust vertically for shade or water run off without stressing the aluminium extrusion.
Oh, & sell it for less than $200 retail as I've priced up buying all the necessary bits to make 2 (with a few extra personal touches as I want mine to potentially survive in snow & I am a design engineer after all 😉) for less than $60 paying full retail price for everything & there's no way you'll be buying anything like the quality of materials I will.
Damn, we should do a rant video together 😀
Great insight! Thanks for sharing!
One or more awning walls would solve the sun issue for those leaving it up for an extended period
Great footage of the waves!
check out the Darche Eclipse, best awning on the market currently IMO
Would you recommend a 180*?
I have a rear roof top tent so 270 is not a option
Forget the awning! I want that chair you sit in starting at about 8:00! lol
Good review as always, but I think you missed something really important. THE RAIN!!
I'm also in Australia, and have another brand of 270° awning, but on my last trip the stand-out performance wasn't how it performed in the sun (although great!), but how fantastic it is when its bucketing down!! In summer in QLD especially, when it rains you know about it, a cheap tarp & pole combo wouldn't stand up to anywhere near as much rain/wind, and you'd be drenched after setting it up. So easy to move around vehicle and stay dry (gullwing/back seats/rear door), and with the additional sides (which zip on in no time) they offer awesome coverage.
I like alu cab products, but the little pop up post so water doesn't pool seems like an after thought/ad on. If I'm paying that kind of money it should be engineered to not need that.
Carson Keitt Agree 100% Spending that kind of money for anything less than a needlessly complex solution when a simple straightforward one is available seems absolutely absurd!
Really hope you can detect my sarcasm here.
I had to turn down my speakers for the intro, turn them up for your into speach, then turn them back down for your long ocean scean. That was kind of weird and put me off.
Keep it simple, have one each side of the vehicle if this is important. Otherwise just use a tarp and ropes!
Hi Andrew, I thought your head was going to explode, you have been thinking so hard about something so insignificant ;-) best bit was your dear wife correcting your breakfast choice..... Bacon and eggs dear!
Greeting from back home in the sunny blighty
Thanks so much you saved me a lot of $$
Can I get some advice from the comments? My mother is looking to by a new 4x4 (not a ute). She wants something that she can drive around daily and such. it will mainly be on paved roads, but she also wants to be able to take it off road every now and then and take it down on the beaches. We are looking a Toyota Prado. Anyone got any suggestions?
ajn.mychannel Prado will be just fine
isuzu mux is a great option also
what about a suzuki vitara ? A bit smaller than the prado if she's worried about the size of it. They also drive more like a car than a 4x4.
Size is a problem so good idea, will look into it
Money makes the world go around! Including Mr white
If I was staying place for a week, I'd put the walls up to increase the living space.
The english have so much rain and yet they never could build a drop top that didn't leak.
They can't build a car that doesn't leak!
being english means a love of getting wet. the worse the weather the happier we are
just face north
hahahaha....... I was going to say...... I don't think Fruit Salad would be your FAVOURITE breakfast!!!! (knew you'd be a Bacon and Eggs man). Cheers, Don (Dons Shed) :)
What you should of shown Everyone, was products like poles to support 270 wings, sand screw pegs, and the added walls. Mention the weights as well. Really it's been half a video, follow it up please.
Is that a Defender rear step you have there? Dont let the Landcruiser guys see that!
Yes. But I've just removed it. It didn't work well enough.
I loved mine but it removed itself. Well a friends driveway helped.
side wall negate your negative comments
They have zippable side panels though
Seems to me you don't like it anymore? Or it's an Alu Cab conspiracy
Your comment is proof positive that people will hear want they want to hear and disregard the rest.
It's proof positive that you praised the awning ....then you took it off your rig!
Don't you mean I criticised the awning and then it stayed on my rig? Its the same one!
I thought you speak your mind and dont give a damn on what the manufacturer say? So you have seen a few breakage at that weak link and now it is acceptable now
No matter what I do, people will find something to complain about.
No complains, we follow your stories quite a bit and when things are shit, you say they are and the good stuff gets complimented. And we did made purchases and used items based on your recommendations. Cheers
that's it Andrew
he never saw one break. He said it is an observation that the emblem cutout in a solid beam/structural component would be the weakest point of it...
I think there may have been a slight language barrier issue there Andrew...
Can you recommend some African style music.
Your travelling partner looks as bored as I am
Don't be mad
How does Andrew manage to keep looking so pale and British while he spends almost his entire life out in the outdoors?
Got the rear bar on I see.
You’re contradicting yourself!
First world problem..
Just buy a caravan and dispense with all this crap.
... and deal with a new set of crap. If I ever tow a caravan, shoot me.
Painful to listen to. I think my ears are bleeding. Yes, they are.