Real word opinions of 270 degree awnigs

[MOAK]

We are currently in the process of specing out a new vehicle and camping system. Most everything is set, however there is some debate aboout an awning. We've had the 2.5 meter Frontrunner awning for 10 flawless years and it is still in great shape. My wife wants a 270 degree awning next. I think they are too big and bulky, however I would consider the new Frontrunner carbon fiber unit. The other problem is we would be giving up the ability to lower the outside edge. With the current regular awning you can lower it down to as short as the poles will collapse. With the 270 it is about 7' high, all the way around the outer edge. Seems like a great big sail and will offer little coverage from the hot sun or a driving rain. (Not much different than awnings a gas stations). Not being able to lower the outer edge seems like a huge detriment to me. I'm open to changing my mind aboout the 270, so you folks that have them, what is your experience with them?

 

[LostWoods]

Haven’t owned one but used to wheel with a couple guys who did and I find them massively overrated. Ignoring the extra weight and cost, if you aren’t buying one with a forward extension, you’re giving up a lot of coverage alongside so you can cover the rear. You can’t drop the corner for rain. You have to hard commit to a side at purchase which means it will impact your campsite selection. Two sets of quick releases for a square awning makes the swap so easy.

They are stupid easy to set up… I’d never pop out my 2.5m for lunch but we did use my buddy’s 270 because it doesn’t require supports in calm weather. You also get tailgate coverage if that matters to you.

Personally, a 2.5m with a couple walls has been a perfect setup for me. I can see why people like their 270 but it’s just not for me.

 

[genocache]

I have a Rhino Rack Batwing 270. As far as shade I think it is great with maybe the low sun angle, however you can drop the legs some to get an incline. My biggest issue is how frelling flimsy the hinges are! I had 2 break when first opening it in the desert and it wasn't even windy. I have made some out of wood to replace the plastic ones. The Company line is "The hinges break so the support poles don't bend."
So 1 person setting it up(me) has to support the whole thing and open the support poles 1 x 1 as I spread it open.

I really would like one of the freestanding style such as ; 270 XT Awning Mk2

Just guy it out when the wind picks up. First set up in picture.

 

[danwyandt]

We are currently in the process of specing out a new vehicle and camping system. Most everything is set, however there is some debate aboout an awning. We've had the 2.5 meter Frontrunner awning for 10 flawless years and it is still in great shape. My wife wants a 270 degree awning next. I think they are too big and bulky, however I would consider the new Frontrunner carbon fiber unit. The other problem is we would be giving up the ability to lower the outside edge. With the current regular awning you can lower it down to as short as the poles will collapse. With the 270 it is about 7' high, all the way around the outer edge. Seems like a great big sail and will offer little coverage from the hot sun or a driving rain. (Not much different than awnings a gas stations). Not being able to lower the outer edge seems like a huge detriment to me. I'm open to changing my mind aboout the 270, so you folks that have them, what is your experience with them?

I have the OverlandPros 4k.
It has been amazing. Takes 10 mph wind without issue.
They say it will take more, but I put the legs out and stake it down if it's gusty.
It gets used a lot while fishing the outer banks without a problem.
If I had to do it over. The new 6k with the extra front coverage would be my choice.

-Dan

p.s.
Not the outer banks, but you get the idea...

 

[smritte]

Most of my group has the OVS awning. I getting one for my trailer and Cruiser. When its real cold out, one of the guys will put the sides on, fire up a propane fire pit and stuff about 10 people under there. The sides are great in cold, wind and especially rain.

 

[Soapy]

I have the Roofnest litewing regular. I bought it because it is only 28 lbs and has a aluminum housing rather than a bag. Very quick and easy to set up. I think the aluminum housing will handle stick and branches better and is more aerodynamic. So far no problem with the carbon fiber rods it uses.

 

[KonzaLander]

I have the smaller OVS 270. My favorite attribute of it is the ability to open the awning and hold it open with one strap without deploying the legs on a non-windy day. This is not really recommended by OVS due to stress on the hinges and the possibility of a rogue wind gust, but it works great for a quick lunch break. I have the sidewalls which make a great wind/sun/rain break. This 270 awning is far more useful to me than my old straight awning.

 

[ProjectCleanSlate]

Love mine. I have the big OVS one. Opens and sets up in a few minutes tops. I leave it open at work all day with no legs for a cut station. It has been through massive storms no issues. It’s a bit heavy, but I put it on and off alone. You are committed to the side you buy. But I haven’t had an issue with campsites yet.

 

[Kent R]

I have the Overland Pros as does Michael, we like the durability and ease of use but the main thing my wife likes is that you can section off the interior with the walls to create a small room for privacy.
Another thing about this awning is that it is fast, maybe a one min to set up and only a couple more to put away.

 

[phlfly]

I had ovs 270. Just broke this weekend any suggestion ?

 

[MOAK]

How did that happen? It looks like you will have to completely dismantle the thing and take it to a friend ( if you’re lucky ) or a shop that can weld aluminum.

 

[PapaDave]

I had ovs 270. Just broke this weekend any suggestion ?

See if you can weld or buy a replacement arm.

 

[phlfly]

It's teared a fabric. A wind wasn't that strong , but bent brackets as well

 

[PapaDave]

I also purchased the Overland Pros unit and it’s great. I had to figure out to pack it up correctly which took a few tries, I do wish the bag was a little bigger to make the zipper easier. I also added lights and telescoping mounts to extend out away from the iKamper shell. Yes the sun moves and it’s not always perfect for angled rain but it’s just so easy to open and set up. I’ve only used the legs once.

 

[BasketCaseTech]

I have the smallest of the OVS 270 line, the 270LTE. I love mine, have it on the drivers side with my RTT deploying to the passenger side. Even though it is small, it is perfect for myself solo. It offers just enough rain protection or shade to have a chair or 2 next to the tailgate and keeps my kitchen area (bed and tailgate with slide outs) protected. If I had 2 or more people I would definitely want a bigger one, and after a few group trips with rigs sporting the bigger ones would say they are very nice!

As far as shedding rain, most 270s I have seen including mine have a loop on each section in between the poles to attach a tie down to pitch the middle down allowing the rain to drain. I have used them and they work well, but some (including mine) require the poles to be down so as not to over stress the arms being bent down too far. I put my poles down most of the time as this smaller 270 doesn't have as robust of arms as the larger ones. As to the wind, I tether mine down at 10mph. As long as I keep the opening strap tight I haven't had a problem.

I will say after all I have looked at in use, the Overland Pros unit that PapaDave has would be on the top of my list.

 

[phlfly]

I have the smallest of the OVS 270 line, the 270LTE. I love mine, have it on the drivers side with my RTT deploying to the passenger side. Even though it is small, it is perfect for myself solo. It offers just enough rain protection or shade to have a chair or 2 next to the tailgate and keeps my kitchen area (bed and tailgate with slide outs) protected. If I had 2 or more people I would definitely want a bigger one, and after a few group trips with rigs sporting the bigger ones would say they are very nice!

As far as shedding rain, most 270s I have seen including mine have a loop on each section in between the poles to attach a tie down to pitch the middle down allowing the rain to drain. I have used them and they work well, but some (including mine) require the poles to be down so as not to over stress the arms being bent down too far. I put my poles down most of the time as this smaller 270 doesn't have as robust of arms as the larger ones. As to the wind, I tether mine down at 10mph. As long as I keep the opening strap tight I haven't had a problem.

I will say after all I have looked at in use, the Overland Pros unit that PapaDave has would be on the top of my list.

I don't like this kind of mounting bracket without extra point.

 

[BasketCaseTech]

I don't like this kind of mounting bracket without extra point.

I didnt like the "L" bracket mount that came with mine, tended to bounce going down the road and flex more than I liked while deployed. I have my RTT on risers above my bed rack and it provided a perfect solution to make a support bracket. Solid as a rock now!