Awnings

Personally I wouldn't buy anything from Smittybuilt. I've heard good things about the ARB awnings though.
 
I have never needed anything but a $10 tarp so do these expensive tarp thingys keep you dryer or just make you look cooler an inquiring mind wants to know?
 
I have the 2500 ARB awning on my Outback, and love it! It is 8' 2" X 8' 2". If you have room and the extra cash, I'd go with at least the 2000 model. Four feet wide is barely room to sit two chairs under, and wouldn't be much protection from wind-driven rain.

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I bought mine from Alpha Expedition. At the time earlier this spring, they had the best price and free shipping. http://www.alphaexpedition.com/arb-awning-2500-x-2500/
 
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Hello Jordan,

ARB is great, but as most of those things, very expensive. And, but that is my very personal opinion, they make your car look "different".
So we did this
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Not as nice as the ARB, with a bit more work, about 2 minutes. But, total cost under 120€ an ARB one cost in the UK about 350 pounds. So, around 380 €.
So, doing it yourself, is much cheaper and its fun. And you did it yourself.
 
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I though about going the DIY route, but honestly I don't have time. And it is so convenient to just pull it out from the side of the rack. @Steve awesome! What are the measurements (length is all i care about) of yours when it is rolled up? If you don't mind me asking.

I am leaning towards the ARB ones, that Smittybuilt price was a little better, but there is probably a reason for that.
 
@jordanbrooks Take a look at my build thread HERE, particularly page 5, which shows the FourTreks modular awing mounts. You'll also note on the first page that I have two separate roof mount setups; one for the basket, LED bar and awning, and another for two bike racks, two kayak racks, and the awning. That second configuration uses an entirely different mount, sandwiched between my crossbars and bike rack.

Also note that the ARB awning comes with fasteners, but no mounting brackets. Overall length of the ARB 2500 with cover is 8' 9"

CLICK HERE for a link to my gallery of photos of the awning.

I hope that helps,
Steve

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We fooled around with he tarps and such for years, and I still always carry one for whatever might pop up, but you can't beat the ARB awning. The convenience, and structure is perfect. It costs a few dollars, but you can build your own bumper too and save a buck, but most folks agree that ARB has that figured out better.
 
I have two ARB awnings fitted to my Nissan Patrol. The side one has been on there since 2009 and the rear since 2012. I can't fault them for quality.

One if the most important aspects of a good awning is the quality of the storage bag. That's what does sit out in the elements. I use a silicone spray on the zip to keep it working smoothly, mostly because of the Outback dust.



When I was installing it I made up this template which made life easier.



The Nylock nuts help hold it all in place.



The side windbreak wall is easy to fit and extends the amount of usable room.

 
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dmurph1996 said:
A tarp, poles and para cord is what I use. Compact and cheap
Click to expand...
Same here except added a 7' long 6" dia. PVC pipe attached to the side and just below my roof rack to store the tarp and poles in...the tarp snaps onto the PVC...$56.00 and 2 hours to attach and add the snaps... and "Tah-Dah"!!! A 7'x7' dry or shaded area... it goes up in 7-8 mins. and down even quicker!
 
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Offroad Touring said:
I have two ARB awnings fitted to my Nissan Patrol. The side one has been on there since 2009 and the rear since 2012. I can't fault them for quality.

One if the most important aspects of a good awning is the quality of the storage bag. That's what does sit out in the elements. I use a silicone spray on the zip to keep it working smoothly, mostly because of the Outback dust.



When I was installing it I made up this template which made life easier.



The Nylock nuts help hold it all in place.



The side windbreak wall is easy to fit and extends the amount of usable room.

Click to expand...
Nissan Patrol...Awesome...thumbs up!
 
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Laughing Otter said:
Same here except added a 7' long 6" dia. PVC pipe attached to the side and just below my roof rack to store the tarp and poles in...the tarp snaps onto the PVC...$56.00 and 2 hours to attach and add the snaps... and "Tah-Dah"!!! A 7'x7' dry or shaded area... it goes up in 7-8 mins. and down even quicker!
Click to expand...

I did the same thing. One of the first mods on my FJ.
 
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