Roof rack awning

[Caprock_Overland]

I know they say the grass is always greener on the other side, so I wanted to get some opinions. I have my first roof rack awning coming in this week, and wanted to hear opinions on why you mounted your awning on the passenger/driver side of your vehicle. Thanks!

 

[Road]

Driver's side of my trailer because that's the side with the best hookups for my outdoor kitchen.

Some folks prefer the awning on the passenger side so they can deploy it when parked along a curb, so the awning goes out over ground, not the street or trail. To be honest, in all the time I've used mine, pretty much full time for over two years and all over the country, it's never bothered me to have it on the driver's side.

I do have one I'm gonna put on the van, too, and that will be on the passenger side, because I want it to cover and shade the side doors on that side.





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Roaddude - On the Road In North America - ROADDUDE

Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.

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[woody]

One factor to consider is if you have a swing out tire holder. If so it's easier to not have to go around it to access the rear hatch.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Driver's side of my trailer because that's the side with the best hookups for my outdoor kitchen.

Some folks prefer the awning on the passenger side so they can deploy it when parked along a curb, so the awning goes out over ground, not the street or trail. To be honest, in all the time I've used mine, pretty much full time for over two years and all over the country, it's never bothered me to have it on the driver's side.

I do have one I'm gonna put on the van, too, and that will be on the passenger side, because I want it to cover and shade the side doors on that side.

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You make a lot of sense ! I don't have one currently, I prefer a canopy so that it's not attached to my rig at all. I wouldn't mind having a slumberjack for the rear of the vehicle but it would also have to be attached.
However if I camped in one spot for a week or more like I think you do, the slumberjack would be an excellent canopy set up for someone without a trailer like yours.

 

[Wallygator]

You make a lot of sense ! I don't have one currently, I prefer a canopy so that it's not attached to my rig at all. I wouldn't mind having a slumberjack for the rear of the vehicle but it would also have to be attached.
However if I camped in one spot for a week or more like I think you do, the slumberjack would be an excellent canopy set up for someone without a trailer like yours.

The Slumberjack can also stand alone. It's a great product for the price.

 

[Kevin108]

On the beaches I visit, the rules are that you park facing the dunes. I tried mine on both sides and used the one that provided the most shade. The photos below were taken at the same time of year around the same time of day. Check out the shadow.

 

[Road]

You make a lot of sense ! I don't have one currently, I prefer a canopy so that it's not attached to my rig at all. I wouldn't mind having a slumberjack for the rear of the vehicle but it would also have to be attached.
However if I camped in one spot for a week or more like I think you do, the slumberjack would be an excellent canopy set up for someone without a trailer like yours.

The Slumberjack can also stand alone. It's a great product for the price.

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Not to derail this thread about attached awnings and which side (and if you have replies to this use the thread linked to, I guess), but if you mean the Roadhouse Tarp from Slumberjack (Slumberjack markets a number of things), I have one and have used it a couple times.

Here's a post I made last July in response to someone asking about it. I've used it more since then and the review still stands. It's rather lightweight fabric (I have links in my review to what 68D and 1200mm coating means), meant more as temporary shade shelter for the day, in my experience, not really overnight or longer, though I'm sure some folks do use it that way.
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Roaddude - On the Road In North America - ROADDUDE

Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.

roaddude.com

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

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Not to derail this thread about attached awnings and which side (and if you have replies to this use the thread linked to, I guess), but if you mean the Roadhouse Tarp from Slumberjack (Slumberjack markets a number of things), I have one and have used it a couple times.

Here's a post I made last July in response to someone asking about it. I've used it more since then and the review still stands. It's rather lightweight fabric (I have links in my review to what 68D and 1200mm coating means), meant more as temporary shade shelter for the day, in my experience, not really overnight or longer, though I'm sure some folks do use it that way.
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You didn't derail anything Road, you added valuable info for us dummies (at least me).
That was a very good review. I may not follow your advise at times but not because it isn't good ! I have a little advantage over you young studs. I won't be around long enough to buy the good products. I can get by with buying junk for my (I am sure) short time use.
So please everyone out there reading my post,
Understand that I am old and things I buy don't have to have longevity ! Everything for me is temporary in nature ! My mind hasn't figured out yet that my body won't be around that much longer. It just dosent know I am an old man. Cheers

 

[woody]

I know they say the grass is always greener on the other side, so I wanted to get some opinions. I have my first roof rack awning coming in this week, and wanted to hear opinions on why you mounted your awning on the passenger/driver side of your vehicle. Thanks!

Practice switching the awning from side to side in the field, really not that hard. Life dictates it will always end up on the wrong side due to room, wind, sun or rain.

 

[Kevin108]

I've considered placing brackets for the awning on each side so it can be easily moved. I've also considered just having two awnings. With the rooftop tent open though, that does give me partial coverage on the side opposite the large awning, and I have a small awning on the rear as well. (Pic was from the Hampton Roads International Auto Show back in January. I got paid to set my rig up on display for the weekend.)

 

[gDanCO]

I am about to take delivery of my first awning and can see the argument for both sides. I generally spend more time on the driver side, as driver and letting my dog in and out of the driver side. On the argument for the passesnger side, it makes sense for those situation when you park the car and extend to the camping area. Depending on how much hassle it is to put it on and off the vehicle, I may must set up mounting for both sides. Then again I probably should just make a decision and chose one. Thoughts?

 

[Lou Skannon]

I prefer the flexibility of a de-mountable tarp with possibilities of either side or across the back. You never no for sure where you will be.

 

[RoarinRow]

I've tried my awning on both sides. I prefer it on the driver's side because I seem the one who seems to go in an out of the truck the most and so I don't want to have to walk around the rig to get back into shade. Faster the better. Plus how my camper shell and roof rack is configured, I can no longer put the awning on the passenger side. As it turns out the cargo box I bought only opens up on the right / passenger side lol, so easy decision for me.

 

[Tundracamper]

Do you guys really use your awnings that much? I’ve had several on RVs, ones that were easier to deploy than those on cars, and I quit using it that much because it was a PITA to deal with. I’m scared I’d mount one on the rack and then never use it because it’s such a pain. Camping where there is always shade may help.

 

[Wallygator]

Do you guys really use your awnings that much? I’ve had several on RVs, ones that were easier to deploy than those on cars, and I quit using it that much because it was a PITA to deal with. I’m scared I’d mount one on the rack and then never use it because it’s such a pain. Camping where there is always shade may help.

We will find out. I have one on order.

 

[gDanCO]

I live in Colorado and travel the Southwest , the sun is strong and in some places there is no shade. Makes sense to me.

 

[510Steve]

Do you guys really use your awnings that much? I’ve had several on RVs, ones that were easier to deploy than those on cars, and I quit using it that much because it was a PITA to deal with. I’m scared I’d mount one on the rack and then never use it because it’s such a pain. Camping where there is always shade may help.

I use mine quite a bit when I go mountain biking. Its great for post ride beers to get out of the sun/rain. Mine also has a light built into it so it's great for late night cooking.

 

[Lanlubber In Remembrance]

Do you guys really use your awnings that much? I’ve had several on RVs, ones that were easier to deploy than those on cars, and I quit using it that much because it was a PITA to deal with. I’m scared I’d mount one on the rack and then never use it because it’s such a pain. Camping where there is always shade may help.

I would rather have a canopy with sidewalls or screens.

 

[Tundracamper]

I would rather have a canopy with sidewalls or screens.

Now your talking a real PITA!

 

[msg_1974]

I use my awning on the beaches of North Carolina, and I mount the awning on the passenger side so that it provides more shade when parked facing the dunes.
What awning did you get?