What You Should Know Before Buying a 4WD Awning
When it comes to choosing a 4WD awning there are a number of factors to consider. These are quite general and should apply to all types of awnings. Firstly though you should have a good idea of the type of awning you want (see earlier where we talked about side, rear and batwing style awnings). Other factors include:
Material
The main purpose of a 4WD awning is to shield you from the weather, and the proper material is crucial for this. The drawback is that weight tends to increase as durability increases.
The majority of awnings have ripstop polyester or polycotton canvas roofs that have been treated in some way for added durability and security. Another factor to take into account is enough UV protection, both for your safety and the awning’s durability.
The material’s thickness, measured in GSM (grams per square metre) and D (denier), determines its strength, with higher numbers indicating longer endurance.
The durability of the poles is another factor to consider. The majority of poles are made of aluminium, which is very robust yet lightweight, but you can also get plastic poles, which are very light but lack durability and strength, and stronger steel poles (durable but at a higher weight).
Weight & Size
Since 4WD awnings are mounted to the vehicle’s roof, portability is not a problem until you wish to move them between cars. Their weight, though, is a cause for concern.
There is a weight restriction on what can be carried onto the roof of each vehicle.
Although 4WD awnings are quite lightweight in the grand scheme of things, weight is a crucial aspect to take into account if you’re connecting additional gear or equipment to the roof. You should consider the awning’s weight before buying one because the majority of 4WD awnings weigh between 10kg and 30kg.
4x4 Awning FAQ's
Q. Do I need roof racks to install a 4WD awning?
Yes, ideally you should install your awning to an existing roof rack system using supplied U-Brackets or bolts. You can install an awning without roof racks if your vehicle has sufficient mounting options, ie directly bolting the awning to a fibreglass or metal canopy.
Q. Are Kings 4WD awnings waterproof?
Yes, Kings awnings and 99% of other brands are waterproof. Just make sure the roof of the awning is angled in such a way that the water will drain away and not pool in the middle of the awning roof.
Q. Do Kings 4WD awnings come with mounting brackets?
Yes, Kings awnings come with all the required brackets and hardware to mount the awning to roof racks..
