Best 4WD Awnings In Australia

If you're in the habit of camping or spending lazy afternoons out in the bush or on the beach, an awning should be your best friend. The best 4WD awnings are designed to provide protection from all weather, offering a shaded area out of the rain and direct sunlight. 

But choosing the right awning can be hard. Trust me, I've had my issues with bad choices over the years. They come in a range of sizes, and there are awning options for all uses.

But I've drawn on my experience to bring you this list of the top 6 4WD awnings on the market today. 

How I Made My Selections

I've used countless types of awnings during my travels throughout Australia and the rest of the world. The best models feature a wind-resistant design, great durability, easy setup and pack away, a high water rating, decent weather protection, and ripstop canvas to prevent tearing. 

I spent hours choosing the following 10 options, and every option performs admirably in every area. 

Types Of 4WD Awning

There are a few different types of awning worth considering. These range from simple retractable models that attach to your roof racks to fancier models that provide more coverage. 

Side Awnings‍

These are the most popular type that you will see when you're out camping. They come in retractable awning and roll-up models and are very easy to use. 

Batwing Awnings

‍Batwing awnings (aka “Wing Awnings”) are similar to side awnings, but they cover a lot more space due to their fold-out design. 

Rooftop Tent Awnings

‍Many rooftop tents come with optional awnings that you can add for extra protection from the elements. Roof top awnings tend to be on the smaller side, but awning extensions are often available to add extra functionality.

Rear Awnings

‍These are virtually identical to side awnings but are designed to fold out from the rear of your vehicle.

4WD Awning Buying Guide

To save you the legwork, I've put together a short list of things that you need to know before purchasing your first awning. As with all camping gear, it’s crucial to spend some time purchasing your awning tent to ensure you get the right option. 

How To Choose A 4WD Awning

When choosing an awning, keep the following physical properties in mind. 

Size

For starters, ensure you purchase an awning that's big enough to provide the protection you require. Batwing awnings are generally the largest, followed by side and rear models. 

Family Members

The number of family members or friends you're planning to house under your awning will dictate the size you need. 

Weight

Usually, your awning will bolt to the side of your roof rack. Keep an eye on your total weight to ensure your vehicle isn't overloaded. 

Material

Ideally, you should be looking for a high-quality model that's built with durable canvas and tough aluminium poles. Ensure the awning cover is durable as well, as it’s responsible for providing long-term protection from the elements when your awning isn’t in use. 

Set Up

Think carefully about setup and pack down time. Larger awnings can take some time to set up, especially if you're camping alone or with one other person. 

Attachments

The availability of attachments, such as side walls and floors, is another vital consideration. Adding walls to your shelter is a great way to make your camp comfortable and protected from the weather.

Which 4WD Awning Brand Is The Best? 

Darche offers a wide range of 4wd awnings that are built for Australian conditions. I've used numerous models, and it's fair to say that I've rarely been disappointed - if ever. It offers everything from budget-friendly 4wd side awnings to larger rear and batwing awnings. What's more, all models come with an excellent manufacturer's warranty. 

What Is the Difference Between A Waterproof And A Showerproof Awning? 

When you're looking for an awning, you may come across terms like "showerproof", "waterproof", and "water-resistant". But what do these mean? 

In short, a waterproof awning shouldn't leak, no matter how much rain you get. The awning material is often treated with a layer of protection to prevent water from seeping through. 

On the other hand, showerproof and water-resistant awnings are designed to keep you dry during light rain, but they don't provide full protection. Under heavy rain for long periods of time, you may find that water begins to seep through. If you have a dense canvas model, you should be able to apply a waterproof coating for added protection.

Tips For Setting Up A 4WD Awning

Setting up your 4WD awning should be an easy process, but there are still plenty of things that can go wrong. I've experienced most of them, and trust me, it's usually not very fun. These tips will help you stay out of trouble.

Peg It Down Securely

There's nothing worse than a story gust of wind picking up your awning and tossing it over your car. This happened to me not all that long ago, and it resulted in a twisted, mangled mess of metal and canvas that wasn't salvageable. But the good news is that you can stop this from happening by pegging your awning down securely. My mistake! 

Always Pack Away Dry

‍If you've ever pulled a mouldy tent or awning out of its bag, you'll know how unpleasant the smell can be. To ensure your awning doesn't go mouldy, I'd recommend always waiting until it's dry before you pack it away. If this isn't possible, make sure you pull it out and let it dry as soon as you can. 

Angle The Legs For Better Runoff

‍Awnings provide excellent rain protection, but you can make it even better by angling your support legs smartly. For optimal water protection, lower one or both legs to create a rain shield. This will also assist with runoff and prevent water from pooling on top of the canvas. 

Summary

There are numerous attractive awnings on the Australian market, but it's hard to go past the 6 options I've listed here. The Darche Eclipse 270 provides excellent coverage and comes in first, but every option I've listed is one I would personally buy. A good budget option is the Darche Kozi, and you can get a decent model here for just a few hundred dollars. 

At the end of the day, the right awning for you will depend on exactly what you're planning to use it for. If you can, I'd suggest heading down to your local beach or caravan park and having a walk around. Pay attention to the different models and, if you get a chance, ask some people about their experiences. It shouldn't be too hard to find the perfect fit!