2 SUV Canopy options south of $150

[latinoguy]

I am about to make a decision on one of these two awnings...Which one is the better option based on my rack configuration? The pricer options while nice, are out of my budget...

Kirham's Auto Canopy
"Auto Canopy attaches to most multisport and factory roof-top racks with crossbar spreads from 12" to 60". Comes complete with poles, stakes, adjustable guy lines, and storage bag."

Seems easy to set up and to mount to a roof rack
Not crazy about the flat top in case it rains...
A very attractive price of $90 plus shipping...

http://springbar.com/explore/canopies/auto.html

Bus Depot Awning
"Use it on virtually any make/model vehicle - a Eurovan, SUV, van, minivan, or pickup truck.
Use it on the any side of the vehicle - front, rear, left, or right - anywhere with a relatively flat surface. "

Comes with addtional accessories for various staking and tie down scenarions...
Dome top is nicer for rain protection
A nice price for $121 plus shipping...

http://busdepot.com/details/awning.jsp

I wonder what would be a better option for my rig..with the conferr roof rack...

 

[JackW]

One of my club members bought the Kirhams awning - he said it's about what you expect for $90 - I take it he's not real impressed with it.

That Bus Depot awning looks like a lot better design for not that much more money - I think if Ross sees it he'll probably return the Kirhams and buy the Bus Depot one.

 

[Corey]

If you want to spend a little more, I am very impressed with my Camping Labs awning.
http://www.campinglab.com/

Check out my review thread for more info on it.

You get what you pay for, it is very nice.
Here is how you attach it to most racks or Yakima or Thule crossbars.

 

[Maximus Ram]

I was looking throught the Cabela's Atoumotive/ATV 2008 catalog and saw a sport shade canopy in there....it might be an option. I've not seen one, but did have a sports tent for the bed of the truck and it held up nicely.

 

[latinoguy]

The camping labs awning is very good. But I will have to go with one of the two options I mentioned...I read your reviews Corey, very detailed and informative. Nice set up you have there..

 

[hoser]

Homemade option:

http://lcool.org/technical/sunshade/sun_shade.html

 

[latinoguy]

I am all ears...but I need to have some shade for Death Valley in a couple of weeks..

 

[go4aryd]

I've seen the Cabelas awning, there are many of them in the returns bin - broken. You may want to consider Kelty's car tarp. I like that I don't have it mounted on the rack until I choose to use it.

http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/products.php?id=153

I prefer to roll up the outer edge - and if I need more shady area, I place the poles on the far corners. Works fine and holds great in the wind. Not as convenient as the CampingLabs, but works for me. It packs very small and usually stays in the rig.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Looking at the two I'd go with the busdepot one. The "freestanding" features is the clincher for me. The other one looks like it's only one step above a home brew unit in design.

If you think you will go for a high end awning in the long run just get a poly tarp and a couple of cheap tent poles for now. Also get a pack of the plastic grommets that install with a hammer. The factory never puts the friggn grommets where you need them. I've used that rig for years.

 

[latinoguy]

Looking at the two I'd go with the busdepot one. The "freestanding" features is the clincher for me. The other one looks like it's only one step above a home brew unit in design.

If you think you will go for a high end awning in the long run just get a poly tarp and a couple of cheap tent poles for now. Also get a pack of the plastic grommets that install with a hammer. The factory never puts the friggn grommets where you need them. I've used that rig for years.

I placed an order for the busdepot one. Will report on how it in a couple of weeks after I get to try it out on my next trip: Death Valley.

 

[latinoguy]

I finally got a chance to use the busdepot.com awning during an outing into Joshua Tree. I am pleased with the quality and set up times. It is easier to set up with 2 people. After setting it up a couple of times, it should take about 15 minutes to set up solo.

 

[GTKrockeTT]

that looks good, any pictures of it stowed away?

 

[latinoguy]

no pics of stowed away

but it takes the same amount of space as a 3-4 man tent would.

 

[UK4X4]

ostia 15 minutos solo.....

tu necessita una pata en la culo de tu mujer...mio acen in solo 5 mins

Me hielo es justo enfriendo me cubralibra quando me parasol es listo:arabia:

......Ok just a joke...and awful written spanish


I like the curved roof

one thing I hate with most flat shades is the buckets of water they hold when it actually rains...

A bit like every single RTT on the market.....waterproofing.....what about the bad design in the first place

give me curves..and you don't need a 20 ounce material to support the 45 gallons haning on your porch roof

unless of course there's a tap in the middle of the tarp / porch and can refill your washing water supply


no help here mind you...3 months and not a drop...:arabia:

 

[UK4X4]

oops