Recommendation - durable 270 awning?

[escadventure]

There are a bunch out there, and some, like the Batwing look to be a bit fragile. I'm a magnet for really bad weather when camping so I'd like to find something really rugged.

Looking for some experienced reviews.

 

[Markal]

Overland Vehicle Systems 270 working well for me so far. I’ve had only three nights out with it so far, but lots of wind (20-30 mph gusts) and it was not affected at all. I assume this thing will last, but time will tell.

 

[ShamusTX]

+1 to the Overland Vehicle System Nomadic 270 (non_LT version). The pictures below taken after a few inches of wet early season snow in CO. The awning had now issues with the snow or the gusty winds before the snow.

 

[Mighty Dodge Ram]

This is in response to your comment re: Batwings and fragility.

If you haven’t already, check out Paul May’s (Equipt Expedition Outfitters) video on 270 awnings. He sells the Eezi Awn but brings up a really good point about all of these awnings…unless you’re absolutely sure about the weather conditions you should tie them down. Case in point: my Batwing was “origamied” on its maiden voyage along the Mojave Rd. We were just setting up in dead calm conditions (awning was not guyed down yet) when a huge dust devil dropped into our camp. Two of the Delrin hinges broke leaving the awning useless. The debate is whether it’s better to have “sacrificial” hinges like the Delrin units (I now carry spares for a relatively easy field repair) or rigid hinges which you may or may not be able to repair while traveling. I really like the self-supporting models (the Batwing is not, it sags without pole support) but I’m gun shy about unsupported deployment based on my experience.

I might add, I saw a self-supported awning bend…it didn’t completely break…in sustained 15 mph winds along the coast here. This was one that was supposed to handle up to 30 mph winds and where you could purportedly do pull-ups. The owner of the awning was not happy. Good luck with your research, I’m sure you’ll find something that meets your requirements. As always…YMMV as compared to mine.

 

[CRYA]

I've been super happy with my Overland Pros 4K. It's pretty beefy and really fast setup.

 

[4000lbsOfGoat]

I've had a Darche Eclipse 270 for over a year now and in that time it has been setup\torn down at least 50 times (we've been living on the road for most of the last year). It has seen months of desert sun and been out in winds as high as 30mph - it's fine with gusts up to 15-20 in any direction, above that it depends on which way the wind is coming in. The arms have loosened up a bit but overall it's held up great to serious use.

Regardless of the awning you choose, I will stress the importance of good guy lines with these big awnings. The lines that come with the Darche (and I would suspect, others as well) are just basic skinny ropes with a plastic adjustment mechanism and they just don't cut it for any serious wind. I replaced all of those with elasticized webbing straps (mine are Rokstraps brand that I got at OE but I can't seem to find them online). With good straps the awning is very stable in the wind.

This is my setup if the wind forecast is anywhere above 15-20mph:

 

[Hegear]

Same experience with the overland pros, great product with a great price.

I've been super happy with my Overland Pros 4K. It's pretty beefy and really fast setup.

 

[concretejungle]

I have enjoyed my bush company 270xt max

 

[Superduty]

THIS THREAD has lots and lots of awning info.

I like my Alu Cab 270 - it's built very well.

 

[EMR714]

This is in response to your comment re: Batwings and fragility.

If you haven’t already, check out Paul May’s (Equipt Expedition Outfitters) video on 270 awnings. He sells the Eezi Awn but brings up a really good point about all of these awnings…unless you’re absolutely sure about the weather conditions you should tie them down. Case in point: my Batwing was “origamied” on its maiden voyage along the Mojave Rd. We were just setting up in dead calm conditions (awning was not guyed down yet) when a huge dust devil dropped into our camp. Two of the Delrin hinges broke leaving the awning useless. The debate is whether it’s better to have “sacrificial” hinges like the Delrin units (I now carry spares for a relatively easy field repair) or rigid hinges which you may or may not be able to repair while traveling. I really like the self-supporting models (the Batwing is not, it sags without pole support) but I’m gun shy about unsupported deployment based on my experience.

I might add, I saw a self-supported awning bend…it didn’t completely break…in sustained 15 mph winds along the coast here. This was one that was supposed to handle up to 30 mph winds and where you could purportedly do pull-ups. The owner of the awning was not happy. Good luck with your research, I’m sure you’ll find something that meets your requirements. As always…YMMV as compared to mine.

I have a very similar story with my Rhino Rack: also origamied on the maiden voyage. Broke two hinges and actually snapped one of the horizontal pieces in half. I have and love the OVS now but I still guy and peg every time since that rhino rack experience.

 

[concretejungle]

Just used my Bush Company awning on the beach with wind and it worked out great.

 

[AERONAUT outdoor]

Check out the Kinsmen Awning - freestanding, super solid, folks have done pullups and hung hammocks from it.

Pricey (and I think a bit of a wait), but you get what you pay for!

Kinsmen Hardware LLC

We manufacture heavy-duty vehicle adventure gear including our Rapid Deploy 270 Freestanding Awning and Rapid Deploy Camp Shower Stall. Based in South Carolina, our products are Made In The USA, from USA components.

www.kinsmenhardware.com

Reviewed: Kinsmen Hardware 270 Awning - Expedition Portal

I must’ve used my traditional-style car awning only a handful of times over the year or so that I owned it, mostly because of the difficulty it took to set it up. Whenever I wanted to use my awning while I was by myself, it was almost always a quick “Nope” as I laughed at...

expeditionportal.com

 

[57Cessna172]

+1 for alucab awning. Been using mine every weekend for 3 years now. Normal wear and tear. Been in downpouring rain and lots of wind. Does well. And whatever you get - Always stake it down. (no matter what the brochure says)

 

[alia176]

This thread has info that might be useful, along with prices, weight, and dimensions.

New 270 Awning available.

My search for the perfect awning continues. I found this new option. So far the pluses 5 arms so it extends forwards as well. Free standing. Built in poles Well priced for what it is $900. Minus 84" is only side. Website not fully baked, actual dimensions and attachment methods unknown...

www.expeditionportal.com

 

[TroyR]

Just installed so I don't have in the field experience with it yet. I put on a Bush Company 270 XT. Initial reaction is that it is extremely well built. It's also easy to deploy and put away. The storage bag is big enough that it's not a battle to get it put away. Time will tell what happens when winds hit.