How to Install an Awning on Roof Rack

Search for a local business

Roof racks are one of the most useful features of any vehicle, and especially helpful with camping life.

By installing awnings such as an a 4wd awning on your roof racks or roof bars, you can set up a makeshift campsite and a proper living space while you are out on the road or in the wilderness, you have to simply just roll out the awning, extend some poles and enjoy the new tent. Making your own awning is not difficult and requires very few materials. However, investing in a good mounting kit with brackets can make your overall job more convenient. A few simple accessories such are couple of ratchet straps, brackets, bolt and some small metal hooks will be needed to get started with this awning project. You will need these items whether you plan to tie down the fabric of your awning to the rack for an instant cover or create actual grommets that can support more weight over time. Some people may opt for pieces of PVC tubing for awning instead, but they should only be used if you want something very disposable. The first step is to mark out the holes where you will be attaching your ratchet straps to the mounting brackets with bolts and nuts on the roof of your vehicle or car. You want them to slide in evenly and spaced apart, but there is no need to measure, it can be roughly done by eye. There are several key factors that make an ideal spot for the straps:

The overhang must not interfere with any other side pieces of your vehicle or car, such as windshield wipers or antennas, and it should not cause any damage if some force does pull at it (for example, strong winds).
The metal hooks should be placed in roughly even measurements between each other so that you can arrange them symmetrically.
Try to drill the hooks or holes at a downward angle, as opposed to in line with the surface of the roof. If they are parallel, it will be much easier for water to drip under your awning and onto you when it rains.

The next step is figuring out exactly how long you want your fabric or PVC tubing to be. With most roof racks, it should ideally hang down about three feet over each side of the car's bed (not including any length that hangs beyond its edge).

This gives your awnings enough cover from the sun, rain, sandstorms, etc., but not so much that it risks dragging on the ground in high winds while still fitting into your garage. You can adjust your awnings accordingly if you do not wish to use ratchet straps. The New South Wales Department of Fair Trading has a handy guide to accessory fitting, but make sure it applies to your area.

Can you mount an awning to load bars?

Yes, it is possible to install most awnings on a load bar, a cage or tray. For different types of bars, you will need to have a different method of installation. For example, if these bars are square, then you can use ratchet straps. If they are round or oval-shaped, then you will need to purchase extra tools, accessories and hardware for them in order to attach an awning.

The final step for installation is to attach all of your pieces together. This should be done by clipping each end of your fabric onto both metal hooks and tightening all four corners in place to your awning legs by using the ratchet straps.

More tension on these walls will make it easier for a windy day as sandstorms or any other large gusts of wind not to catch underneath the fabric and cause problems with your vehicle's paint job.

If you plan on using PVC tubing instead of fabric, you will need to do the opposite and attach the grommets at each corner of your tubing using a bracket. Then, proceed to tie it down on both sides using ratchet straps so that it hangs about six inches over each side of the vehicle's bed. PVC tubing is ideal for these types of projects because it does not tear easily, but fabric can be used in its place.

Then, drill a hole wherever required to install your awning to each of the bracket with secured bolts and nuts, next, you will want to make sure that all the brackets and the ratchet straps are tight enough that they do not come undone by themselves or with some moderate pressure. This way, you get to enjoy years of shade whenever necessary without worrying about the ties coming loose on their own. Just make sure to keep the awning clean and dry when stored, otherwise mould might appear.

How do you mount a 4wd awning?

When mounting make sure that your rig is up to scratch and it can hold the awning (and preferably with someone qualified to check). To guarantee your 4wd awning will be properly installed to your vehicle or car you should mount it to both of your crossbars using more awning brackets and longer bolts and nuts for extra strength; this is because mounting awnings incorrectly can have disastrous consequences. Even if your vehicle or car is strong enough for a 4wd awning there is still the possibility that it may collapse; we suggest you ask someone qualified to check before attaching an awning. To mount your 4wd awning correctly, ensure you allow enough room at the front and back for the mounted awning to spread properly when erected. Once marked, tie off using ropes or straps to secure it down tightly, as this will help prevent any recoil during high winds. If you can't tie it off properly, extend and adjust your legs to the correct height. While installing a 4wd awning to your vehicle, ensure that it is strongly mounted at both ends to the brackets with enough bolts and nuts and in the middle with mounting bolts for extra support. Tighten and secure it down using ropes or straps to prevent any recoil during high winds and if you can't tie it off properly then extend and adjust your legs to the right height. Using guy ropes and pegs can also help strengthen your awning.

What is the best type of awning for a roof rack?

There are various types of awnings available. The most common type of roof rack awning is the pop-up variety, due to its efficiency, versatility and affordability compared to most awnings.

The material, weight and cost may slightly differ from brand to brand. A custom-fitted 4wd canopy is not too expensive if you have an off road vehicle that can accommodate one securely on your roof racks.

If you don't have any crossbars with mounting channels fitted to your vehicle to mount the brackets to your rack, you will need to purchase them and additional tools and hardware kit with needed accessories before mounting your new 4WD canopy or tent; otherwise, they won't fit correctly.

Some 4WD accessories are designed for specific vehicles so make sure you know what accessories will fit properly before buying.

An off-road canopy or tent is not going to be very expensive if you have an off-roader with a roof rack that can accommodate an awning on your racks. Just make sure all the locking nuts and bolts, washers and guy ropes are tight because this will protect the awning from wind damage and other accidents while you're out camping. If you don't have roof racks, here's how to install an awning without them.

After you have securely mounted your awning to the bracket on the rack, simply roll the awning out, attach it to the poles and enjoy your beautiful canopy.