The Best 4WD Awnings in Australia for 2023

A high-quality awning is one of the best 4WD accessories to improve your camping experience. However, awnings come in a wide range of sizes and designs which can make it challenging to figure out which is best for your needs.

To help you in your search, we’ve rounded up some of the sturdiest, most reliable, and user-friendly awnings available in Australia. We’ve assessed these awnings against a range of important criteria including material, weight, and water rating so you can find the best 4wd awning for your next adventure.

The Best Side Awnings

Top Pick: Darche Eclipse Slimline Awning

Our pick for the best 4WD awning is the Darche Eclipse Slimline Awning. This is the upgraded version of the popular Eclipse Awning and now has a slimline profile to reduce weight and wind resistance.

The awning uses high-quality PU coated, 320gsm polycotton ripstop canvas and boasts a 1500mm water head rating. This durable ripstop material is one of the highest quality canvas’ on our list and yet the Eclipse Slimline only weighs 12.5kg.

One of the other main updates is the black anodized aluminium poles which help to save space when packing the awning away. This pull out awning is easy to install and uses tough, flexible hinges (as seen on previous versions).

Darche 4WD awnings have a reputation for being built strong and the 1000D transit cover helps to keep the Eclipse Slimline protected in between uses.

Best Value: Kings Side Awning

Adventure Kings make the best value awnings on the Australian market. While Kings awnings come in a range of sizes and styles, here we are reviewing the popular 2×2.5m side awning.

Even though this is one of the cheapest 4WD awnings on the market, it comes with a range of features and offers excellent value for money. This versatile awning is quick to set up and although the 170gsm ripstop polyester is lighter than many competitor brands, it is still rated UPF 50+ and is completely waterproof.

One of the features that help to make the Kings side awning more user friendly is the dual-channel design for easily folding the awning away.

Unfortunately, the Adventure Kings awnings don’t come with the mounting brackets and parts included but they can be mounted to most roof racks. They also come in a reinforced PVC bag so are well protected when in transit.

Lightweight Pick: Rhino-Rack Sunseeker Awning

The Rhino-Rack Sunseeker is one of the lightest awnings on our list. It is also one of the smaller options with a total of 4sqm shade coverage. This may not be enough space for all needs but is ideal for smaller vehicles.

This awning is made from heavy 210D R/S canvas that has a 2000mm water-resistant rating. It also comes with a heavy-duty 540gsm PVC bag and one thing that makes the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker stand out compared to other brands is the heavy-duty pegs.

This awning fits all Rhino-Rack roof bars as well as all Thule roof racks and has universal fitting brackets to fit most other brand bars. The installation is straightforward.

Even though this is a smaller, lower-cost awning, all of the Rhino-Rack accessories such as the Sunseeker awning extension. Rhino-Rack is known for its high-quality roof racks and accessories, this awning lives up to that reputation.

Self-Standing: Supa Peg Stand Easy ERV Awning

The Supa Peg awning is high-quality and is one of the only self-standing awnings on this list. This means no ropes are needed making the awning quick to set up and put away.

We love that the Supa Peg range is Australian made, this is ideal for customer service needs as well as getting hold of spare parts when needed.

Something else that makes the Stand Easy ERV different is the awning fabric used. The UV treated 275gsm Dynaproof canvas is 100% Blockout and offers more breathability than PVC ripstop awnings. It is also mould resistant and remains reliable in extreme weather conditions.

The final feature worth highlighting is the unique leg and pin design, which is very durable and makes set up easy. In addition, the crossover pins help to secure the legs to keep them in place during windy weather.

User-Friendly: Bushranger Awning

One of the lighter awning options is the Bushranger 2 x 2.5m awning. This weighs just 10kg making it the second lightest on our list (alongside the Rhino-Rack Sunseeker).

One of the features that help the Bushranger save weight is the PE composite joints, these are lightweight and offer 180-degree flexibility. The PU coated polyester canvas has an impressive 3000mm waterproof rating, making it the highest-rated awning on the list.

This awning fits with most roof racks and roof bars. It has a twin channel design similar to the design seen on the Kings awning.

The twist locks on the telescopic poles make them easy to use and the heavy-duty storage bag also boasts a couple of user-friendly features including the velcro straps to hold the awning in place and the double zip to hold the awning securely and keep it well protected.

Versatile: Eezi-Awn Swift Awning

The Eezi-Awn Swift Awning is one of the smaller models in the Eezi-Awn Series and is a step down from the larger Manta 270 awning. This awning has a hinged rafter arm design which makes it much faster and easier for someone to put the awning up alone.

The Swift can be left free-standing when there is no wind thanks to the self-supporting arms. If it’s windy, stake the feet into the ground in an X pattern to hold the legs in position.

The frame is full aluminium and the legs are height adjustable. The Eezi-Awn is a good choice for use in wind and varied weather conditions. Although this awning is more expensive it is made from high-end material and offers great features that make the price justified.

The Eezi-Awn Swift can be used without its legs deployed which is convenient for quick picnic stops and for using the awning when dogs or kids are running around.

Budget Option: Hulk 4X4 Pull Out Awning

Another low-cost awning option is the Hulk 4×4. This awning uses a 280gsm polyester material and uses alloy hinge knuckles and alloy awning poles for durability.

This awning uses a dual pole channel system for ease of use and the outer cover uses zips to store the awning securely in between uses.

This awning doesn’t have a waterproof rating and doesn’t have the weight listed which can make it difficult to decide if this is the right option for your vehicle and trip. However, it is durable, low-cost and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Side Awning Comparison Table

Awning	Our Verdict	Position	Size	Weight	Material	Water Rating	Poles	Carry Bag	Warranty
Darche Eclipse Slimline	Top Pick	Side	2.5 x 2.5m	12.5kg	320gsm Poly-cotton Canvas	1500mm	Anodized Aluminium	1000D PVC	1 year
Rhino-Rack Sunseeker	Lightweight Pick	Side	2 x 2m	10kg	210D R/S Canvas	2000mm	Anodized Aluminium	540gsm PVC	1 year
Supa Peg Stand Easy ERV	Self-Standing	Side	2.5 x 2.5m	15kg	275gsm Dynaproof Canvas	Not listed	Aluminium	Tonneau	2 years
Kings	Best Value	Side	2 x 2.5m	8.97kg	170gsm Polyester	100% waterproof	Anodized Alloy	1000D PVC	1 year
Bushranger	User-friendly	Side	2 x 2.5m	10kg	600D Polyester Canvas	3000mm	Anodized Aluminium	1200D PVC	2 years
Eezi-Awn Swift	Versatile	Side	2.2 x 2.1m	12kg	260gsm Ripstop Canvas	Not listed	Aluminium	PVC	Not Listed
Hulk 4×4	Budget Option	Side	2 x 2.5m	Not Listed	280gsm Polyester	Not listed	Anodized Alloy	N/A	1 year

The Best 270 Awnings

Top Pick: Darche Eclipse 270 Awning Generation II

This is the second generation of the popular Eclipse 270. It now comes with several upgrades including a better 320gsm polycotton canvas, compared to the previous 260gsm, and new alloy rafters as well as an aluminium hinge system.

The adjustment in the metal hinges and rafters have helped to reduce the overall weight of the awning, although it still weighs a considerable 21.8kg.

One of the key features of the Eclipse 270 is the ability to attach side walls as either a windbreak or an awning extension. This awning comes with mounting brackets included and these brackets work with most roof racks, although Rhino and Whisper bars require separate mounting hardware.

The Eclipse is different from other 270 awnings as it has hinges on both sides and offers large coverage. It is also semi-designed to be able to stand without support although it should be pegged down to prevent accidents caused by gusts of wind.

Despite the large size, this awning can be set up by one person. The second-generation Eclipse awning is stronger, lighter and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Runner Up: Rhino Rack Batwing Awning

The Rhino Rack Batwing is a new awning on the Australian market and offers 11sqm of coverage which is slightly more than most of the 270-degree 4WD awnings listed. Although this is a new awning it is compatible with old awning accessories which is great for those looking to upgrade their awning but continue using existing accessories.

The Rhino Rack Batwing Awning uses heavy-duty 210D polycotton canvas with a UPF 50+ sun protection rating. Although it is large in size and weighs 21.5kg, once mounted onto the vehicle it can be set up or put away by one person.

One of the features we like about this awning is that the awning legs can be packed away either fully extended or at a pre-set length to suit your vehicle. Keeping them at the length needed for your vehicle makes setting up much more convenient for the next use.

This awning is a reliable and heavy-duty option and it comes with a tough PVC bag for protection in between uses. With that said, the plastic hinges offer an element of flexibility but they aren’t quite as durable as steel hinges.

Compact: Eezi-Awn Bat Awning

The larger of the Eezi-Awn range is the Eezi-Awn Bat Awning. This awning has a full aluminium frame.

A key feature of this awning is the impressive compact design. The legs are built into the arms so once the arms of the awning are folded out the legs can be unclipped and folded out too. This is a space-saving design that also helps to prevent damage to the legs during transit.

The Eezi-Awn Bat Awning comes with an installation kit that works with most roof racks. It also has height adjustable legs to suit different height requirements.

Best Value: Kings 270° Wing Awning 

The largest awning on our list is the Kings 270 as it provides a shelter of 14 square meters. This impressive shelter is also 100% waterproof and rated UPF 50+.

Although the awning has a stated quick and easy setup time of 2 minutes, it is likely to take longer especially as you get to grips with the system. However, the integrated poles and additional support leg and poles help to keep this awning sturdy in all weather.

This roof rack awning uses alloy poles and plastic knuckles. Although heavy-duty alloy knuckles would’ve been better, the plastic fittings do create a good blend of strength and movement. Each of the awning legs has a pivoting foot which helps ensure the awning is properly pegged down on any terrain.

This is one of the best value options and it has an updated design that means there is a 2.5m straight section to help offer maximum shade.

Overall this awning is large, stable, and versatile. Due to its large size, it is best suited to use with full-length roof racks and crossbars.

Great for Families: Oztent Foxwing 270 Awning Series II

The latest awning in the Oztent Foxwing Series, this is the second generation featuring upgraded features including 270-degrees of UV protection.

Key updates on this model include a new black cover and upgraded accessories. The awning has zips on all sides for mounting accessories and comes with a fitting kit that works with most rack types.

One of the features we haven’t seen on the other awnings is integrated toggles for LED lights or attaching an LED light strip. This is a small detail that is appreciated when using the awning in the evenings and early mornings.

The Oztent Foxwing 270 Series II also comes with a range of safety features including reflective guy ropes and a CPAI-84 fire-resistant rating. It is also one of the lighter 270 models on our list at 19kg.

This awning can be set up easily by one person and the aluminum poles can be adjusted as needed. Another feature we love is the continuous external skirting which is effective in protecting against rain.

Budget Option: XTM 4×4 270° Awning

The final 270-degree awning on our list is the low-cost yet reliable XTM 4×4.

XTM awnings are a popular choice for those wanting to keep within a budget. The 280gsm polycotton canvas is of excellent quality and comes with a 1500mm water rating so can handle rain showers.

This shade awning is also UPF50+ rated so you can rely on it to provide protection from the sun.

This 4WD awning uses heavy-duty aluminium poles and comes with a heavy-duty PVC bag for storage. Overall, this is an affordable option that remains good quality.

270 Awning Comparison Table

Awning	Our Verdict	Position	Size	Weight	Material	Water Rating	Poles	Carry Bag	Warranty
Darche Eclipse 270	Top Pick	270°	6 x 4 x 2.1m	21.8kg	320gsm Polycotton Canvas	1500mm	Alloy Telescopic	600gsm PVC	3 years
Rhino-Rack Batwing	Runner Up	270°	2.5 x 2.5 x 2.3m	21.5kg	210D Polycotton Canvas	2000mm	Not Listed	580gsm PVC	1 year
Eezi-Awn Bat	Compact	270°	2.3 x 2.1 x 2m	21kg	280gsm Canvas	Not listed	Aluminium	PVC	Not Listed
Oztent Foxwing	Great for Families	270°	240cm radius	19kg	ModCan Ripstop Polyester	Not listed	Aluminium	N/A	2 years
Kings Wing	Excellent Value	270°	2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5m	24kg	170gsm Polycotton Canvas	100% waterproof	Alloy	1000D PVC	1 year
XTM 4×4	Budget Option	270°	2.5m	Not Listed	280gsm Polycotton Canvas	1500mm	Aluminium	1000D PVC	Not Listed

Awning Buying Guide

A 4WD awning provides valuable shelter from the relentless sun, downpours of rain and even strong wind.

An awning may look simple on the surface but there are several important factors to consider so you can make sure you buy one that is reliable, built to last, and suits your specific needs.

Use this buying guide to help you find the right awning for your vehicle and requirements.

Type of Awning

The most commonly used awnings are side awnings. These are often considered the most practical and the easiest to use. A side awning mounts to the side of a roof rack and provides lots of sheltered space.

A rear awning is mounted on the roof bars/roof rack at the rear of the vehicle. As a rear awning is smaller than a side awning many people decide to add a rear awning when they already have a side one to give their camp more shade and space options. Having a rear awning on its own is often not enough.

A 270-degree awning spans around the sides and rear of the vehicle. These awnings unfold with a hinge system to make them easy for one person to set up.

Size & Coverage

The size of the awning determines how much shade it is going to provide. There are various awning sizes to choose from so you will be able to find an awning that suits your requirements. As a rough guide:

Side awnings tend to provide 2 – 2.5 square meters of shade coverage. A rear awning is considerably smaller and offers less shade than a side awning.

270-degree awnings tend to provide 11 – 11.5 square meters of shade coverage.

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Weight

The weight of the awning will be an important factor to consider as all vehicles have a max weight they can carry on the roof. While an awning alone won’t overload the roof, having the awning alongside several other items on the roof could become an issue if you don’t keep an eye on the weights.

Awnings tend to weigh between 9kg (smaller side awnings) and 27kg (larger 270-degree awnings). In general, the larger the awning is the more it weighs.

If you have a rooftop tent or you are using the roof for storage plus attaching side and rear awnings then it is important to be aware of the weight limit of your vehicle’s roof. This resource can help with figuring out weight ratings to avoid overloading your vehicle.

Materials

Canvas is often used as the go-to material for a 4wd awning. This is because it is durable, long-lasting and is available in different weights.

When looking at the awning material used, also look at the gsm (grams per square meter) and the D (denier) of the fabrics. This helps to give an idea of the thickness and overall durability of the material.

Polycotton canvas of around 300gsm offers a good balance between sturdiness and weight. The material should also be UV-resistant with a UV protection rating.

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Build Quality & Construction

The best awnings are easy to set up and pack away, they come with a durable storage bag, telescopic legs and strong canvas.

Take a look at the components of the awning. Some brands use plastic, which is more flexible but doesn’t last as long, while others use metal to provide stronger support.

Accessories

Some vehicle awnings come with accessories such as LED lighting, as well as the ability to attach awning extensions and mosquito nets. If you are going to be using your 4WD awning a lot, then these details can help make your life easier and more comfortable during longer camp stays.

Warranty & Support

One of the other considerations when comparing vehicle awnings is the after-sales support. Most awnings come with a warranty and, depending on the brand, this ranges from 1 – 3+ years. It is important to buy a 4WD awning from a reputable brand and ideally a brand that is either Australia-based so replacement parts and other support is within easy reach.

Awning FAQ

Featured Image: Kings