Best Side Awning (Review & Buyers Guide)

Vehicle awnings are not new as they have been deployed to protect cars from overbearing sunlight for many years.

A few decades back, we had ropes and tents which covered your vehicle, but today we have special vehicle awnings to protect your dream vehicle from wear and tear.

The primary role of a side awning is to cover your 4-wheel drive and provide you with some shade and privacy during the scorching Australian summer. 

XTM Side Awning (Cheapest Side Awning)

The XTM car side awning uses ripstop polyester fabric, which is cheap but also durable. The advantage of ripstop fabric is that it prevents the holes from getting more significant even if it tears.

It is also woven with a strong thread with a cross-hatching technique to ensure that it is more durable than other side awnings available for the vehicle.

Moreover, 170 GSM (Grams Per Square Meter) means that the product is heavier because of the heavy fabric, making the awning more reliable. BCF has also used anodized aluminum poles as they can withstand and resist excessive amounts of heat.

Many people feel that anodized aluminum is toxic, but this is just a myth. It has a high melting point and is very safe to use. The awning is also UPF50+, which means only 2% of total ultraviolet radiation can penetrate the fabric.

A UPF50+ rated fabric is safe for use as per the regulations of the Australian government. At last, BCF also provides a PVC transportation bag to help you carry the awning with ease. 

Why is it Better than Others?

Well, there is no doubt that the XTM car side awning is one of the cheapest side awnings available in the market.

The product also comes with all sorts of accessories which means you don’t have to hunt for accessories to get the product up and running.

It is cheap, safe, and easy to use, making it a first-choice side awning for your next adventure ride. 

Supa Peg Side Awning

The Supa Peg side awning is next on our list and boasts Dynaproof canvas 275 GSM. The product also offers coverage of 6.25 square meters, making it convenient for most cars and RVs (Recreational Vehicles).

One of the best advantages of using Dynaproof canvas is that it is UV-treated, and it is also breathable and protects the fabric from fungicidal and mildew attacks.

The Supa Peg ERVSE2-5L is also made entirely in Australia. The awning’s rich Dynaproof canvas is waterproof. It also protects your car from harmful UV radiation.

One of the best features of the Supa Peg ERVSE2-5L is it comes with a full mounting kit, and all the aluminum poles and tent can easily fold within the tonneau bag provided by the manufacturers.

Apart from all other features, Supa Peg ERVSE2-5L also comes with a 24-month warranty. The weight of the awning is 15 kg which means installing it all alone can be a daunting task, although manufacturers say that it is easy to mount on the roof of a car.

Why is it Better than Others?

If you are looking for a durable side awning for your 4WD, then you must go with this product. It is a bit expensive, but it is worth shopping to invest in quality over quantity.

Undoubtedly, the 275 GSM Dynaproof canvas is a great investment at the price offered by Supa Peg; therefore, you must catch the deal.

If you live in North Queensland or regions with heavy downpours, Supa Peg ERVSE2-5L offers great waterproof protection. 

Kings Side Awning

If you feel that the XTM car side awning is the best awning for your vehicle, but it is too expensive, then Adventure Kings side awning is the best alternative available in the market.

This side awning uses 170 GSM ripstop fabric, which offers UPF50+ and is waterproof. You can also find many similarities between the Adventure Kings side awning and the XTM car side awning.

One of the main differences between the awnings is that the Adventure Kings side awning is available at a comparatively lower price. 

Why is it Better than Others?

If we compare the king’s 2.5m x 2.5m awning with the XTM car awning, you might feel it is quite affordable.

Most buyers ignore that they also must purchase a separate mounting kit that can increase its price. If you are looking for a smart design, then go with this awning. 

Aventa Side Awning

There is no doubt that you are now well aware of the importance of GSM in deciding the strength of the fabric. Aventa awning from outback equipment uses 260 GSM ripstop polyester cotton.

The awning also has aluminum twist-lock poles, and it only takes one minute to set up the entire frame of the awning on the vehicle.

The product also comes with guy ropes, pegs, and velcro tabs which you only need to use during windy conditions.

Why is it Better than Others?

If we compare the Aventa awning with the XTM and Adventure Kings side awnings, then 260 GSM ripstop fabric easily outperforms XTM and Adventure Kings. You can choose an Aventa awning if you plan to increase your budget to invest in better-quality fabric slightly.

Bush Ranger Side Awning

The Bush Ranger awnings are for people who are always short on time, even during a cozy Australian family vacation. The retractable bushranger awning easily fits on any of the roof rack systems.

The Bush Ranger awning is made from 600D polycotton to ensure that it has your back during adverse conditions, providing you with the shelter you deserve.

The product also has aluminum joints to ensure that it doesn’t break during aggressive Australian wind. It comes with UPF50+ premium protection to protect your vehicle and your loved ones from UV rays and overbearing sunlight.

It is also made with a dual channel which makes the entire frame rigid, durable, and long-lasting.

One of the best features of the Bush Ranger awning is its double waterproof protection. Whereas, in products like XTM, Kings Adventure and Darche Eclipse, we can only see a single layer of waterproofing.

In addition, all the aluminum parts in the awning are anodized to resist rust.