Car awnings can be a game-changer for outdoor adventures, whether camping, off-roading, or embarking on a scenic road trip. These handy additions provide quick and easy shelter, allowing you to create a versatile outdoor living space wherever your travels take you. But why stop at the basic setup? Customising your conventional car awning can take your outdoor experience to the next level, ensuring that it meets your needs and style.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can transform your vehicle with awnings and provide customisation tips to ensure your vehicle awning is something that fits your idea of adventure. From design ideas to functionality tweaks, here’s everything you need to know to make your car awning work best for you.
Why Choose a Car Awning?
Before diving into the customisation options, let’s quickly recap why investing in a car awning is smart. A vehicle awning extends off the side of your car, SUV, or 4WD vehicle, offering a shaded area where you can relax, cook, or even sleep during your outdoor escapades. It’s perfect for those who want to explore nature while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Whether you’re looking for protection from the sun or shelter from the rain, a rooftop awning creates a quick, portable shelter that can be set up within minutes. Plus, it can be easily folded down and stowed when you’re on the move.
Pro Tip: A 4wd awning is handy for off-road adventurers camped in rugged, remote locations. With a sturdy car awning, you can quickly create a basecamp that keeps you comfortable, no matter the weather conditions.
Customising Your Car Awning
Now, onto the fun part—customising your car awning! Whether you’re looking for added functionality or want to give your vehicle a bit more flair, there are plenty of ways to make your awning uniquely yours.
1. Choose the Right Material for Your Environment
The first step to customising your car awning is selecting a suitable material. Most vehicle awnings are made from materials like ripstop polyester or canvas. Ripstop polyester is lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to UV damage, making it ideal for those who frequently travel in hot or rainy climates. Canvas is more durable and better suited for rugged, off-road conditions, making it a popular choice for 4wd awnings.
If you plan to use your rooftop awning primarily in sunny conditions, consider a material with added UV protection. On the other hand, waterproof and wind-resistant fabrics are a must if you’re facing a lot of wind or rain.
2. Add Sidewalls for Extra Protection
While most car awnings have just a top cover, adding sidewalls can make your shelter even more functional. Sidewalls offer additional protection from the elements, especially when dealing with windy or rainy conditions. They also give you added privacy, which is excellent if camping in a more public location.
You can choose from various sidewall options, from solid canvas walls to mesh panels that allow for ventilation while keeping bugs out. Some customisable vehicle awnings will enable you to add multiple sidewalls, creating an enclosed space perfect for changing clothes, storing gear, or even setting up a temporary dining area.
3. Upgrade Your Awning with Lighting
Adding integrated lighting is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your car awning. LED lights can be installed along the edges of the awning, providing ambient lighting for your outdoor living area. This is particularly useful for those nights when you want to relax outside without relying on harsh flashlights or lanterns. For a more high-tech option, you can even install solar-powered lights that charge during the day and illuminate your space at night, offering functionality and sustainability.
Pro Tip: Ensure your lighting setup is waterproof and designed for outdoor use, especially if you’re adding lights to a 4WD awning exposed to varying weather conditions.
4. Personalise with Custom Colours and Designs
Who says your car awning has to be boring? Many manufacturers offer vehicle awnings in various colours and patterns, allowing you to customise the look of your awning to match your vehicle or personal style.
Some companies even offer custom printing options for those who love branding or want a unique look. Whether it’s your company logo, a favourite quote, or an excellent design, you can make your car awning genuinely one-of-a-kind.
5. Install Additional Storage Solutions
Storage space is always premium when you’re out on an adventure. Why not incorporate extra storage into your car awning setup? Some vehicle rooftop awnings offer pockets or hanging organisers that can be attached to the underside, giving you a place to store small items like utensils, gear, or books.
Consider installing an overlanding storage system that integrates with your car awning for a more extensive solution. This is particularly useful for longer trips where organisation is critical.
6. Opt for a Retractable or Swing-Out Awning
While standard car awnings fold out from the side of your vehicle, retractable or swing-out awnings offer extra convenience. Retractable rooftop awnings can be easily extended or retracted with a button, making setup and takedown a breeze.
Swing-out 4wd awnings pivot from the side or back of your vehicle, offering more flexibility in arranging your outdoor space. These awnings can cover a larger area, creating a wraparound effect that maximises your shelter options.
7. Incorporate Weatherproof Flooring
Add weatherproof flooring to your car awning to enhance your outdoor living area. A durable, water-resistant floor mat can help define the space and provide extra comfort, especially if camping on rocky or uneven ground. If you add detachable sidewalls, flooring can help create a fully enclosed room—perfect for protecting your gear or keeping things clean.
Or you can also go with an awning room! An awning room attaches directly to your rooftop awning, creating a fully enclosed space with walls, a floor, and even windows. This is great for those who need extra sleeping space or want to keep their cooking area separate from their sleeping quarters.
Conclusion
Customising your car awning opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to transform your vehicle into a comfortable, functional, and personalised outdoor living space. From practical upgrades like sidewalls and storage solutions to aesthetic customisation options like colours and designs, there are countless ways to make your vehicle awning unique to your adventures.
Whether heading into the mountains, camping by the beach, or setting up the base for an off-road trip, a customised car awning will ensure you have everything you need to enjoy your time outdoors in style and comfort.
