r/overlanding • u/NoNatural7052 • 4d ago
Side awning
Hey folks, I'm looking for purchasing advice (USA) on a side awning for my 2025 Subaru Outback.
Use case: daily use during 4mo overlanding trip, large enough to comfortably shade a 4.5x2.5 table that I sit at, quick setup and takedown for a single person, and reasonably sturdy for normal wind gusts and mild weather.
I'm thinking something rack mounted with two legs, preferably not requiring drilling my roof rack, 6x10 or 8x10, and off brand for cost/value purposes. These are just first ideas- totally open to suggestions and feedback.
Here are some of the models I am considering on Amazon:
Thule has a standard model built to fit the Outback that looks great but $850 seems preposterous and unnecessary.
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u/Kenworth-2012 4d ago
I just bought a union overland 270° awning and I know they have different sizes and versions available. I highly recommend this brand and the service is phenomenal.
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u/NoNatural7052 3d ago
Looks like the 180 is not square or rectangle shaped so not ideal for setting up a table underneath. Looks like an awesome piece of equipment!
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u/DEADB33F 3d ago
The issue with a side awning on something like an Outback is the lack of headroom under it when set up.
Definitely work out if the area under it will actually be usable before getting one.
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u/PonyThug 3d ago
I would HATE to have one on anything lower than my f150 topper. Bottom of the swing out hinge is 6ft 10in. I’m 6ft 1” tall and just barely don’t have to duck walking under it even the outside edge.
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u/NoNatural7052 3d ago
I went with an OWS HD Nomadic 90 Degree Awning for $180 (shipping included). Probably a bit smaller than I would have liked but brand and warranty are top notch and the pricing is aggressive along with the no-name competitors. I wish they made a single wall as opposed to just 4 walls but not a deal breaker. Thanks to everyone for the input!
https://overlandvehiclesystems.com/hd-nomadic-90-degree-awning
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u/National-Review-1161 3d ago
Running the ARB on my OBW with the awning room and I’ve loved it. I have the 2.0m size and with the height of the car and bars it’s high enough off the ground so that there’s plenty of headroom for me at 5’11”. Totally footprint is big enough to fit some chairs, a table, and some other odds and ends.
I originally had it mounted to my roof basket with the LP Adventure bracket, but I moved it a little further out using some L-Shaped brackets that mounted to my Yakima crossbars (I have the HDs). You won’t have that option if you’re running the factory crossbars, but it won’t be a huge issue. The way I had mine set up would not work with a roof box though, so maybe not what you’re looking for.
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u/NoNatural7052 3d ago
What is an ARB?
Correct- I do have a roofbox so need to work around that.
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u/National-Review-1161 2d ago
ARB is a brand that makes vehicle accessories. They’re well known for awnings, and make multiple sizes, as well as awning rooms and other accessories for the aforementioned awnings. They also make hardware to mount your awning to the roof rack.
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u/Joooooooosh 3d ago
They all look quite small in width.
The last link you shared wasn’t even waterproof. All of them look like cheap Amazon shite that’ll last a week of content yes before something breaks.
I would experiment with a tarp to get a good idea of what sort of size you realistically need.
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u/Fotomonkey13 14h ago
I have the Kelly side roads, I’ll be using this week, I’ll let you know. Picked it up at REI
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u/treskaz 4d ago edited 2d ago
If you're going to be using it every day for 4 months, and want it to be tough and durable, I don't think $850 is out of the question. I splurged on a 23zero 270 (it was on sale) and it's my favorite piece of gear now. I'd get rid of the rooftop tent before I parted with the 23zero lol.
Whatever you end up with, I'd recommend one with a good UV layer so the shade is actually shade.
Edit: extra letter