Flooding downpours, blazing sunshine – few things are a bigger threat to the enjoyment of an outdoor getaway. The ARB Awning easily bolts onto any four-wheel-drive so shelter is always at hand.

With side awnings, rear awnings, wing awnings and freestanding awnings to choose from picking one can be tricky business.

So where to start? We choose quality first every time. With some care, an awning should last for a solid period of use. For many, this is over many years and even numerous vehicles. Whilst many awnings may appear similar, the quality brands are alike in that they are built from the highest quality materials.

ARB’s awnings are protected by a bash proof PVC bag and have reinforced aluminium poles. The awning itself is sewn from PU coated 300gsm poly/cotton ripstop canvas. It’s a waterproof material and the joins are seam-sealed to prevent drips. Importantly they are also UVP 50+ rated.

The 2.5m x 2.5m and 2.0m x 2.5m options are perfect for the side of most vehicles the 1.25m x 2.1m option is a popular choice for those chasing rear coverage that can be quickly deployed.

Our Prado has the 2.5m x 2.5m mounted. We managed to mount this on the underside of our crossbars which leaves the top of the bars clear for canoes, kayaks, surfboards and other gear.

The low profile of this awning also makes it useful for ducking under low trees off-road as well as squeezing into city carparks. It’s also relatively light compared to some other options which mean it’s not a big contributor to our Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) total.

For those new, to the ARB Awning, they are a breeze to set up. Once the cover is unzipped the awning rolls out. Two horizontal arms then swing out and extend from roof level to hold the far edge of the awning out and the awning itself taught. The legs then swing down from this far edge and extend to the ground. Once the angle is adjusted for drainage or to deflect the breeze simply peg it down. In sand, it’s worth getting hold of sand screws to use as bombproof anchors.

The ARB Wind Breaks are a handy accessory. Sheltering any, or all, of the open edges they provide protection from the wind, sideways rain as well as additional shade.

Whether it’s a big down the beach or the skies open from above it usually doesn’t take long for an awning to become a prized possession.

  • Kaymar Rear Bar Toyota 76 Series LandCruiser

    Kaymar Rear Bar

    I recently switched to a Kaymar rear bar on my 76 Series LandCruiser, and in this piece, I share why I changed and my thoughts on the new bar. When...

    Kaymar Rear Bar

    I recently switched to a Kaymar rear bar on my 76 Series LandCruiser, and in this piece, I share why I changed and my thoughts on the new bar. When...

  • Madigan Line

    Madigan Line

    The Madigan Line ended up on my bucket list after my first Simpson Desert trip with Gen. We had headed down the Hay River Track to Birdsville and then back...

    Madigan Line

    The Madigan Line ended up on my bucket list after my first Simpson Desert trip with Gen. We had headed down the Hay River Track to Birdsville and then back...

  • Anne Beadell Highway

    Anne Beadell Highway

    On a whim, I decided I needed some desert time. I had my eye on the Madigan Line in the Simpson Desert and settled on the Anne Beadell Highway as...

    Anne Beadell Highway

    On a whim, I decided I needed some desert time. I had my eye on the Madigan Line in the Simpson Desert and settled on the Anne Beadell Highway as...

1 of 3