Can I fit an awning to my vehicle?

It really depends on the type of vehicle but the rule of thumb is if you can fit roof bars or a roof rack to your car then you can mount an awning to your vehicle. Our awnings weigh from 15kg to 25kg depending on the size. You will need to check your vehicle’s roof or roof bars maximum weight limit but most vehicle roofs will easily cope with an awning. 

Roof bars on the roof of a car in the UK.

Where can I get roof bars?

You can pick up roof bars or a roof rack for your vehicle from various places, most well known reseller in the UK is Halfords and they offer a service to fit them as well.

Another option is a great online company that offers a large range for any vehicle is The Roof Box Company. They have a great look-up tool for your vehicle and list all the options for your vehicle.

Choosing the right roof rack.

If you are going to buy roof bars, then there are normally 2 options, Steel or Aluminium bars. Steel bars are good and normally cheaper but will require drilling and fixing. The type of bar that works the best is the aluminium bar with a channel in the top, also known as a T-track.

We supply fixings with our awnings that will slide straight into this channel for easy mounting and removing. This channel is also great for use of other accessories like ski, canoe, bikes racks, etc.

There are two different types of bars you can purchase, firstly, the aero bar, shown in the picture above. And secondly, the wing bar which looks more like an airplane wing. Both bar types have their benefits and you can find more information about them here.

Large side awning close up of the back and side poles.
Car roof rack awning fitted with t bolts in the UK.

Fitting an awning to your vehicle.

All our awnings come equipped with a full fitting kit (bolts, brackets, even tools) and detailed instructions on how to fit onto your vehicle.

All requirements vary and the awning can be mounted at any 2 points along its length due to the continuous twin channels on the back. So just measure how long your vehicle is and order accordingly.

See our article about awning size suggestions for vehicles for help with picking the correct length awning for your car or truck.

How does an awning fix to my vehicle?

Vehicle awnings FAQs

You’ve got questions, we got the answers. If you can’t find the specific answer you’re looking for then contact us at support@tentandtrail.com and we will be happy to talk through any questions you may have.

Yes. All our awnings come with 100% waterproof heavy-duty 420D Polyester Oxford canvas. This canvas is UV and mould-resistant, making your awning look good and last longer in any kind of weather. 

Other materials used on the awning are aluminium for the frame and legs with stainless steel fixings, so no need to worry about rust.

Yes, but it is important to position your awning with a run-off to the side of the awning canopy. This is achieved by lowering one of the front legs lower than the other which will prevent heavy rainfall from pooling on the canvas. In extreme weather situations, we recommend taking down your awning and packing it away to prevent damage.

Side awning heavy rain position to prevent pooling on the canvas.

Our awnings come equipped with full vehicle fitting kits (bolts, brackets, even tools) and detailed instructions. All our fixings are made from premium stainless steel 304-grade metal. This is to prevent corrosion/rust and provide added strength. For more information and pictures see our setup and install guide for attaching a side awning to your car.

We also provide a fitting service with the purchase of any of our products, please contact support@tentantrail.com for more details.

All of our products, roof tents and awnings have a 2-year warranty, for any manufacturing defects that might occur. In the unlikelihood of any issues or defects please contact us at support@tentandtrail.com and we will be on hand to help.

Please see our warranty policy page for more details.

We’ve got you covered.

We know that accidents can happen but there’s no need to worry if your awning gets broken. A number of spares for all our products are available, to keep you on the road. Simply get in contact with us at support@tentandtrail.com and tell us what you require.

Free shipping service is available to the vast majority of UK customers. However, certain UK postcodes do not qualify for our free shipping service and customers in these areas may be required to pay a supplementary delivery fee. The current free shipping exclusion zones include postcodes in the following areas: Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Consequently, if your postcode falls within one of the free shipping exclusion zone(s), please email support@tentandtrail.com confirming your full address details and we will be in touch with a quote for delivery. We can also arrange delivery to Europe – please contact us for a quotation.

Vehicle access restrictions to your property may mean additional costs or delivery failure. If you are concerned this may apply to you, then please be sure to email us before you complete your order at checkout.

Ready to look to pick your awning?

Awnings will fit any vehicle not just a 4×4.