Need your awning fitted?
We can set up and install your awning at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
The simplest and most secure way to attach a side awning to your vehicle is by fixing it to your roof rack or roof bars. This method allows you to mount your awning alongside other essential items, such as a roof tent, roof box, or bike racks, making the most of your vehicle’s roof space.
Our awning kits come with easy-to-use slide-in ‘T-bolts’ designed to fit into the channel on most aluminium roof bars. This feature allows for quick and easy installation, so you can get your awning set up without hassle. If your vehicle uses a roof rack or non-channelled bars, you may need to drill and bolt the awning to ensure a secure fit. While this adds a bit of extra effort, it ensures that your vehicle awning stays firmly in place, even in challenging weather conditions.
Before mounting your awning, it’s important to check your vehicle’s roof weight limit to ensure it can handle the extra load. Most vehicles are designed to easily support the weight of an awning, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Attaching a vehicle awning is a straightforward process when using cross bars or a roof rack. Both options are easily available, and each has its own set of benefits depending on your specific needs. Roof bars are typically the most popular and convenient option for attaching a side awning or roof tent. They are widely available, and if you’re based in the UK, Halfords is a well-known retailer that sells roof bars and even offers a fitting service to make the process even easier. Roof bars are also compatible with many accessories, from bike racks to roof boxes.
Alternatively, roof racks provide additional stability and versatility. The Roof Box Company is an excellent online retailer that offers a vast range of roof racks and bars for virtually any vehicle. Their helpful lookup tool ensures you can easily find the right option for your car, truck, or van.
Roof bars are a common accessory for many vehicle owners and are widely available to suit most cars. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there are different types of roof bars that mount to your car roof in various ways:
1. Rain Gutter – Older vehicles typically have a rain gutter surrounding the roofline. Rain gutter roof bars mount directly to this gutter, providing a secure way to attach roof bars or racks.
2. Bare Roof – Modern vehicles that don’t have gutters rely on bare-roof roof bars. These are attached by fixing hooks to the top of the door frames, which allows for a sturdy fit without the need for gutters. This type of installation is commonly found on newer cars.
3. Fixed Point – Some vehicles are designed with fixed points for roof racks. These vehicles have reinforced lugs or pre-threaded holes in the roof, where aftermarket roof bars can be directly attached. Fixed-point roof bars provide a strong and secure mounting point.
4. Side Rails – Vehicles with side rails have rails running along the roof from front to back. These can be either flush to the roof or raised off the roof. Roof bars attach to these side rails, offering an excellent mounting system for a variety of roof-mounted accessories, including roof top tents and vehicle awnings.
A roof rack is a metal framework fixed to the top of a vehicle, designed for carrying large or heavy items. Although less common than roof bars, roof racks offer a more robust and spacious option for transporting large gear, such as bicycles, kayaks, or heavy-duty camping equipment. They provide increased strength and support compared to individual roof bars, making them ideal for those who need to carry bulky or heavy items.
Roof racks are typically installed in a similar manner to roof bars but are larger and more structured, forming a full framework across the roof of your vehicle. Because of their size and weight, roof racks usually require two strong adults to install, and caution is advised to prevent scratches on your vehicle’s paintwork during the process.
When installing roof bars or a roof rack to your vehicle, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure proper attachment. Proper installation will ensure that your side awning or roof tent remains securely mounted during your camping adventures.
By understanding the different types of roof bars/racks and the mounting options available, you can easily find the right solution for attaching your vehicle awning, roof top tent, or any other camping gear.
We can set up and install your awning at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
Attaching your vehicle awning to channelled roof bars is a simple process that can be done quickly with the right tools and equipment. When you purchase one of our awnings, you’ll find it comes with everything you need for a smooth installation:
If your roof bars don’t have a channel, don’t worry! It’s still possible to mount the awning with a bit more effort. For non-channelled roof bars, you will need to drill holes for the awning brackets. Use the provided brackets as templates to mark the locations for drilling holes in your roof bars.
We also provide clamping plates and bolts as part of the kit, which can be used for secure mounting if they suit your setup.
When attaching a vehicle awning to your roof rack, you may need to drill holes to secure the awning in place, depending on the type of rack you have. This process ensures a more permanent and secure attachment, giving you peace of mind when you’re out on the road.
Check with the manufacturer before drilling, always consult your roof rack’s manufacturer to confirm whether drilling is necessary for your specific model. It’s important to follow their guidance to ensure you’re using the best attachment method.
Marking the drilling locations – If your roof rack doesn’t come with built-in accessories for awning attachment, you will need to drill holes for the awning brackets. We provide you with brackets that you can use as templates to mark the exact locations where holes need to be drilled on your roof rack.
We also include clamping plates and bolts in your kit. These components can be used if they are suitable for your roof rack setup, offering an alternative mounting method that ensures the awning stays firmly attached.
Find out more about our Tent & Trail side awnings for vehicles. Instant shade or shelter. Free delivery to mainland UK.
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 are crafted with 100% waterproof Ripstop Polyester Oxford fabric. This premium-grade fabric is not only waterproof but also UV and mould-resistant, ensuring your awning stays in excellent condition and looks great, no matter the weather.
The awning’s frame and legs are constructed from sturdy aluminium, while the fixings are made of rust-proof stainless steel. This combination guarantees long-lasting durability and reliable performance, giving you peace of mind during every adventure.
Designed for both style and functionality, our awnings are built to handle the unpredictable UK weather while offering you reliable shelter on all your outdoor journeys.
Yes, our vehicle awnings are designed to handle rain, but it’s crucial to position the awning correctly to ensure water runs off effectively. To prevent heavy rainfall from pooling on the canopy fabric, lower one of the front legs slightly more than the other. This simple adjustment allows rainwater to run off the front side of the awning canopy, protecting it from potential damage caused by pooling.
However, in extreme weather conditions, we highly recommend taking down your awning and packing it away. This precaution helps prevent unnecessary strain or damage to your awning, ensuring it stays in top condition for your next adventure.
Our vehicle awnings are designed for effortless installation and come with a complete fitting kit, including bolts, brackets, and even tools, to make the process as simple as possible. To ensure long-lasting performance, all fixings are crafted from premium stainless steel 304-grade metal, providing exceptional resistance to corrosion and rust while adding extra durability and strength.
For step-by-step guidance, check out our comprehensive setup and install guide for attaching a side awning to your car, complete with helpful pictures to make the process smooth and straightforward.
Need a hand with installation? We’ve got you covered! We offer a professional fitting service with the purchase of any of our products. Simply contact us at support@tentantrail.com, and our team will be happy to assist you in getting your awning securely and correctly installed.
We’ve got you covered.
At Tent & Trail, we understand that accidents can happen during your adventures, but there’s no need to stress about your roof tent or vehicle awning. We stock a wide range of spare parts for all our products, including travel covers, window rods, brackets, and fixings, to ensure you stay on the road and keep your roof tent camping experience seamless.
If you need a replacement part, simply contact us with the details of what you require, and our team will get back to you promptly to help you get back to exploring.
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.
Awnings will fit any vehicle, not just a 4×4.