Need your side awning fitted?
We can set up and install your side awning at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
We’ve put together this helpful step-by-step guide to walk you through installing your 270° side awning. While printed instructions are included with your awning, we wanted to show just how quick and straightforward the setup really is.
This guide focuses on installation to roof racks, as that’s the most common setup for our customers. Depending on your rack system, you may need to purchase additional mounting hardware from your rack manufacturer. If you’re fitting the awning to standard roof bars, you’ll need T-bolts or specific mounting hardware to mount to our awning brackets for a secure fit. Ready to get started?
Our 270° side awnings are straightforward to install, but the exact process can vary depending on the type of roof rack or bars you’re fitting to. In some cases, you may need additional hardware specific to your setup. If you’re unsure what you need, our team is here to help — just drop us a line at support@tentandtrail.com.
Scroll down to follow our step-by-step installation and setup guide.
Start by carefully unboxing your 270 side awning.
Tip: If you’re using a knife or box cutter to open the packaging, take extra care to avoid slicing too deeply, you don’t want to damage the awning or the cover accidentally.
Here’s how to safely unpack your awning:
Lay the box flat on the ground with the top half of the box facing up.
Cut and remove the straps securing the box.
Lift off the top half of the cardboard box and set it aside.
With assistance if needed, carefully lift the awning out of the bottom half of the box and place it on a clean, flat surface.
Now you’re ready to move on to the next step.
With your awning resting securely on its base, it’s time to open it briefly and remove the internal components:
1. Unzip the awning cover
With the awning out of its packaging, unzip the cover and reveal the awning and components.
2. Remove internal components
Carefully take out all internal items:
2 x Awning brackets
Small black bags (containing the rest of the components)
3. Close and Re-zip
Once all components are removed, place the cover back over the awning and zip up the cover to keep it secure for mounting.
Our 270° awning comes with universal-fit brackets designed to work with most roof racks and roof bars. Some systems may require additional mounting hardware from the supplier.
When positioning your brackets, space them evenly along the length of the awning to provide strong, balanced support when the awning is in use.
Important: Always check your vehicle’s roof load limits before installation.
Choose a mounting position where you can achieve solid, secure fixings.
Use the bracket as a template to mark and drill the holes (8.5mm–9mm).
Confirm that your roof bars are compatible. Some roof bars may need extra hardware or drilled holes to fit the brackets.
If your roof bars have T-slots, you can use T-slot hardware (purchased separately) for a clean and secure fit.
We recommend using at least 3-4 fixings per bracket for maximum strength and stability.
Now that your brackets are in position on the roof rack or bars, it’s time to mount the awning.
Tip: This step is much easier with two people, grab a friend to help lift the awning into place.
Slide the provided M8 bolts into the aluminium mounting rail on the back of the awning.
With your helper, carefully lift the awning into position alongside the vehicle.
Line up the awning’s mounting channel with the fitted brackets.
Secure the awning using the supplied washers and nylon nuts. Tighten with a 13mm spanner to 22nm torque—firm, but not over-tight.
Check the alignment and make sure the awning is snug against the brackets with no wobble or movement.
Important: Align the rear of the awning (hinge end) with the back of your vehicle. This ensures the awning can wrap fully around without catching on anything.
Now that the awning is securely fitted to your vehicle, it’s time to make sure it opens fully and clears your vehicle properly:
Unzip the awning cover and release the two internal Velcro straps.
Remove the arms from the protection cage at the front of the awning so they don’t catch as the awning opens.
Take hold of the first (shorter) arm and walk it around the back of your vehicle—the remaining arms will follow.
Secure the auto-tensioner to your roof rack or bars using the clip provided.
Pull on the free end of the rope to tension the securing line.
Once set, check the clearance between the awning and your vehicle, roof rack, or bars. Ensure there’s no contact that could cause rubbing in the wind, as this may damage the awning or your vehicle.
Adjustment Tip: If the awning rubs, won’t open fully, or leaves too large a gap at the rear of your vehicle, loosen the bolts between the awning and the brackets. Slide the awning into a better position, then re-tighten the bolts securely.
For extra stability in windy conditions, the awning is fitted with a fold-down support leg. Swing the leg down and adjust it to the correct height so the awning sits level and secure. Your awning also comes with guy ropes and multiple attachment points, giving you extra reinforcement when the weather turns or when leaving the awning unattended (see here for tips on a strong securing knot).
Important: Always attach the guy ropes and peg the awning down if it’s windy or if you’re stepping away from camp or going to bed. Doing so helps protect both your awning and your vehicle.
The 270 awning installation is complete. With your awning now secured to your car, you are ready to start your adventures!
After your first use, check the nuts and bolts for tightness. A general good maintenance tip is checking nuts and bolts periodically while the awning is mounted on your car.
PLEASE NOTE: Use the provided guide ropes to prevent damage from gusts of wind. We recommend that the awning not be used in severe weather conditions to avoid damage to the product and your vehicle.
We can set up and install your side awning at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
Brandon & Clo are the adventurous duo behind X-Plore. They’ve recently picked up a Land Rover Defender and are transforming it into the ultimate expedition camper—built to reach places most of us can only dream about. Their journey is all about new experiences, learning as they go, and inspiring others to get outside and explore.
Check out their video for a step-by-step look at fitting a 270° awning to your vehicle, and don’t miss their YouTube channel for more great content as they build their setup and take on adventures across the UK and beyond.
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.