Need your side awning fitted?
We can set up and install your side awning at our workshop in Hampshire, UK.
We have created a helpful guide on how to install your car awning. Our awnings will come with instructions but we wanted to show customers how simple the setup really is. For the purposes of this guide and the majority of our customers, the setup will be on roof bars. If you have a roof rack you will need to drill mounting holes, see our how does a side awning attach page for more information. Read on for our side awning installation step-by-step.
Our side awnings are very easy to set up and install, scroll down to see the setup and installation proceedure.
To start the awning installation, carefully unbox your awning from the protective cardboard box. If using a knife to cut the box open, be careful not to cut the actual awning cover itself when opening.
Once you have the awning out of its box, un-zip the awning cover and unroll the awning. Within the front aluminium front plate, you will find the following contents:
Take the 2 x stainless steel ‘L’ awning brackets and the 4 x M8 30mm bolts with nuts. Slide the 4 bolts into the channels on the backplate on the awning.
Position the bolts so there are 2 in each channel and they are horizontally aligned. Place the awning bracket over the two bolts and partially secure it into place with two M8 nylon nuts, (don’t tighten the nuts completely as you will need to move the brackets).
Repeat this process with the other awning bracket.
NOTE: Make sure to add grease to the threads to help tighten and undo.
Make sure you have your roof bars or roof rack attached to your vehicle and ready to attach the side awning. Grab a friend and carefully lift the side awning into place.
Position the awning on your roof bars or roof rack, how you would like it to be mounted on your vehicle. Slide the awning brackets so they align with the roof bars or mounting point on a roof rack, (loosen the M8 nylon nuts if needed).
Once you have both brackets positioned as desired, tighten the M8 nylon nuts with the provided spanner but make sure not to overtighten.
If your roof bars have a channel in the top then you will simply slide in the provided 4 x ‘T’ bolts ready for the awning brackets to be secured.
However, if you have a roof rack or non-channelled bars, you will need to mark the desired mounting holes and drill holes in your roof bar or rack system.
Once you have decided your position, grab a friend and carefully lift the side awning into place. Be sure not to hurt yourself, your friend, your car or your new awning.
Now in position, use the provided M8 nylon nuts to securely bolt the awning bracket to the roof bar or rack system.
NOTE: Make sure to add grease to the threads to help tighten and undo.
Now the side awning is secure, un-zip the cover, release the internal straps and unroll the awning. Drop the front legs down to support the front bar of the awning and adjust to the desired height. Then take the side poles and insert locating pins into holes on the front bar. Pull the awning material taught and lock the side pole positions.
With the awning erected you can attach the 2 x guy ropes and tensioners. Thread the guy rope over the top of the awning leg and secure the guy rope in place, (see here for tips on a strong securing knot).
NOTE: Make sure the guy rope tensioners are in the correct direction to work when pegged to the ground.
The side awning installation is complete. With your awning now secure 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: Make sure to use the provided guide ropes at all times to prevent damage from gusts of wind. We recommend that the awning is not used in severe weather conditions to avoid damage to the product.
We can set up and install your side awning at our workshop in Hampshire, 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.