Car Awning
Car Awning: Vehicle Awnings for Camping & Overlanding
A car awning is a vehicle-mounted shelter that extends from your roof rack to provide instant, durable shelter from sun, rain, and wind. Car awnings extend outdoor living space for activities such as camping, picnics, and tailgating, turning the side or rear of your vehicle into a shaded camp kitchen, lounge, or weather-protected workspace. A vehicle awning remains permanently mounted, keeping interior storage space available while giving you shade on demand. Popular car awning designs include straight-pull, 180 degree, and 270 degree options, and we carry all three types from brands you can trust.
We carry car awnings and truck awnings from iKamper, FSR (Freespirit Recreation), OVS (Overland Vehicle Systems), Tuff Stuff, 23Zero, and Thule. Whether you need a car side awning for your SUV, a truck awning for your Tacoma or 4Runner, a jeep awning, a camping awning for car camping, an off road awning for overlanding, or a retractable car awning with walls for full enclosure, you will find the best awning for your vehicle and budget right here. Every car awning ships free.
📞 Not sure which type you need? Call us at 844-200-3979. Tell us your vehicle, your roof rack, and how you camp. We will match you with the right car awning and confirm fitment before you purchase.
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Car Awnings for Sale
Here are six car awning options we carry, covering every type (pull-out, 180 degree, and 270 degree) and every budget ($309 to $1,950). Premium car awnings are designed for quick setup and takedown, often featuring user-friendly mechanisms that allow for deployment in under five minutes, making them convenient for spontaneous outdoor activities.
Tuff Stuff 6.5' x 8' Side Awning
Price: $309.99
Type: Pull-out / straight awning
Size: 6.5' x 8' | Best For: Budget car camping
The Tuff Stuff 6.5' x 8' Side Awning is the most affordable car awning we carry. Pull-out awnings are the most popular type of vehicle awning, known for their simplicity and ease of use, as they can be quickly deployed from a storage bag mounted on the vehicle. This camping awning for car and truck use extends straight out from one side of your vehicle to create a rectangular shaded area. Durable materials, compact when rolled, and an easy way to add extra shade to any rig with a roof rack. At $309.99, this is the camp awning that lets you test vehicle awning life without a major purchase. It mounts to most vehicles including trucks, SUVs, jeeps, and vans with crossbars. A perfect weekend upgrade for car camping awning setups.
iKamper Awning 3.0
Price: $455.00
Type: Pull-out vehicle awning
Best For: iKamper RTT owners, compact car camping
The iKamper Awning 3.0 is a premium pull-out car awning designed to pair perfectly with iKamper roof top tents, though it also works as a standalone vehicle awning on any rack. The construction quality matches iKamper's reputation for premium gear: waterproof fabric, sturdy poles, and a compact storage bag that attaches to your roof rack. This car camping awning deploys quickly and provides enough coverage for a camp kitchen or lounge area. If you already own an iKamper tent, this is the best awning for your setup because the mounting system integrates seamlessly. A portable car awning that looks as good as it performs.
OVS HD Nomadic 180 LTE Awning
Price: $499.99
Type: 180 degree car awning | Coverage: 59 sq ft
Best For: Solo/couples overlanding, lightweight rigs
The OVS HD Nomadic 180 LTE Awning is a lightweight, compact 180 degree car awning from Overland Vehicle Systems. The "LTE" stands for lighter and more compact than the standard Nomadic 180, designed for customers who need a car awning that saves weight without sacrificing the freestanding 180 degree coverage. 280G poly-cotton ripstop material with heat-sealed seams, integrated drop-down legs, and no poles required for easy setup. This vehicle awning fits most vehicles with crossbar-style roof racks. If you want a 180 degree awning at the best price on the market, the Nomadic 180 LTE is it. Freestanding awnings do not require poles in calm conditions and speed up setup time. Browse all 180 awnings here.
Thule Outland Awning
Price: $899.95
Type: Pull-out / retractable awning
Best For: Thule rack owners, premium car camping
The Thule Outland Awning is a premium retractable car awning from one of the most trusted names in roof rack accessories. This thule awning integrates seamlessly with Thule roof rack systems and provides premium weather protection with high quality materials and construction. If you already run Thule crossbars or a Thule rack system, this is the best roof rack awning for your setup. The Thule name carries a reputation for durability that is hard to match in the market. Waterproof, UV resistant, and built for years of use on road trips and camping adventures. A retractable vehicle awning that packs clean and deploys with confidence.
GoFSR 270 Awning
Price: $1,250.00
Type: 270 degree car awning
Coverage: 80+ sq ft | LED Lights: Yes
The GoFSR 270 Awning is a premium fsr awning that wraps 270 degrees around the side and rear of your vehicle. 270 degree awnings wrap around the side and rear of the vehicle, providing extensive coverage and are ideal for those who need access to the back of their rig, such as for cooking or storage. This vehicle awning provides 80+ square feet of freestanding shade, built in LED lights, 600D Oxford Ripstop waterproof fabric, and the quality construction FSR is known for. Deploys in under 60 seconds by one person. The FSR 270 is the car awning tent upgrade for overlanders who want maximum coverage, tough construction, and the versatile ability to add awning with walls for an enclosed shelter. Installed on driver side or passenger side. Browse all 270 awnings here.
iKamper Exoshell 270 Awning
Price: $1,950.00
Type: Premium 270 degree car awning
Best For: iKamper owners, premium overlanding
The iKamper Exoshell 270 Awning is the premium car awning in our lineup. This is iKamper's flagship 270 degree vehicle awning with the build quality and innovative design that serious overlanders demand. The Exoshell provides extensive coverage that wraps around the side and rear of your vehicle. Premium materials, integrated features, and compatibility with iKamper's roof top tent ecosystem. Many premium car awnings offer extensive coverage, with some models providing up to 129 square feet of shade, making them ideal for larger groups or family outings. The Exoshell is the best overland awning for customers who want the absolute best and are willing to pay for it. This is the car awning that impresses at every Overland Expo.
Car Awning Comparison
| Model | Type | Brand | LED | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuff Stuff 6.5'x8' | Pull-out | Tuff Stuff | No | $309.99 |
| iKamper Awning 3.0 | Pull-out | iKamper | No | $455 |
| OVS Nomadic 180 LTE | 180 degree | OVS | No | $499.99 |
| Thule Outland | Pull-out | Thule | No | $899.95 |
| GoFSR 270 | 270 degree | FSR | Yes | $1,250 |
| iKamper Exoshell 270 | 270 degree | iKamper | No | $1,950 |
Types of Car Awnings
Pull-Out / Straight Awnings ($309-$899)
Pull-out awnings are the most popular type of vehicle awning, known for their simplicity and ease of use. They extend straight out from one side of your vehicle to create a rectangular shaded area. A retractable car awning stores in a compact bag or case on your roof rack and pulls out with support poles. These are the most affordable car awnings on the market and the easiest to set up and pack away. The Tuff Stuff 6.5'x8' ($309.99), iKamper Awning 3.0 ($455), and Thule Outland ($899.95) are all pull-out car awning options we carry. Best for solo campers, couples, and anyone who wants a simple tent awning without the weight and complexity of a 180 or 270 degree setup.
180 Degree Awnings ($499-$995)
180 degree awnings provide shade on one whole side of the vehicle using a swing-out design with multiple support arms. They cover more area than pull-out awnings and typically provide 59-90+ square feet of freestanding shade. The OVS Nomadic 180 LTE ($499.99) is our most popular 180 degree car awning. 180 degree car awnings are lighter and more compact than 270 degree models, making them a better fit for smaller vehicles and rigs where weight matters. Browse our dedicated 180 awning collection here.
270 Degree Awnings ($1,250-$1,950)
270 degree awnings wrap around the side and rear of the vehicle, providing extensive coverage. These are the largest car awnings on the market, providing up to 129 square feet of shade. The GoFSR 270 Awning ($1,250) and iKamper Exoshell 270 ($1,950) are our 270 degree options. 270 degree car awnings are heavier and more expensive but provide the most coverage and the best foundation for adding awning with walls for an enclosed shelter. Browse our dedicated 270 awning collection here.
Car Awning Buying Guide
Vehicle Compatibility
Most car awnings mount to roof racks using universal "L" brackets that bolt to crossbars. If your vehicle has factory crossbars, aftermarket crossbars, a roof rack from Prinsu, Front Runner, Yakima, Thule, or Rhino-Rack, a car awning will almost certainly fit. Most car awnings are versatile enough to attach to trucks, SUVs, jeeps, vans, and even some cars with roof racks installed. Always confirm the weight capacity of your rack can handle the awning. If you are interested in a specific car awning for your 4Runner, Tacoma, Gladiator, Wrangler, or any other vehicle, call us at 844-200-3979 and we will confirm fitment.
Coverage & Size
Car awnings create a shaded area for dining, lounging, or setting up a kitchen. How much shade you need depends on how you camp. Solo and couples? A pull-out awning (50-60 sq ft) is plenty. A group of four to six? A 180 degree awning (60-90 sq ft) provides enough coverage. Large groups or full base camp? A 270 degree awning (80-129 sq ft) gives you maximum space. Awnings can block up to 85% of UV rays and shelter from unexpected rain or wind.
Fabric & Weather Protection
High-quality car awnings are typically made from durable materials such as heavy-duty ripstop polyester or canvas, which provide both weather resistance and longevity. Premium awning fabrics include ripstop poly-cotton for durability and UV protection. Many vehicle awnings feature waterproofing or water-repellent finishes, enhancing their ability to withstand rain and moisture. Look for 280GSM-600D fabrics with PU coating for the best combination of waterproof protection, UV resistance, and durability. The tarp-style car awnings you find on Amazon for $100 are a different category entirely. The car awnings we sell are built with quality construction designed to protect you season after season.
Setup Speed
Modern car awnings can be deployed in as little as 30-60 seconds for freestanding 180 and 270 degree models. Pull-out awnings typically take 2-5 minutes. Premium car awnings are designed for quick setup and takedown, often featuring user-friendly mechanisms that allow for deployment in under five minutes. If you camp at a new spot every night, fast setup matters. If you set up a base camp for multiple days, setup time is less critical.
Awning Walls & Accessories
Awnings may include features such as integrated lighting, add-on walls, and mesh screens for bug protection. If you want the option to enclose your car awning for full weather protection, confirm that your chosen model supports wall attachments. We carry awning walls and awning rooms for OVS, 23Zero, FSR, and Guana awnings. Premium car awnings often include built in LED lighting, providing illumination for nighttime use. The GoFSR 270 ($1,250) includes integrated LED lights in the arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a car awning?
A car awning is a vehicle-mounted shelter that extends from your roof rack to provide shade and protection from sun, rain, and wind. Car awnings provide instant, durable shelter and extend outdoor living space for activities such as camping, picnics, and tailgating. They mount permanently to your roof rack crossbars and deploy in 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the type. Popular designs include pull-out/straight awnings, 180 degree awnings, and 270 degree awnings. Vehicle awnings work on trucks, SUVs, jeeps, vans, and any vehicle with a roof rack.
Which type of car awning is best?
It depends on your budget and how much shade you need. Pull-out awnings ($309-$899) are the simplest and most affordable. 180 degree awnings ($499-$995) provide more coverage with a freestanding design. 270 degree awnings ($1,250-$1,950) provide maximum wrap-around coverage. For most car camping and overlanding, a 180 degree awning is the sweet spot: enough coverage for a couple or small group, lighter than a 270, and freestanding so it deploys without extra help. The best overland awning for you depends on your vehicle, group size, and budget.
Will a car awning fit my vehicle?
Most car awnings mount to crossbar-style roof racks using universal brackets. If you have factory or aftermarket crossbars, a rack from Prinsu, Front Runner, Yakima, Thule, or Rhino-Rack, a car awning will fit. SUV awnings, truck awnings, jeep awnings, and van awnings all use the same mounting system in most cases. The key is confirming your rack's weight capacity can support the awning. Call us at 844-200-3979 with your vehicle make, model, and rack brand and we will confirm compatibility before you purchase.
Can one person set up a car awning?
Yes. Freestanding 180 and 270 degree car awnings can be deployed by one person in under 60 seconds. Pull-out awnings can also be set up solo in 2-5 minutes, though having a second person makes it faster. Modern car awnings are designed with solo setup in mind: the arms lock into place, the fabric is pre-attached, and poles snap in with minimal effort. If solo setup is a priority, choose a freestanding 180 or 270 degree model over a traditional pull-out awning.
Are car awnings waterproof?
Quality car awnings from the brands we carry (OVS, FSR, 23Zero, Tuff Stuff, iKamper, Thule) are made from waterproof or water-resistant fabrics with UV protection. Many feature heat-sealed seams for additional leak protection. Awnings offer UV protection and allow for quick setup, enhancing outdoor experiences in both sun and rain. In moderate rain, a good car awning keeps you and your camp completely dry. In heavy, wind-driven rain, adding walls to your car awning with walls compatibility creates a fully enclosed shelter.
Can I add walls to my car awning?
Yes, if your awning model supports wall attachments. We carry awning walls for OVS, FSR, 23Zero, and Guana awnings. Adding walls to a car awning with walls capability transforms open shade into a fully enclosed shelter with bug protection, wind blocking, and privacy. Not all awnings support walls, so confirm compatibility before purchasing. Browse our awning walls collection here. Awning with sides options turn your car awning canopy into a true outdoor room.
What is the best cheap car awning?
The Tuff Stuff 6.5'x8' Side Awning at $309.99 is the most affordable car awning we carry. It is a straightforward pull-out awning that provides a rectangular shade area from one side of your vehicle. Budget-friendly car awnings can be found for as low as $170, but at that price you are typically getting tarp-quality fabric and flimsy poles. The Tuff Stuff provides durable construction at a price that is still very accessible. For the best value in a freestanding 180 degree car awning, the OVS Nomadic 180 LTE at $499.99 is hard to beat.
How much does a car awning weigh?
Car awning weight varies by type. Pull-out awnings are the lightest at 15-35 lbs. 180 degree awnings weigh 25-50 lbs. 270 degree awnings weigh 45-75 lbs. Lightweight car awnings are better for smaller vehicles and rigs where every pound on the roof matters. Heavier awnings typically provide more coverage and use thicker, more durable fabric. Consider your vehicle's roof rack weight capacity when choosing. The weight of the awning plus any other roof-mounted gear (roof top tent, cargo) must stay within your rack's dynamic load rating.
Why Buy a Car Awning from Off Road Tents
We carry awnings for sale from iKamper, FSR, OVS, Tuff Stuff, 23Zero, and Thule. Whether you need a car awning for camping, a truck camping awning, a pickup truck awning, an awning for a car road trip, a car tent awning, a truck bed awning for tailgating, an awning tent for overlanding, a suv awning for your 4x4, a 4x4 awning for off roading, a truck canopy awning, a car roof awning, an awning for truck, a best truck awning for heavy use, a camping awning for car camping weekends, a retractable awning with sides, an awning for cars with smaller racks, a car awning retractable option, or a car awning with sides and walls, we have the right vehicle awning for your rig. Every awning camping setup ships free. Want to learn more before you purchase? Read our complete car awning guide for in-depth buying advice.
Related Collections
180 Degree Awnings
Freestanding 180 awnings from OVS, FSR, 23Zero, and Tuff Stuff.
270 Degree Awnings
Wrap-around 270 awnings for maximum shade and coverage.
Awning Walls & Rooms
Enclose your awning for full weather, bug, and privacy protection.
Car Awning Guide
In-depth buying guide covering types, installation, and more.
Shop Car Awnings
Pull-out, 180, and 270 degree awnings. From $309.99. Free shipping on every awning.
