Anyone running a cheap awning (not a tarp)?

I am looking for an awning for occasional use. It will not remain on my truck full time. I am not interested in the tarp setups. I want something quick and easy to use, otherwise I won’t use it.

My last awning was a Smittybilt, I had it mounted on a teardrop trailer. To be honest, the quality just wasn’t there. But it got the job done, and it did what I needed it to do.

Now I am sitting here wanting another awning to use 20-30 days a year. Part of me wants to try out an ARB and part of me just wants to buy a cheap awning off of Amazon. They all look very similar to each other.

 

If only for weekend use, why not just use a inexpensive canopy, I have a 10x10 Academy $39 special that I have used for 2 years when truck camping. Works perfect for a weekend warrior, easy to setup and doesn’t take up a lot of space. Might not impress your friends like a fancy canopy though.

 

Slumberjack. Better than a tarp, cheaper than a chichi batf#ck awning.


Google it.

 

You want a cheap awning but top quality? Doesn’t exactly work that way. They all look the same, sure, but cheap is cheap for a reason. 20-30 times a year, will last a couple years or more, why not spend a little more money? Buy once cry once. Buy a cheap Amazon awning and it will last as long as you’d expect an amazon awning to last. If you have your eye on the ARB, get it. It will outlast and outclass the cheap amazon ones.

Perhaps outside of your scope.. I have a OVS nomad 270 awning. Takes a whole shiny minute to set up. Can be used without poles in mild weather. Folds up in a minute and a half. I love it.


20-30 times a year seems like it’s worth an upgrade. It will last longer and cost you less in the long run. I guarantee it.

 

im buying this right now.

 

How do you plan to mount it?

 

Eazy-up minus 2 legs. $100 and can get them with sand anchors and side walls.

 

Or just go to HomeDepot and buy a manual retractable awning. and get some tent poles.

 

These have became some what popular for the price in the LC world.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_MTSA2525