Choosing the Right Roof Tent Awning: Your Complete Guide

Adding an awning to your roof tent setup is one of the best ways to expand your living space, boost comfort, and make camping even more versatile. But with so many awning styles out there—from simple pull-out canopies to full privacy rooms—how do you know what’s right for you?

Below we’ll break down the options, explain what they’re best for, and help you choose your perfect match for your vehicle and roof tent.

browse our awning collection here

1️⃣ Simple Canopy Awnings

What is a canopy awning?
A canopy awning is a single-sheet roof that pulls straight out from your roof bars or awning mount.

✅ Benefits:

• Quick shade and shelter for rest stops, cooking, or relaxing

• Lightweight, minimal impact on vehicle roof load

• Fast, one-person setup

• Packs down small for easy travel

✅ Best For:

• Short camping trips

• Road trip lunch stops

• Anyone who wants fast, fuss-free shade

✅ Expert Tip:
Look for durable fabrics with UV protection and strong arms/brackets for windy UK campsites.

Note:
Most of our canopy awnings will work with cars, vans, and 4x4s if you have the right roof bars.

View All Canopy Awnings Here

2️⃣ Inflatable or Air Awnings

What is an inflatable awning?
Inflatable awnings use air-beam structures instead of poles, creating a tent-like living space that attaches to your vehicle or stands alone.

✅ Benefits:

• Spacious interior for eating, lounging, or sleeping

• Quicker and simpler to inflate than pole-based designs

• Sturdy and weather-resistant once pitched

• Freestanding models can stay up if you drive away

✅ Best For:

• Longer stays at one site

• Bad-weather camping

• Overlanders and families

Note:
Some air awnings are best suited to vans and campervan conversions due to attachment height.

View All Inflatable Awnings Here

3️⃣ Living and Privacy Pods

What is a living/privacy pod?
A room that attaches directly to your roof tent base, typically enclosing the ladder area.

✅ Benefits:

• Creates a sealed room for privacy and security

• Great for changing, sleeping children, or pets

• Adds protected space without expanding vehicle footprint

• Designed to integrate with specific roof tent models

✅ Best For:

• Family camping

• Longer trips

• Campsites with less privacy

Note:
Always check compatibility with your roof tent model. Some of these also Double-up as canopies with lifting side options specifically this TentBox model Lite 2.0 Living Pod, dependant on your travel style these might be the best choice to get all the benefits of an awnings. However, keep in mind that these often take longer to set-up and put away so always choose wisely!

View All Living / Privacy Pods Here

4️⃣ Choosing Based on Your Vehicle

• Cars/SUVs: most canopy awnings and many pods fit perfectly.

• Vans: inflatable awnings often attach better thanks to their height.

• 4x4s: strong roof bars support heavier setups, but check your dynamic load rating carefully.

No matter your adventure style, there’s an awning to make it better.

👉 Explore our full range of roof tent-compatible awnings and find your perfect fit.