The Benefits of Adding an Awning to Your Roof Tent Setup

Adding an awning to your roof tent isn’t just about shade—it's about creating a more comfortable, flexible, and enjoyable camping experience. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend in the Lake District or a month-long overlanding trip across Europe, the right awning can completely transform your setup.

Here’s why adding an awning is one of the best upgrades you can make to your roof tent adventure.

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Extend Your Living Space

A roof tent awning gives you valuable extra space outside the tent itself. This makes cooking, eating, or relaxing much more comfortable—especially on longer trips.

✅ Benefits:

• Shelter for cooking and eating in all weather.

• Shaded space for kids and pets to relax.

• More room for storing gear and equipment safely out of the elements.

• A dedicated area for socialising on campsites or remote stops.

Expert Tip:
Choose the right size and style of awning based on how many people you travel with, and how much space you want to create.

Improve Comfort and Privacy

Privacy is often overlooked, but essential for comfortable camping. Adding a living pod or inflatable awning means you’re not limited to your roof tent’s sleeping area.

✅ Benefits:

• Separate changing room for added privacy.

• Shelter from wind, rain, and insects.

• Perfect for families with young children or groups who want extra space.

• Creates a clear divide between sleeping and living areas.

Expert Tip:
Check compatibility with your roof tent—many privacy pods are designed to integrate perfectly with specific models.

Flexible Setup Options

With modern awnings, you can choose the setup that suits your travel style.

Canopy Awnings:

• Quick, pull-out design for instant shade.

• Best for day trips, festivals, and short stops.

• Lightweight and easy to pack.

Inflatable or Air Awnings:

• Freestanding driveaway designs let you leave your awning pitched while you explore.

• Spacious interiors perfect for dining, lounging, or even extra sleeping space.

• Strong air-beam frames make them stable in bad weather.

Living and Privacy Pods:

• Enclose the ladder area for a sealed, private room.

• Great for sleeping kids, changing space, or extra storage.

• Easy to set up with your roof tent for seamless integration.

Perfect for Every Type of Travel

✅ Short Trips and Weekend Breaks:
A simple canopy awning keeps things lightweight and fuss-free.

✅ Festival Camping:
Canopy or air awnings give you essential shade and weather protection in busy fields.

✅ Family Holidays:
Inflatable awnings or privacy pods offer secure, enclosed space for everyone.

✅ Couples Adventures:
Choose a minimalist canopy for mobility or an air awning for comfort on longer stays.

✅ Long-Term Overlanding:
Driveaway awnings let you leave camp set up while you explore nearby sights.

Setup and Care Tips

✅ Setup:

• Always check your vehicle’s roof bar rating and awning compatibility before buying.

• Peg down all corners securely for wind protection.

• For inflatable awnings, lay out the base evenly before inflating.

• Use guy lines in exposed campsites to improve stability.

✅ Care:

• Always pack your awning away clean and dry to prevent mould.

• Store in a cool, dry space.

• Check zips, seams, and fabrics regularly for wear.

• Use mild soap and water to clean—avoid harsh detergents.

Conclusion

Adding an awning to your roof tent setup is one of the easiest ways to improve your camping experience. Whether you want quick shade, an extra room for the family, or a full living space you can leave behind while you explore, there’s an awning that’s perfect for your needs.

👉 Explore Our Full Range of Roof Tent-Compatible Awnings