If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you may have thought about buying a roof rack awning for your vehicle.
A roof rack awning is a durable cover that extends out from your vehicle. When not in use, the awning can be rolled up and stored in a bag attached to your vehicle’s roof.
Roof rack awnings come with a number of benefits:
- Shading from the sun
- Shelter from rain and wind
- Marketing your business (if branded)
Roof awnings are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and commercial vehicle owners, but conventional models come with some drawbacks. In this post, we address some concerns you may have about investing in a roof rack awning, and discuss the difference between conventional and advanced awning models.
Are Roof Rack Awnings Hard to Operate?
When opening up a traditional roof rack awning, there are a few steps you need to take. You’ll need to free the side poles that support the sides of the awning, untie the awning itself, secure the poles to the awning, and plant them in the ground. In windy weather, you’ll also need to use guy lines to secure the legs to a tree or other solid structure.
Both opening up and storing this style of awning can take a while. It's much easier with two or three people helping.
More advanced awnings, like our Anexe Pro 1, make this process much faster. You simply turn a crank handle or switch on the built-in motor to extend the awning, and do the same to retract it. It should only take a couple of minutes (or slightly more if you are setting up side protection sheets).
What Vehicles Can Use a Roof Rack Awning?
Roof rack awnings are ideal for vehicles with strong roof bars or racks, including campervans, 4x4s, pickups, and commercial vans. If your vehicle doesn’t currently have roof bars installed, we can help advise on compatible systems.
How Strong Are Roof Rack Awnings?
Aside from creating shade, awnings need to be strong enough to withstand wind and rain. Most conventional awnings are able to block out the regular wind and rainfall, but advanced awnings take it a step further.
All of Broadview’s roof rack awnings can resist winds of Force 5 or 6 on the Beaufort scale, making them exceptionally strong against gales.
For ultimate protection, you can add on waterproof side protective sheets. These let you create an enclosure keeping people and belongings safe from the elements.
Finally, we only use M2 standard flame retardant vinyl fabric, so you never have to worry about accidental fire damage.
Roof Rack Awnings from Broadview
When you buy a bespoke roof rack awning from Broadview, you can be rest assured your awning will provide exceptional protection, convenience, and style.
Our awnings are highly customisable, with bespoke sizing to fit your vehicle. Cassettes are available in three colours, including white, anthracite grey, and silver, and can be paired with a choice of 30 awning fabric colours.
There are also a wealth of optional extras to choose from, including:
- LED lighting for working in the dark
- Enclosure walls for extra weather protection
- Built-in motor operation with special start-stop technology, controlled via switch or remote control (includes a manual override function)
- Company branding for added professionalism and brand recognition
- Factory installation at our Dorset-based site
If you’re in need of an advanced roof rack awning for your vehicle, look no further than Broadview. Get a quote on a custom roof rack awning by filling out our online form or calling our team on 01202 679012. We’re happy to discuss your options and advise you on the best model for your vehicle.
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