Southern California Club Xterra
Southern California Club Xterra => SCCX General Discussion => Topic started by: PainRoller on September 09, 2015, 11:42:34 AM
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I checked and was surprised to see no topic in camping regarding awnings and I have ALL THE QUESTIONS!!
I've done a little research starting with:
ARB 1250 from Rugged Rocks (https://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/series-iii-touring-awning-1250mm-2100mm-by-arb-p-5514.html?osCsid=p864ah8jk161pch4jlicad2vr2) (approx 4x6.7) $171.00 (seems smallish)
ARB 2000 from Rugged Rocks (https://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/series-iii-touring-awning-2000mm-2500mm-by-arb-p-5515.html?osCsid=01pmm5emdbq6sqmtd18og6qai1) (approx 6.7x8.2) $272.65 (most popular with SCCX)
Smittybilt 2787 from 4WheelParts (http://www.4wheelparts.com/Outdoor-Lifestyle-and-Camping/Retractable-Awning.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9575&t_pn=S%2FB2787) (6.5x6.5) $179.99 *
Smittybilt 2784 from 4WheelParts (http://www.4wheelparts.com/Outdoor-Lifestyle-and-Camping/Retractable-Awning.aspx?t_c=88&t_s=565&t_pt=9575&t_pn=S%2FB2784) (8.2x6.2) $199.99
*Someone on Amazon recommended the Smittybilt 2787 over the 2784 - the 2784 is on his 2005 xterra and it's a about 2' longer than his roof rail.
Cool, but overkill (http://www.sundaycampers.com/Vehicle_Awning/WA02.html)
I think Ironman 4x4 (http://www.ironman4x4.com/category-products/camping/awnings) makes them, but can't find prices....
Ebay China Version (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5M-x-2M-PULL-OUT-AWNING-ROOF-TOP-TENT-CAMPER-TRAILER-4WD-4X4-CAMPING-CAR-RACK-/221816559994?hash=item33a54c197a&vxp=mtr)(8x6.5) $184.00
Ebay -Bromax Find (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221816560276?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) (approx 8x10) $215
Rino Rack (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rhino-Rack-32109-Sunseeker-2-0-Portable-Retractable-Awning-/171251318939?hash=item27df5fc09b&vxp=mtr) (6.5x6.5) $305 (most expensive and might need their racking system to work?)
Questions:
What SIZE do you guys recommend?
Do you prefer ARB and is so, why?
Do I need to buy something in addition (brackets, etc)?
What would you do different if buying again?
What do you wish yours had (modification)?
Is anyone upgrading and selling their existing one? ;)
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Arb offers 3 different sizes, I believe I have the 2000 and it fits the size of the xterra the best.
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Arb offers 3 different sizes, I believe I have the 2000 and it fits the size of the xterra the best.
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Remember, Jordan has the fancy Xoskel unicorn full replacement roof rack.
If you're going to do an awning, the only way IMO is to have the full replacement rack.
To me, it looks strange having a few feet of awning protruding past the rail and in some cases, even past the wet box.
When you go with the small awnings, you don't get very much usable shade.
That being said, I want one meow.
Great leg work on putting all the awning choices in one excellent thread.
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Perfect timing! I was planning on ordering one late next week:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221816560276?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
but now you have given me some more options to consider!
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I second the recommendation for the ARB 2000 model. It's 2000mm long (6'7") x 2500mm deep (8'2"). The 6'7" length fits the Xterra perfectly and doesn't really protrude on either end, even with an OEM roof rack. That is the same model that both Toro and I had on the Rattlesnake Canyon run, just to put it into perspective for you Barb. It can be had for about $275 shipped via eBay or Amazon, and the quality is top notch (that's not a knock on any of the other brands, because I haven't owned any of them to compare. But I can say this ARB unit is solid and built with high quality materials).
The easiest way to mount it to the OEM rack is to get your hands on some Yakima X Tower mounts. They would allow you to clamp it directly to the OEM roof rails while moving it up and away from the rail about an inch, ensuring you have plenty of room to swing open the lid on your wet box still. Unfortunately, getting your hands on these mounts isn't easy, as Yakima stopped producing them a few years ago. They pop up on Craigslist and eBay every now and then, and you might also have luck posting a wanted to buy ad on TheNewX. You'd need three of them to securely mount it, but might be able to get by with 2 (I would strongly recommend 3).
Here's a write-up from someone who mounted this same awning using the Yakima X Tower method:
http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=100585
In lieu of the X Tower brackets, you could make something using a few exhaust clamps and some L brackets or angle stock.
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Thanks guys! ;D
This is the kind of stuff I wanted to know. Updating the OP as new info (links) come in.
I don't want something too long that sticks out weird from the sides of the OEM Roof Rack. And I don't want to buy an aftermarket roof rack just to get some shade. LOL
Joe - thanks for the links. The X thread also said to try these Mounts (http://fourtreks.com/modular_awning_mounts.html). But it's only 2 and they cost $98. (ugh)
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If you buy the awning from Steevo, I'll make you brackets to mount to your OE roof rack.
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If you buy the awning from Steevo, I'll make you brackets to mount to your OE roof rack.
Oh my.....that's very tempting.....
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2nd the supporting steevo, good dude and always nice to support the locals because then they support us with more products :)
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Besides being a friend I support Steeve-O and his company whenever I can. He's done right by me over the years.
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Well, I just ordered the Smittybilt 2784. Amazon Prime deal of $180 ($194 with tax) shipped to my home by this Friday. We'll see how it works out.
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Well, I just ordered the Smittybilt 2784. Amazon Prime deal of $180 ($194 with tax) shipped to my home by this Friday. We'll see how it works out.
Awesome! Keep us updated. ;D
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Late to this game...but, ARB FTW.
Why?
Quality, convenience, and above all...bacon flavored canvas. ;D
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Late to this game...but, ARB FTW.
Why?
Quality, convenience, and above all...bacon flavored canvas. ;D
That was such a fun run!
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Late to this game...but, ARB FTW.
Why?
Quality, convenience, and above all...bacon flavored canvas. ;D
hmmm....Bacon!!!
I also vote for the ARB...thats on the list once I get the full roof rack completed! Danny, hopefully that offer for making the brackets will be extended to me as well! I'll get a hold of Steevo and get it ordered as soon as Kenny and I set a time to make that roof rack!
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Awesome! Keep us updated. ;D
It is on the UPS truck for delivery today. I will photo-document the install.
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hey all, I am pretty interested in this and wanted to let everyone know that the smittybuilts are currently on sale for 20% off. pretty good deal right now. Also If I am not mistaken I think you can elect to pick up and save on shipping.
Im close to pulling the trigger on the smaller one but was curious to opinions about the 6.5x6.5 will that be enough?
(http://i.imgur.com/Xi9dYnSl.png)
thoughts?
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Since I have experience with the 8 x 6.5, I think the smaller one would be too small. But, I don't leave mine mounted on my vehicle. It only takes about ten minutes to put on/off, and it is light enough I can do it myself.
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amzon deal right now!
Pic dont show up, but $143.99 + Free shipping for the Smittybilt 2784 :
https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-8-2-6-2-Tent-Awning/dp/B00KCFKPN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470942567&sr=8-1&keywords=smittybilt+2784 (https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-8-2-6-2-Tent-Awning/dp/B00KCFKPN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470942567&sr=8-1&keywords=smittybilt+2784)
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I wish the dimensions were flipped and it was 6.5" along the truck and 8.5 sticking out. This one ends up quite a bit longer then the roof rack. Looks like ARB is the way to go for the size I would want.
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I wish the dimensions were flipped and it was 6.5" along the truck and 8.5 sticking out. This one ends up quite a bit longer then the roof rack. Looks like ARB is the way to go for the size I would want.
That is how the ARB one is, 2100wide by 2500 sticking out.
Maybe I have a picture of mine somewhere
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That is how the ARB one is, 2100wide by 2500 sticking out.
Maybe I have a picture of mine somewhere
Look at you,
All Metric and stuff
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Yes, I want the dimensions of the ARB, but the Smittybilt on sale is the opposite dimensions. I like the price, just not the shape.
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I have the Smittybilt you are looking at. It goes past the passenger front door. It isn't that bad, especially if you are not leaving it on all the time.
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Don't you have a fancy roof rack? Those channel should make it pretty easy to mount.
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I have the Smittybilt you are looking at. It goes past the passenger front door. It isn't that bad, especially if you are not leaving it on all the time.
Have you used it in any wind or heavy rain yet? I've looked at those for a few years now just keeps getting put on the back burner.
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I had it on my Bradshaw Trail run last year. We got monsoonal rains and it handled it fine. I used two blue tarps to make walls, and four of us (adults) sat under it during the entire rainstorm. I had to lower one corner so it would drain better, but nothing came through the fabric. It is susceptible to winds, so you have to make sure to stake it out.
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I had it on my Bradshaw Trail run last year. We got monsoonal rains and it handled it fine. I used two blue tarps to make walls, and four of us (adults) sat under it during the entire rainstorm. I had to lower one corner so it would drain better, but nothing came through the fabric. It is susceptible to winds, so you have to make sure to stake it out.
So if a guy attached some 550 cord and staked it in or used a couple of BFR's as deadmen it should hold just fine. I might need to look into one of these as they seem to be some really quick sun shade. Great idea about attaching some tarps off to the sides as walls too.
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they come with guy lines...
ARB also offers a screen room, walls and a completely enclosed room with separate roof and floor, they just clip onto the polls so it should work with any of the other awnings out there.
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Yes, I want the dimensions of the ARB, but the Smittybilt on sale is the opposite dimensions. I like the price, just not the shape.
Time to stop being a cheap ass and buy the arb then. :D It's only money, what are you going to do with it when your dead, give it to your kids?
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