Portable Awning VS. Permanent Fixed Awning For Overlanding - Why a Moonshade Awning Makes Sense
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I'm going to talk about awnings for Overlanding and some of the downsides to the bigger, permanently mounted awnings we've all become used to. Don't get me wrong, I have an OVS 180 awning and I love it. But, there are definitely some downsides to it that the Moonshade I'll show you in this video solves pretty handily.
For example, my 180 awning recently got a hitch in the zipper because I smacked it against a tree and it was unable to be opened. I had to get a new cover, install it, and that whole time, I basically couldn't use the awning.
The Moonshade folds down super small, can be transferred between multiple vehicles, isn't mounted on the vehicle permanently (saving weight and wear and tear), and best of all can be used almost anywhere, even without being attached to your vehicle.
So, check out the full video for all the info on what comes with the Moonshade, how to assemble it, and why it might either be a good addition to your current fixed awning or a good alternative to getting a fixed awning!
Drop questions and thoughts below in the comments!
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I bought the MoonShade to keep a clean, non-poser look on my rig while I drive around town. By total accident, I found another use for it! While at an event that didn't have any awning coverage, I pulled out my MoonShade and clipped it to a tall chainlink fence to create a shaded area for myself and my friends!
Nice! That's one of the things that I like about it. I could strap it to a tree if I wanted to and leave it at camp. Good thinking!
Do you have to take this down at night and put back up in the morning? Looking for a portable awning to replace my fixed 6x8 on my teardrop. I need something that can be put up solo. Great video.
Well done it nice to have a no permanent awning that you could put on either side of the vehicle and look like it
Very compact and easy to deploy. Thanks for sharing.😊
Thanks! There are definitely quite a few use cases where I think this makes more sense than a permanently mounted awning. Personally, I like having both so I've got lots of options!
I think my BIGGEST train of thought with stuff like this is, how much can I mount to the outside so that I have more space on the inside to bring the family, or more things to enjoy the trip. Probably the only reason why I want to go with everything fixed on the outside, but this is awesome. I’d totally get one if I had interior space for it.
Interior space is precious 😂😭
Yep, you've definitely got to consider that! I've gone both ways and had tons of stuff inside the truck and out. It's a balancing act for sure. Just depends on your situation, vehicle, and restraints!
Love my moon shade! It lives in my work van when I'm not camping. Use it all the time for quick shade or rain protection. (I'm an electrician) Got a great deal on it last year at Moore!
Nice!
They’re cool. I have a KingCamp version I got from Amazon a few years ago. I think before even Moon came out with theirs. The Moon is definitely higher quality.
It’s the same argument between ground tent and RTT. Your paying for the convenience. If your going to spend a lot of time in camp then they’re great options. It just becomes tiresome to setup and takedown day after day on longer trips if you’re not spending a lot of time in camp. I found myself not setting up after a couple days on the road. That is why I’m switching to a more permanent awning. I’m going with FSRs 270. It’s only 37 pounds for a 270. Free standing with no poles. It is very expensive though.
Yep, definitely pros and cons for every set up and usage. I like my permanently mounted 180 but when I'm going to be somewhere for a while or the weather is bad, it'll be nice to have this to give me some coverage over the tailgate!
Appreciate the review. I’ve been thinking of a way to attach a tarp(temporarily) to the bed rails of my f250 to put my cot under for overnighters. This might just what I need.
They're really nice and the quality is there if you're looking for something that will last for a long time.
I got a knock off Moon Shade awning for my Jeep to try it out before commiting to the price tage. I love it! It works great. It's only annoying if it's just you to put up when it's pretty windy. It packs up very well too. Will definitely upgrade to the Moon Shade when this one is ready to be replaced.
I do like the flexibility of it! Glad yours is working for you!
@@oldgrunt5569 Totally get you. There are a bunch of knock off brands, but not sure about the quality of them or how long they'll hold up (or if they have a lifetime warranty like the Moon) but this one looks pretty similar, components wise? amzn.to/44YXzDm
I like the moonshade concept. The reason I do not have an awning is that I do not want to add even 1 more pound to the top of my vehicle.
Weight is something that a lot of us don't even think about, but it literally changes everything about gas mileage, braking, offroading, etc.
Where did you learn how to Gab . I walked away from your video and 7 min's later I see you picking up a the first awning part. HOLY CRAP !!!!.
Impressive, I know. Cool thing is, no one’s forcing you to watch and it cost you $0! TH-cam’s pretty great for giving people options.
Moon is one I looked at. It is very nice quality. I don't know if I'm allowed to mention other brands, but I chose a Kelty Backroads. But my reason was for something that will keep my dog in shade wherever the sun moves and less costly. It has a back door and window. Moon walls would be just as good for that, however. It looks like Moon is easier to keep out of the dirt. The Roadsides can work on the Xterra or my teardrop trailer on the side or the back. I pulled the trailer out to try it, and it works, but have not used on a trip yet. The suction cups may not be good for me, as I live up a gravel road, so my rig is either dusty or muddy, always. So far, my ARB is a nuisance, as it is often windy. The Roadside probably makes a great kite as well. Anyway, I'll soon be trying the Roadside for real. One end goes to the ground, which is also good for privacy. My dog child is a northern breed, and I go to great pains to keep him comfy. If this doesn't work, at least I did not spend a fortune, and can try a Moon next! Unless I get smarter, the Roadside needs a lot of room to get set up.
Haha, you can mention whatever you want!! I've had a bunch of Kelty stuff and I really like it as well. This product is cool in its own way and you can get magnetic mounts or even just use existing stuff (like your roof rack) to then tie it to. There are tons of options and this is just one, but I will say I'm a fan of the company and the quality of the product is pretty great!
Luckily, on the Kelty they give very long straps to fasten down to wheels, which I doubt I would, but they can go across to roof racks or roof basket. That's good to know that one doesn't need suction cups for the Moon. I was all set to try the Backroads on the last trip, but had so much shade on the coast, I did not need the awning.
@@WildcatPhoto That's one of the benefits of those portable style awnings. If you don't need them, no extra wind drag, wear and tear, or even having to deploy it if you don't want to!
This is a tough one. Portability and some weight savings are nice. But the price and the set up are just too much for personally.
I still use my side mounted 6.5 awning. maybe ill add some quick release brackets to the side and rear of the truck.
Yeah, it's definitely got it's pros and cons. My 180 isn't going anywhere, but sometimes, when I'm going to be in one place for a while or want to move my awning to a different spot or vehicle, I'll definitely be pulling out the Moonshade to make that happen.
Agreed on the cons. At $395 for something half as complex as a full-on tent it’s 2x more expensive than it should be. Plus the setup is extensive. Someone needs to develop a “hub-style” awning with integrated poles that you just unfolds. Until then I will stick with just a tarp and a pair of Green Elephant awning poles.
I think a pop up canopy would work just as well if not better.
Maybe in some ways. I have one of those and I'd say it's probably almost twice as big and as thick. Probably weighs about twice as much too. Guess it depends on how much space you've got in your vehicle and your use case, but there are lots of options out there!
I've looked at this many times. It's just too big to hang off the back of my Frontier. I'd love it if it was more like 6'x6'. I'm currently using the Kelty Backroads shelter which is still a little big but is more like a 3 sided tent. I also got it for half the price of the Moonshade.
Right, such a hard thing. I think the intention and original design was for a big van to act as their main shade. On one hand, sometimes I don't need all the space under it, but then when it's pouring rain and I want that extra space to keep the rain off me, it's nice. So, it's tough to strike that perfect balance. Personally, that's why I like having both a perma mounted 180 and this when I need it. Throw it behind my back seat and have it, but only use it when I need it. :D
Well the benefits would be in gas saving and wind noise compared to my ARB . I notice your Xtrusion rack is put together differently then mine or most others I have seen . What is the reason for placing the two top main bars sitting on top like that ? Also I am sure you are watching the wild fires in Northern Ontario and Quebec , I live on the Canadian side of the border across from Buffalo NY .And are air quality is being affected by the smoke . Take care
Good point. Yeah, the rack isn't like that anymore, haha. I had a couple of extra bars I guess and since I didn't know what to do with them, I put them up there to space out my RTT that's coming, but after talking to the guys at Xtrusion, they helped me get it all straightened around and those bars aren't up there anymore, :D.
For the air quality, thanks for the heads up! We've been keeping our eyes on that and we'll see what it's like in a few weeks I guess. Thanks again!
$400 is crazy for what this is.
Agreed. You can get a decent 270 awning for around that price range. I love the concept of it but $400 is a bit steep for my wallet
@@RyanBennett_Gpd605 you can buy a whole Gazelle tent for that price. The bill of materials on one of those has to be 8X this little awning lol
I don't know that it's crazy, but it's definitely on the pricier side. It all just comes down to what people want for their setup I guess. You're right that you could get a Gazelle for the same price (not sure about a 270 awning?) but I guess it just depends on whether you want an awning that you can attach to a number of things or a fully independent tent.
People buy fridges of similar sizes with similar features for between $300 and $1500, but people still buy them across all those prices. Not trying to defend it, but just pointing out that some people that want gear that lasts a long time are willing to pay more for good design and quality components.
@@AllThingsOverlanding Certainly understand it. I've just always been on the cheaper side of things as I don't use them as often as others so for me it doesn't justify the price but if people use it often, they tend to go more towards the expensive route.
@@RyanBennett_Gpd605 Totally makes sense. I've always been cheaper myself, but I've also (unfortunately) had some cheap stuff that just fell apart or had to be replaced a few times. That's not every piece of cheap gear I've ever bought, but it's definitely more than I'd like to admit, :D.
Can this be used on a small popup Rv ?
The nice thing about it is it's super flexible so you can pretty much use it next to anything (teardrop trailer, van, SUV, truck, RV, etc.). You can attach it by strong suction cups, magnets, or even eye bolts and reusable rubber bendable ties. It's also super high quality and with a lifetime warranty, they're great pieces of equipment that should last a long time!
@@AllThingsOverlanding Thank you
I also like the concept. But anywhere in the American West, especially the Four Corners states, that ain't gonna cut it. The wind blows so much, and at such velocities, well...good luck. In other locales, this might be just the ticket.
I could completely understand that in high winds. Here in the midwest, we don't get that much of that!
Winds like you describe would probably tear up a permanently mounted awning as well.
@@holdenc3082 Those can usually be staked down, but sometimes people still have to put it up.
$395.00?
Yep. Lifetime warranty, American company, super high quality, ultimate flexibility in how/where you mount it. Really depends on your setup and your needs, but if you want top quality gear and a company that will take care of you if you ever have a problem, this is the portable awning for you.