270 Degree Awnings
Shop 270 degree awnings from Tuff Terrain, Darche, The Bush Company and more. Freestanding and pole-supported models in stock with Australia-wide delivery. Browse our full range of 4x4 awnings here.
270 Degree Awnings for 4x4 Touring
A standard side awning covers one face of your vehicle and leaves the rear exposed. A 270 degree awning wraps around the side and rear of your 4x4, creating 8–12 m² of continuous sheltered space from a single mount point on your roof rack. That rear coverage is the difference between cooking in the rain and cooking under shelter, because your fridge slide, drawers and tailgate kitchen all sit underneath the 270 degree awning instead of out in the open.
Most 270 degree awnings sold in Australia use either 280–320 GSM ripstop poly-cotton canvas or 600D Oxford polyester with a waterproof coating. Poly-cotton canvas breathes better in summer heat and casts a cooler, darker shade, but it must be dried before packing to prevent mould. Polyester is lighter, packs smaller and can be stowed damp without damage, though it traps more heat underneath. Freestanding 270 degree awnings deploy in 30–60 seconds without loose poles because the hinged arms lock into position and support the canopy under their own weight. Models that require telescopic support legs take longer to pitch but are often lighter and more affordable. At Outback Equipment we stock both types, so you can match the 270 degree awning to your touring setup and your budget.
What Else You Might Need
- Awning Walls: Zip-on or Velcro panels that enclose one or more sides of your 270 degree awning for wind protection, privacy and insect screening.
- Roof Racks & Platforms: A solid roof rack or platform provides the mounting points your 270 degree awning needs. Check your rack's dynamic load rating before purchase.
- Fridge Slides: A fridge slide pulls your fridge out past the tailgate and directly into the shaded rear zone of a 270 degree awning for quick access without climbing into the tub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a passenger side or driver side 270 degree awning?
Passenger-side models (Left Hand Side in Australia) are the most common choice. They open away from the road, which means you get safe shade during roadside lunch stops and kerbside packing. Driver-side models (Right Hand Side) suit solo tourers who want shelter the moment they step out of the cab. Before you commit, check your rear door. If your 4x4 has a side-hinged tailgate (common on wagons like the 76 Series and Jimny), the 270 degree awning's rear arm must swing in the opposite direction to the door. If you have a top-hinged tailgate that lifts upward, confirm the rear arm clears the open hatch height so you can access your drawers while the 270 degree awning is deployed.
Will a 270 degree awning fit my roof rack?
A 270 degree awning mounts to your roof rack using L-shaped mounting brackets bolted to the crossbars or platform. The packed length of most 270 degree awnings sits between 2.0 m and 2.5 m, so measure the available rail space on your rack before ordering. The total mounted weight including brackets typically ranges from 20–35 kg depending on the model. That weight sits on one side of the vehicle, so factor it into your roof rack's static and dynamic load rating. Flat platform racks like Rhino-Rack Pioneer and Front Runner Slimline bolt directly to the awning brackets. If you run crossbar-only setups, confirm the bar spacing falls within the bracket spread listed in your awning's fitment guide.
How do I manage heavy rain and water pooling?
Flat canvas collects water, which stretches the fabric and loads the hinge with weight it was not designed for. Set your support legs at different heights to create a steep runoff angle so rain flows off the 270 degree awning immediately. Some models include a dedicated rain pole that pushes a high point into the fabric for the same effect. Pooling is the leading cause of arm and hinge failure during an Australian downpour, so correct the angle before the rain sets in, not after.
How do I prevent mould and mildew on a canvas 270 degree awning?
Packing a poly-cotton canvas 270 degree awning while it is damp is the main cause of mould. If you must pack up in the rain, open the awning to dry within 48 hours. Polyester and Oxford-weave 270 degree awnings are treated to resist mould even when stowed damp, but rinsing salt, red dust or bird droppings off the fabric before long-term storage extends the waterproof coating's lifespan.
How do I anchor a 270 degree awning in wind?
Freestanding 270 degree awnings hold their shape in calm conditions without guy ropes. When wind picks up, peg the included guy ropes to each arm's D-ring. In soft sand, standard pegs pull out under load, so use sand pegs or "deadman" anchors (a stick or bag buried horizontally in the sand) for a stronger hold. If you leave camp for a walk or a fish, always tie down each corner. Wind gusts are unpredictable, and an unsecured 270 degree awning acts as a sail that can bend arms or shear hinge pins.
Popular 4x4 270° Awning Brands
Which 4x4 awning is right for you?
Discover the best awnings for maximum shade and quick setups.