Technical answer
Can you mount an awning without a roof rack?
Short answer
Yes on some vehicles: an awning can mount to factory roof rails or a vehicle specific bracket, but Wedgetail's awning brackets mount to a Wedgetail rack, so with Wedgetail the rack comes first. Wedgetail makes fixed, adjustable, 270 degree and Fiamma awning brackets for the Wedgetail Adventure platform, its own bracket set for Wedgetail Trade, and a flatdeck awning bracket for Commercial Max and Oval Steel. The awning and brackets count against the rack's dynamic rating (most platforms are 100 or 150 kg dynamic, held 100% off-road) and the vehicle maker's roof limit.
Facts from Wedgetail product data, updated .
- Without a rack
- Some vehicles, on rails or a vehicle specific bracket
- Wedgetail brackets
- Mount to a Wedgetail rack
- Bracket types
- Fixed, adjustable, 270 degree, Fiamma
- Weight
- Awning and brackets count against the roof limit
Your options for mounting an awning
| Mount | What it needs | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Factory roof rails (some vehicles) | A bracket made to clamp to rails | The vehicle maker's figure for the rails, the awning's weight and whether the rail suits a side load |
| Vehicle specific bracket (some vehicles) | A bracket made for that vehicle's own mounting points | The bracket maker's fitting instructions and the vehicle maker's roof limit |
| Wedgetail Adventure platform | Fixed, adjustable, 270 degree or Fiamma Wedgetail brackets | The bracket's own rating on its product page and the platform's dynamic rating |
| Wedgetail Trade rack | The Wedgetail Trade awning bracket set | As above |
| Commercial Max or Oval Steel rack | The flatdeck awning bracket | As above |
| Accessory | Range | SKU | RRP inc GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awning Bracket Fixed X 2 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-FAB | $90 |
| Awning Bracket Fixed Kit X 3 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-FAB3 | $135 |
| Awning Bracket Adjustable X 2 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-AB | $180 |
| Awning Brackets Adjustable X 3 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-AB3 | $260 |
| Awning Bracket Suits 270 Awning X 2 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-270 | $370 |
| Awning Bracket Fiamma X 3 | Wedgetail Adventure | WTA-FAAB | $135 |
| Awning Bracket X3 | Wedgetail Trade | RWA-AM3 | $145 |
| Flatdeck Awning Bracket | Commercial Max and Oval Steel | ACFAB | $60 |
Mounting without a rack: what to check
- The rail or mount figure: most makers publish a figure for their genuine bars rather than the rails, and it is often low. Rooftop tents on factory rails lists examples read from makers' own sites.
- The awning's weight: take it from the awning maker, with its own brackets, and add it to anything else on the roof.
- The type of awning: a 270 degree or free standing awning puts more twist on its brackets than a straight pull-out awning. Use the bracket and mount its maker specifies.
- The vehicle's roof limit: the awning, brackets and anything else on the roof all count. The roof load limits table lists makers' figures where they are published.
Why the rack comes first with Wedgetail
Wedgetail's awning brackets are made for Wedgetail racks, so the rack goes on before the awning. On a Wedgetail Adventure platform the brackets fit in the accessory channel, and the awning sits on the side so the deck stays clear for solar, recovery tracks or a rooftop tent.
- Fixed and fixed kit of 3: for lighter awnings.
- Adjustable and adjustable x 3: height adjusts; not for free standing awnings.
- 270 awning bracket: for heavier 270 degree and heavy duty awnings.
- Fiamma awning bracket: for Fiamma awnings.
Each Wedgetail awning bracket carries its own load rating, shown on its product page. Third-party awning brackets fit too: some need a 10 mm spacer to clear the lip around the platform, which is there for strength. Which awning brackets fit a Wedgetail platform matches brackets to awnings, and Wedgetail Adventure accessories lists everything else that fits the channel.
Which side to mount the awning
On Australian roads the passenger side opens onto the kerb, away from traffic, so most awnings go on that side. Keep the awning clear of a solar panel so it does not shade it; solar panels and an awning on one rack covers the layout.
Video
Questions people ask
Can you fit an awning without a roof rack?
Yes on some vehicles, on factory roof rails or a vehicle specific bracket. Wedgetail's awning brackets mount to a Wedgetail rack, so with Wedgetail the rack comes first.
Can I mount an awning to my factory roof rails?
On some vehicles, with a bracket made for rails. Check the vehicle maker's figure for the rails and the awning's weight first; Wedgetail's awning brackets are made for Wedgetail racks, not factory rails.
Does a 270 degree awning need a different bracket?
Yes. On a Wedgetail Adventure platform use the 270 awning bracket, made for heavier 270 degree and heavy duty awnings; the adjustable bracket is not for free standing awnings.
Does the awning count towards my roof load?
Yes. The awning and its brackets count against the rack's dynamic rating and the vehicle maker's roof limit, together with everything else on the roof.
Do the brackets that came with my awning fit a Wedgetail platform?
Usually, yes. Some third-party brackets need a 10 mm spacer to clear the lip around the platform; Wedgetail brackets fit as supplied.
Can I fit solar panels and an awning on the same rack?
Yes. The awning mounts on the side and the panel on the deck; see solar and an awning on a 4WD.
Is there an awning bracket for Wedgetail Trade, Commercial Max and Oval Steel?
Yes. Wedgetail Trade has its own awning bracket set, and Commercial Max and Oval Steel take the flatdeck awning bracket.