If you're looking at adding an awning to your 4WD setup, you've probably come across both 270-degree and 180-degree options. The price difference can be significant, so it's worth understanding what you're actually getting before you commit.
What's the Difference?
A 180-degree awning (sometimes called a standard or side awning) extends out from one side of your vehicle and gives you a rectangular shaded area. Simple, effective, and easy to deploy.
A 270-degree awning wraps around the rear corner of your vehicle, covering both one full side and the rear. The result is a large, L-shaped sheltered area that effectively turns your campsite into an outdoor room. Most 270-degree awnings also include integrated walls or side panels for extra wind and dust protection.
When a 270-Degree Awning Makes Sense
If you're setting up a proper basecamp for multiple nights, a 270 is hard to beat. The extra coverage means you can set up a camp kitchen, chairs, and tables without feeling cramped. Families and groups travelling together tend to get the most value here.
They're also well suited if your vehicle tends to be parked with the rear exposed — the wrap-around coverage means you can shelter the tailgate area, which is useful if that's where your camp kitchen or fridge slide lives.
When a 180-Degree Awning Is the Better Call
If you're a solo traveller or a couple moving camp regularly, a 180-degree awning does the job without the extra weight, bulk, and price. Standard side awnings are also easier to deploy in tight spots — trees, narrow tracks, or campsites where you don't have room to swing a 270 around.
For quick lunch stops or single-night camps, a 180 is usually all you need. Faster to set up and pack away.
Weight and Roof Load
270-degree awnings are heavier — typically 25–40kg depending on the model, versus 8–18kg for most standard side awnings. Always check your roof rack's rated capacity and factor in everything else you're carrying up there.
Price
Expect to pay roughly $400–$900 for a quality 180-degree awning, and $800–$2,000+ for a 270-degree setup depending on the brand and whether it includes walls and accessories. Check the material, pole quality, and mounting hardware before buying.
Hard Shell Awnings
Hard shell awnings (where the fabric rolls or folds inside a rigid casing) are available in both 180 and 270 configurations. They protect the fabric from dust and UV when packed and generally look cleaner on the vehicle. A premium option worth considering if your rig is on the road regularly.
The Bottom Line
If you camp in one spot for multiple nights and want the most comfortable setup possible, go the 270. If you're moving regularly, camping solo or as a couple, or need to keep weight down, a good 180 will serve you well.
Browse our awning range at Sunset Touring — we stock both 180 and 270-degree options suited to Australian 4WD rigs.