A side awning rolls out from a bag or case along one side of the roof rack and stands on two legs, giving a rectangle of shade beside the doors. Lengths run from about 4 ft for small SUVs to 8 ft for full size trucks, and most open and pack away in a few minutes. Many makers sell walls or a room that clip on to turn one into an enclosed space.
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 16
- OVS XD Nomadic Self-Deploying 90 6.5ft#1 of 16Full review
For buyers who set up camp often and want an awning that opens itself, with a long warranty. Its weight needs a strong rack.
Amazon $429.99 Overland Vehicle Systems $337.70$337.7061.6 sq ft-46.5 lb - OVS HD Nomadic 90 Awning 6.5 ft#2 of 16Full review
A cheap, well rated side awning for anyone who wants plenty of shade and rain cover without paying for quick deploy hardware.
Amazon $179.99$179.9953 sq ft6.5 x 8 ft24 lb - VEVOR Vehicle Awning 6.6 x 8.2 ft#3 of 16Full review
A low cost awning for anyone who wants a lot of shade for little money and can live with a budget brand. Rain performance is less certain than the brand name awnings.
Amazon $131.90$131.9054 sq ft6.6 x 8.2 ft19.8 lb - OVS HD Nomadic 90 Awning 4.5 ft#4 of 16Full review
A cheap rear or side awning for a small vehicle or a tailgate. Most buyers get much more shade from the 6.5 ft size for little more money.
Amazon $143.99$143.9930 sq ft-18 lb - ROAM Rooftop Awning 8 ft#5 of 16Full review
A plain, well built 8 ft pull out awning from a known overland brand. Budget awnings with published ratings give more for less.
Amazon $335.20$335.2064 sq ft8 x 8 ft- - ARB Hard Case Awning 2.5M#6 of 16Full review
For ARB rack owners who want a tidy hard cased awning with a built in light. Shoppers who mainly want shade for the money have cheaper choices.
ARB $549.95$549.9567.2 sq ft8.2 x 8.2 ft- - ROAM Rooftop Awning 6.5 ft#7 of 16Full review
A plain, well built 6.5 ft pull out awning from a known overland brand. Budget awnings with published ratings give more for less.
Amazon $319.20$319.2052 sq ft6.5 x 8 ft- - ARB Hard Case Awning 2.0M#8 of 16Full review
For ARB rack owners who want a tidy hard cased awning with a built in light. Shoppers who mainly want shade for the money have cheaper choices.
ARB $499.95$499.9554.1 sq ft6.6 x 8.2 ft- - ROAM Rooftop Awning 5 ft#9 of 16Full review
A plain, well built 5 ft pull out awning from a known overland brand. Budget awnings with published ratings give more for less.
Amazon $303.20$303.2040 sq ft5 x 8 ft- - ARB 4ft Soft Case Awning#10 of 16Full review
A short, well known side awning for a small vehicle or a rack with little room along the side. Larger awnings give far more shade for the money.
Amazon $255$25528.3 sq ft4.1 x 6.9 ft- - ROAM Rooftop Awning 4 ft#11 of 16Full review
A plain, well built 4 ft pull out awning from a known overland brand. Budget awnings with published ratings give more for less.
Amazon $304.39 ROAM Adventure Co $247.20$247.2028 sq ft4 x 7 ft- - Yakima OverNOut MD 6.5 ft#12 of 16Full review
A light 6.5 ft awning for Yakima rack owners who want matching hardware and a lock. Other makers give more shade for the price.
Amazon $498.95$498.9542 sq ft6.5 x 6.5 ft28.3 lb - Front Runner Easy-Out Awning 2M#13 of 16Full review
A mid size awning for Front Runner rack owners who want a matching fit and the option of a room. Budget awnings give more shade for less money.
Amazon $379$37945.5 sq ft6.6 x 6.9 ft27.6 lb - Yakima OverNOut SM 4.5 ft#14 of 16Full review
A light 4.5 ft awning for Yakima rack owners who want matching hardware and a lock. Other makers give more shade for the price.
Amazon $448.95$448.9530 sq ft4.5 x 6.5 ft22.8 lb - Thule OverCast 4.5 ft#15 of 16Full review
A light, compact awning for a car or small SUV on Thule bars. Buyers who want more shade or a published waterproof rating should look at larger models.
Amazon $449.95$449.9529.2 sq ft4.5 x 6.5 ft22 lb - Rhino-Rack Sunseeker 2m Freestanding#16 of 16Full review
A quick to open side awning that needs no poles, for Rhino-Rack owners who stop often for short breaks. Shade per dollar is poor next to pole supported awnings.
Amazon $769.99$769.9943 sq ft-40.8 lb
