What type of awning would be perfect for an off-road vehicle? Review of the free-standing awning 270 OFD

The 270 OFD GEN2 awning is improved generation of one of the most popular awnings in our store. How did it win your favor and will it continue to do its job well? Before we check it in action, let’s take a moment to look at the specification. Here’s what stands out: 

• self-supporting design that does not require leg support, 
• unfolds to 270 degrees, considering the rear of the vehicle, 
• mounting on the left side, 
• aluminum frame and arms with t-slots, 
• Made of 420D polyester with PU coating, 
• LED strip included, 
• dimensions: arms – 2.2 m in length, arm at the rear of the vehicle – 1.7 m in length, folded awning stored in a cover – 2.35 m / length and 15 cm / height. 

Check out OFD awning

OFAWNING001

Retractable 270 free standing awning OFD GEN2

1082EUR

Check

Who is this product for? Luckily it is meant to be used by every off-road or pick-up owner. The 270 OFD gen 2 has a universal fit, which means it can be mounted on any vehicle you use on your adventures. Well, enough of these info and numbers. Let’s see how well the awning works in different, sometimes unexpected weather conditions. 

So let’s start at the beginning. This is often difficult, but not in this case. Mounting this awning is just ridiculously easy. And if I say so, you can be sure that it will be a piece of cake for you. 

So what’s in the box?  

• Complete mounting kit,  
• Two casted brackets, 
• Two, T-slot hooks 
• Screws, 
• A set of tools  

The entire awning installation is based on screwing the brackets to the mounting points located on the roof of our vehicle and to the awning itself. Worth to mention screws are compatible with the most of mounting points on crossbars and roof racks. In our case, it was a RAM 1500 DT with a roof rack also produced by OFD. So everything fitted smoothly, as you can see for yourselves. 

Bed racks for pick-ups

GR5952000T

Bed rack Go Rhino XRS Overland Xtreme

2102EUR

Check

OF04572001

Bed rack OFD

1742EUR

Check

GR5953000T

Bed rack Go Rhino XRS Xtreme

1952EUR

Check

OFDPLAT160125PX123

Roof rack with mounting rails 160×125 cm OFD

724EUR

Check

The awning installation should be done when it is folded. However,  you may screw it to mounted roof rack or when it’s removed. It is entirely up to you. Either way, it is worth having somebody to help at this time. It will be definitely easier and more comfortable to properly level the awning. It’s not small after all. I recommend to install it before going off-road or outdoor. Not wasting time on the trip is precious, right? Especially if you are planning a long expedition, which is better to prepare in advance. Besides, installation takes a short amount of time and does not cause the slightest problems. So let’s move on. 

As I mentioned, the construction of this awning is self-supporting, meaning that it is limited to the frame screwed to the roof rack or crossbars and the arms supporting the material itself. The whole thing is made of black powder-coated aluminum and weighs 18.8 kg. It’s not light, it’s solid awning. I was wondering if it would be in some way uncomfortable during the ride, but we did dozens of kilometer and I didn’t hear any unwanted noise. 

In the latest version of this awning, the frame is made of thinner rails and positioned slightly lower, making it easier to adjust to most roof racks. As a result, we also gain more space for the roof tent installation. When you plan nights in the car, you will definitely appreciate it. It will be a great addition to your travel equipment. 

Best top tent from OFD

OFDTRSGRIGEN2

Roof top tent OFD Grizzly GEN2

1773EUR

Check

OFDTRS006GEN2

Roof top tent OFD Grizzly GEN2 XL

2000EUR

Check

However, the most important thing is that the second generation of the 270 OFD awning doesn’t lose any of its solidity. Strong winds and heavy rains were not a problem at all. You must be aware the weather in Poland during tests wasn’t that good. Not having to use additional legs is a huge convenience. I admit that I am personally a fan of quick and simple solutions, or to put it simply, lazy. Call it whatever you like. Finally, I got what I expected in this case, i.e., minimum work – maximum effect, and I am satisfied. 

Speaking of satisfaction and practical solutions. The issue of unfolding and folding the awning goes along with the construction itself. The whole thing is quite heavy and large, the arms measure about 2.2 m length and 1.7 m arms which touch the rear of the vehicle. However, unfolding literally takes me one hand and a ladder if there is no one taller than my ridiculous one meter fifty.  

To unfold the 270 OFD awning, we use a special cord, which we extend at the end to strech the material and hook it in a convenient place on the roof. Thanks to this, the awning is well tensioned. When we want to fold it, we just need to unhook the cord and push the loosened awning behind its last arm. One, two, three, and done. 

Then, the awning needs to be stored in the cover. To do this as comfortably as possible, we first pull out special fasteners attached with velcro from it, which will catch the rolled-up awning material. It is also smart to fold it into individual layers, which will allow us to fit it precisely into the cover, instead of nervously pushing it. 

SEE THE VIDEO WITH THE 270 OFD AWNING 

If the awning material is still wet after the rain or morning dew, it doesn’t matter, we can still store it wet in the cover. Inside, it has a specially rubberized coating that protects against soaking. Such a simple addition is a big plus when the weather isn’t good, and waiting for the material to dry is as sensible as waiting for the end of the “The Bold and the Beautiful”. 

Camping accessories

OFDCCH222C

Camping chair OFD

64EUR

Check

OFD2728

Folding shovel OFD

43EUR

Check

OFDGGS81

Mini portable gas stove OFD

84EUR

Check

Unfolding awning in a 270-degree radius gives us a coverage almost all around. Seriously, in combination with its long arms, we gain a lot of space where I took relief from the southern hot sun, as well as from – definitely more frequent – afternoon rain. 

Awning goes over the back of the vehicle is a very comfortable solution. In the case of pick-up trucks, like our RAM 1500, it’s a great convenience that allows you to get to the bed or perform various tasks nearby without getting wet in the rain.  

If you have a Jeep with a side-opening flap, it is also a perfect option for you. Preparing a meal, then enjoying it, and later resting on a sunbed with a book outdoors has never been more pleasant. Also, during the pouring heat from the sky, the awning material did not heat up and did not create a stuffy microclimate around us. 

You should also know that the end of summer in Poland can be quite changeable and unpredictable. During few days of our trip, we had a whole spectrum of weather experiences. A big cloud burst and an intense downpour with light hail included.  

Its solid material, consisting of 420D polyester with a special PU coating, did not let in moisture, but also did not absorb it. The polyurethane top allowed us to shake off most of the water, so the awning did not turn into a wet, heavy cloth. The elastic fabric also worked well under the impact of hits and proved to be resistant to harm. We finished our little trip with no damages at all. 

Evenings under the 270 OFD gen 2 awning are as pleasant as long, unhurried days. Of course, provided that nothing screws up that day and mosquitoes don’t bite like hungry vampires. Reading a book is still possible and comfortable after sunset, because an LED strip. It is attached to the awning arm with velcro, included in the set of course. 

LED light brightens the space with warm amber light, which does not attract insects and does not dazzle the eyes, giving a pleasant, warm color. In such an atmosphere and among the sounds of cicadas or a rustling stream, you can really relax. Unless you take something from S.King for reading.  

The awning’s arms have an internal T-slot construction, which allows you to attach the hooks included in the set. We can hang additional pockets or organizers on them. Thanks to that, even in the middle of nowhere, you can set up a personal salon or an outdoor workshop with whatever we need for happiness at the moment. 

The OFD awning is compatible with room walls, offering a great solution when we want to completely isolate ourselves. Adding room walls can provide even more privacy, allowing us to create a mini comfortable apartment.  

Awning walls

OFAWNROOM001

Awning walls for 270 awning OFD GEN2

529EUR

Check

Taking all the disadvantages and advantages of the OFD awning and keeping the purchase cost in mind, it turns out to be a very profitable investment. Above all, the ratio of conveniences and their weight to the price is very favorable for us. The only negative aspect may be the lack of legs in the set. If someone needs them for added security, they can be purchased separately. 

However, for our European climate, this solution is extremely convenient. Among the greatest advantages, I would also classify the simplicity of installation, even greater ease of folding and unfolding, the self-supporting construction, a lot of covered space, and effective protection even from light hits or scratches.