Roof Tent With Awning: The Ultimate Overland Camping Setup

Roof Tent With Awning: The Ultimate Overland Camping Setup

Looking for a roof tent with awning? Discover the best all-in-one tent setups for cars, SUVs and vans with shade, shelter, and comfort built-in.

There’s camping — and then there’s camping with style. If you’ve been searching for a roof tent with awning, you're not just chasing convenience. You're investing in a game-changing upgrade to your outdoor lifestyle. Whether you're weekend wild camping or planning a cross-country vanlife escape, a roof tent and awning combo offers the perfect balance of shelter, comfort, and flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best rooftop tents that come with integrated or optional awnings, key features to look out for, and why Escapade 4x4’s premium range is topping the charts for adventure seekers across the UK.

Why Choose a Roof Tent With Awning?

🌦️ All-Weather Shelter

An awning attached to your roof tent gives you instant protection from rain or blazing sun — perfect for cooking, relaxing, or storing gear.

🛡️ Privacy & Wind Protection

Many awnings or annex rooms offer privacy panels and zippered doors, turning your outdoor space into a private changing area or even a mini bedroom.

🚐 More Usable Living Space

Whether you camp with pets, friends, or just like space to stretch out, an awning effectively doubles your campsite footprint.

What to Look for in a Roof Tent and Awning Combo

Not all awnings are created equal. Here’s what seasoned overlanders recommend:

  • Easy attachment system (preferably zip-on)

  • UV-resistant, waterproof fabric

  • Adjustable poles or swing-out brackets

  • Compatible annex room options

  • Quality materials like aluminium or powder-coated fittings

  • Modular add-ons for future upgrades

🏕️ Best Roof Tents With Awnings by Escapade 4x4

Here are our top picks for a “roof tent with awning” setup from Escapade 4x4 — a UK brand known for rugged, beautifully engineered rooftop gear.

1. Discovery Rooftop Tent

Best for: All-weather adventurers, overlanding families

The Discovery Tent is a standout hard-shell model with the ability to seamlessly integrate both a side awning and a full annex room.

Key benefits:

  • Vertical ladder and door make the awning area fully usable

  • Designed for tall vehicles like SUVs and vans

  • Setup in under 5 minutes

✅ Pro Tip: Add a ground mat and a folding table under the awning to create an instant outdoor kitchen.

2. Horizon Roof Tent

Best for: Solo travellers, couples, quick setups

While the Horizon tent doesn’t come with a dedicated awning, it’s fully compatible with Escapade’s universal awning rail, allowing you to pair it with multiple aftermarket shade solutions.

  • Add the Escapade Awning Rail to mount universal awnings like:

    • 180° batwing awnings

    • Drop-down side shade awnings

    • Swing-out kitchen wings

3. THRE360 Tent

Best for: Lightweight setups, fast weekend escapes

The THRE360 is Escapade’s soft-shell tent that opens in a clamshell design and offers panoramic views. With the awning rail accessory, it’s compatible with lightweight awning systems.

🔧 Accessory Highlight: Escapade Roof Rack

If you plan to mount both a tent and an awning (or shower tent), a solid base is essential. Escapade’s custom-designed roof rack offers modular mounting options, giving you flexibility to upgrade your setup down the line.

🏞️ Ideal Vehicles for a Roof Tent With Awning Setup

Awnings work best when paired with taller vehicles that allow for good head clearance:

  • SUVs: Defender, Hilux, Discovery, G-Wagon

  • Vans: VW Transporter, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito

  • 4x4s & Pickups: Amarok, D-Max, Land Cruiser

🚐 Real-World Example: Weekend in Snowdonia

In one of their most popular blog stories, Escapade took the Discovery tent and awning combo to Snowdonia in winter, showcasing how the awning provided a critical buffer zone during stormy conditions.

📖 Read the full blog: Escapade Explores Snowdonia

🧭 Final Thoughts: Why Roof Tents With Awnings Are Worth It

The right awning can transform your camping experience — giving you freedom to cook, change, or relax outdoors with ease. If you’re investing in a premium roof tent, make sure you pair it with a modular awning system like those from Escapade.

🔗 Ready to build your setup?

Start with the Discovery Tent + Awning combo — it’s the most complete system for UK-based adventure lovers.

❓ FAQ: Roof Tent With Awning

Q: Can I add an awning to any roof tent?
A: Most quality roof tents allow it, but you’ll need an awning rail or compatible mounting system like Escapade's.

Q: What’s the difference between an awning and an annex room?
A: Awnings are open-sided for shade/rain protection. Annex rooms are enclosed and zip to the tent for privacy and storage.

Q: How do I know if my vehicle can support a tent + awning setup?
A: Check your vehicle's dynamic and static roof load ratings, and consider upgrading to a heavy-duty roof rack.

Q: Can awnings handle strong wind?
A: Escapade’s awnings use heavy-duty poles and fabric designed for UK weather. Always stake and guy-line them properly.

CTA:
Want help choosing the perfect tent + awning combo?
👉 Get in touch with Escapade 4x4 for expert guidance and free advice on building your ultimate overland setup.

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