Awning OBX Beaches/OBX build help

New Tundra Lunar Rock Owner in the 757 that makes frequent OBX day trips and camping trips to Frisco Woods with camper. Lost many pop-up tents on the beach and thinking about putting a rack on just for awning and recovery boards (no need for tent). Anyone with an awning and/or experience with OBX beaches (never not windy or atleast it seems that way) have any advice? Are there awning options that can handle the winds on the beach or is it overkill? Any options you use you would like to share? Previously used 4runner for beach vehicle.

 

Welcome from NJ. I'll be down in OBX for 9 days starting next week. I can't help with your awning question but someone will chime in.

 

I use a simple ARB awning on my roof rack. I take a 25lbs dumbbell and attach the anchors to that and it doesn’t go anywhere. A 2nd set of hands to hold it down as you attach the anchor leads can be needed in extreme wind but other than that, it’s good to go.

I’ve used this set-up the past few summers on Hatteras and Ocracoke without issue.

 

If the wind doesn’t get it. The salt will. I get a new throw away awning every year. Also use 4 plastic bags filled with water as my anchor Works great

 

We’ve had success on OBX with the EZ Up Ambassador series. The legs are straight up and down so it’s easy to put up and collapse on the sand. We use the coolers to hold it down and have never had an issue with the ever-present wind! With the salt air you have to treat them as disposable (in fact, ours for this season was delivered today!)

and yes… before anyone comments… that’s the Ridgeline I traded for the Tundra— it had no problem in the soft OBX sand I was absolutely blown away by how well it performed! I even rescued three vehicles!

 

I ordered an EZ up one that suppose to flex with wind I planned on using right before I pulled the trigger on the truck that I'll prob just stay with. Once I got the truck and started searching I saw the Overland Builds and it peaked my interest but prob overkill and can be spent on other truck stuff. I figure coolers and the tent water bag weights will do just fine... the awning was more to save tension with the wife setting up...lol

 

Can’t go wrong either way! We typically use both! Here is my Taco last year with the ARB. It’s nice for just one or two people(or in our case, a place for the dogs to hang in the shade)

 

Rhino Rack Batwing Awning has treated us well. I have not had it up in super high winds like they get on the outer banks. there are LOTS of tie downs on it and it gives you 270 degrees of shade depending on the time of day / angle of the sun.

I would be reluctant to say it can handle all wind speeds that you might encounter there. I grew up windsurfing and we vacationed on OBX for that very reason. I had plenty of fully powered days on sub 5m sails "back in the day". (basically 40+ mph sustained winds). Having said that i think if you anchor it right and angle the poles down a bit it would do as well as almost anything else.

 

That batwing is the exact one I’m getting when my ARB eventually breaks down.

 

Last time we were there an older guy in what was probably a $65k Jeep Wrangler pulled up and tried to setup his tent/awning … not sure what type it was but he had a hell of a time and ultimately gave up. :-|

 

I've had a foxwing since 2016. Mostly no problems. One time however winds were 25+ and we weren't paying enough attention. One of the anchors let go and two of the hinges snapped. I have spares and I was able to do a field repair once we got off the beach. I use these for anchors and only had the one problem, but like I said if we had been paying attention it wouldn't have happened.

$12 6Pcs Heavy Duty Aluminum Tent Stakes for Sand, Snow & Ground

https://www.amazon.com/Cosmos®-Alum...d=1622156067&sprefix=sand+spi,aps,167&sr=8-61

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Rhino-Rack/RRCA1175.html

 

I will be down there for 9 days starting next thurs. I'm bringing my ez-up and I bought some poly bags I can fill with sand. Hope it works.