Open Your Rear Hatch with OPENROAD 270 Free Standing Awning

If you like overlanding or camping, you know the struggle: you mount a 270 Free Standing Awning on your rig, and boom—your rear hatch is blocked. Trying to grab something from the back? You either can’t open the door fully, or worse, you end up scratching it against the awning. Sound familiar? Well, here’s the good news: you can set up your 270 Free Standing Awning and still open that rear hatch without a hitch.

The Set up

A 270 Free Standing Awning is a game-changer for shade and weather protection. It wraps around the side and back of your vehicle, giving you a cozy, sheltered spot to chill. But if you’re rocking a rear hatch setup, like on a Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or even a Subaru Outback, clearance is often a headache.

The trick? Mounting your awning just right. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Pick the Right Mounting Brackets

Not all brackets are created equal. Look for adjustable or extended brackets that let you mount the awning slightly higher. This gives your hatch enough clearance to swing open without bumping into the awning arms. Brands like Rhino-Rack or ARB have solid options, or you can hit up your local fabrication shop for a custom solution.

Step 2: Test Your Angle

Before you tighten everything down, do a test run. Open your rear hatch and see how close it gets to the awning. You might need to tweak the angle or shift the awning slightly forward or backward along your roof rack.

Step 3: Secure Everything

Once you’ve got the clearance dialed in, lock it all down. Double-check the bolts and brackets—last thing you want is your awning wobbling around on a bumpy trail.

Real-World Use

I recently installed a 270 Free Standing Awning on my rig and was stoked to find I could still access my fridge and gear in the back without hassle. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference when you’re out in the middle of nowhere and need quick access to your stuff.

Pro Tip

If you’re still struggling with clearance, consider adding a set of gas strut extensions to your rear hatch. These little add-ons give your hatch an extra lift, ensuring it clears the awning every time.

Wrap-Up

You don’t have to choose between a 270 Free Standing Awning and a fully functional rear hatch. With the right setup, you can have both and make your next adventure even smoother. Got questions or tips of your own? Drop ‘em in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you!

Now, go out there and make your rig adventure-ready. Happy trails!