It’s often said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I find that to be very true in this case.  I have always considered ARB to be the gold standard for vehicle mounted awnings.  Last time I did a quick internet search I came up with about 6 different manufacturers producing vehicle awnings that look to be almost exact duplicates of the ARB!  The big difference that sets ARB apart from the rest of its competitors is customer service and product innovation. 

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The most recent update of the old tried and proven awning came October of 2016.  I was a bit apprehensive and excited to get my hands on one of the new models.  The first thing you will notice is that the awning bag has a new sleeker design that gives it a nice compact look.  Also the zipper extends all the way to the ends of the bag and have a little pockets that helps to protect them in addition to keeping the clanking of the zipper tabs down.  When I first unboxed the awning and bolted it up I instantly loved the new trim look, but I was worried it would be harder to roll back up into the new smaller awning bag.  Turns out, I was wrong it is still just as easy to roll up and stow as the old design. 

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The other notable new additions are the one piece molded end cap which helps prevent snagging when attaching the many available accessories to the awning sail tracks.  There is also a section of reinforced material where the canvas of the awning attaches to the aluminum base plate to help minimize any abrasion.  Additionally, the mounting extrusion has been beefed up with a reinforced button head bolt and a nylon nut to aide in reducing any flexibility.  We, personally, put that feature up to the test, well, we didn’t but the maintenance department at the Toyota dealer did.  When we dropped my wife’s 4Runner off to be serviced they “accidently” took it through an automated carwash that ripped the waning off of our roof rack.  The awning held up like a champ with only a couple of small nicks in the bag and a very slight bow to the aluminum base plate.  Meanwhile, the roof of the 4runner had quite a few extra dents and the stock roof rack took a good beating.  We don’t take the 4Runner out as often anymore since we got our Four Wheel Camper, so we mounted the awning to the driver’s side of the camper and it makes for a very spacious shower room or additional shade. 

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The amount of shade that the 2500 awning produces is simply amazing and a welcomed addition during the hot summer months. However, it does come at a price, the same reason that causes it to produce an acre (8.2ft x 8.2ft) of shade makes it very tough to deploy and stow due to its large size.  I have read about some folks being able to deploy and stow it single-handedly, but for the life of me, I can’t figure it out.  We use the two-person technique which is quick, simple and effective.  Bottom line is that out of the three different awnings we have owned this one is an outstanding awning packed with innovative features at an incredible price.    It’s one piece of the kit that you will rarely think about but it has the ability to change the mood of the whole camping trip!