How to install 270 awning on round roof rack

Many 4WD and SUV vehicles use round crossbars — especially older Yakima setups or custom tube racks. But a common question we hear is:

“Can I fit a 270 awning on on round roof rack?”

The answer is yes, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to install your OPENROAD 270 or 180 awning securely on round-style roof bars using the included U-bolt hardware.

Learn in just five minutes how to securely attach your awning to round roof rack bars by watching this step-by-step video.

Before you start setting up your awning, make sure you have all the included accessories ready:

•3 mounting brackets

• USB power cord

• Ratchet rope

• Black storage bag

• 6 mounting piece

• 4 wind rope

• 4 heavy duty ground stakes

• 2 wrenches

• Includes assorted screws and cap

Once everything is checked and ready, we can move on to the installation.

IF your 4WD and SUV roof setups use T-slot channels,[this guide shows how to install 270 awning .]

Step 1: Mount the Bottom Plate Under the Round Bar

To begin the installation, place the bottom plate underneath your round roof rack bar. Make sure it's centered and aligned with the position where you want the awning to sit. Then, hold the bracket in place from the top and insert the U-bolts through the holes in the bracket, passing them around the curved bar and down into the plate below.

Pro Tip: To improve contact with round bars, you can gently bend the bottom plate tomatch the curve. This helps reduce movement and creates a more stable fit.

Step 2: Insert the Bolts into the Awning Channel

 Flip the awning over and locate the mounting channel on the back. Insert the bolts into the track, spacing them to match the holes on your mounting bracket.Make sure the bolts slide smoothly along the channel and are sitting flat against the base. These bolts will connect the awning to the bracket mounted on your round crossbar.  

Step 3: Attach the Awning to the Bracket

With the bolts already in place inside the rear channel, carefully lift the awning and align it with the mounting bracket.Thread the bolts through the bracket’s slotted holes and secure them with washers and nuts. Tighten everything evenly, but don’t overtighten — you may still need to make small adjustments for leveling.

Step 4: Unfold the Awning Arms

Now that the awning is firmly mounted onto your round crossbars, it’s time to deploy the arms.Start by releasing the straps or buckles that secure the awning in its closed position. Gently pull out the first swing arm and rotate it outward in a smooth, controlled arc. The hinge should pivot easily.Continue unfolding each arm around the side and rear of your vehicle until the full 270° coverage is in place.

Step 5: Secure the Awning to the Vehicle Using the Tie Rope

Once the awning arms are fully deployed, use the included tie rope to anchor the awning canvas to your vehicle.Loop the rope through the fabric’s corner eyelet or loop, and attach the other end to a stable point on your roof rack or round bar. If your rack doesn’t have a built-in hook point, wrapping around the bar and securing with a friction knot works just as well.This step keeps the awning tight, reduces fabric flap in wind, and helps maintain full coverage.

Step 6: Using the Tie Rope Deploy the Support Legs and Secure with Guy Ropes & Ground Stakes

Once the awning is fully extended and tied back to the vehicle, pull down the integrated support legs from each awning arm.Adjust the height of each leg to suit uneven ground or desired clearance. Then, for extra stability—especially in windy weather—secure the awning using the included guy ropes and ground stakes.Attach one end of a guy rope to the loop near the end of the awning arm or leg, and drive a stakinto the ground at roughly a 45° angle. Tension the rope until it’s snug. Repeat this for each leg to ensure the awning stays taut and steady.

Step 7: Connect and Power the LED Light Strip

Your OPENROAD 270° awning comes equipped with three integrated LED light strips for nighttime visibility and comfort.To activate the lighting, insert the LED plug into the designated socket located on the awning frame — it’s clearly marked and easy to access. Then, connect the USB power cable to a suitable power source, such as a portable power bank, 12V car outlet, or camping power station.Once connected, the lights will turn on immediately. Use the in-line controller to adjust brightness or switch between lighting modes depending on your environment and mood.

And that’s it — your OPENROAD 270° awning is ready to roll. Whether you’re camping solo or heading out with your mates, you’ve now got shade and shelter sorted in under 30 seconds.

Need a hand? Our support team’s always here to help.

Got your awning up and running? Snap a pic and tag us — we’d love to see your setup out in the wild.

Thanks for choosing OPENROAD.
Open road, open world.