Awning Size....4.5ft or 6.5ft or larger?

I searched all over tacomaworld and found all types of topics on awnings that attach to a roof rack. However I'm trying to find out what size do you guys prefer?

I'm currently looking at a 4 1⁄2' size because it fits the cab length of a doublecab without sticking beyond the windshield. But I'm also looking at a 6 1⁄2' because you get more coverage. I'm torn between the 2 sizes.

Now I'm not talking bout any of the 270 or 180 or other fancy ones. Just the simple awning that extends out with the legs and side support bars. I'm currently using just a small tarp and tarp poles attached to my roof rack.

So I would like all your opinions on this. Would you guys prefer the smaller 4.5ft or 6.5ft? I have a 2008 double cab.

 

bigger is better!

 

I couldn't imagine a small one being useful. So my thought is, if you plan on using it....go big! My ARB also serves as a camp room.

 

I went oversize, 8ft 240deg awning.

Perfect as it covers the bed too.

 

I saw a lightly used rack awning for sale recently. It was a 6x6.

I was sll over it until I saw the seller's pictures. - 6x6 covers such a small area, i would not bother carrying it around!

Hardly usable unless the sun is straight overhead... they cannot provide as much usabe shade as a shsde tarp where you can adjust heights and angles.

I did not even call...

I have a small ripstop tarp for a quick temp set up off fasteners on my cap, and a proper larger ripstop shade tarp for a set-up when at camp.

These 2 will work much better, cover more area by far, are more versatile (can block morning or afternoon sun angles) , and are lighter to carry.

 

I thought that, and was going to get the 8.2' one. But decided last minute to get the 79" version. Perfect fit, glad I didn't go bigger. Plus can't really go wrong with $233 shipped..

 

ARB 1250 seems popular but it looks...small...

 

I went with a 6.5 and it compliments my camp layout well, wouldn't want anything smaller.

 

I really hoped that we'd have a truck bed width 180 or even a 270 awning - that would be able to deploy from above the tailgate. It seems the only option is to have a too small of a awning that makes next to no difference, or a gigantic torpedo tube over the cabs roof rack.... Perhaps one day.....

 

I have a 270 awning, it’s massive and covers the bed perfectly with the tonneau .

Great for my use case. But a bit of a bear to set up by yourself.

 

I love this the 240 Degree is perfect for every situation!