Car Awning Accessories

Side Walls for a Secure, Cozy Camp Haven

Side walls are the go-to accessory for turning an awning into a makeshift room at your campsite. They zip onto the sides of your car awning, creating walls that shield you from sun, wind, and rain. The sidewalls attach with zippers, and if the weather gets rough, you can stake them down at the base for extra stability. There are even mid-panel tie-down points and velcro straps to keep the walls from flapping in a strong breeze. In real-world terms, that means less time wrestling with poles and tarps and more time enjoying a brew under shelter while the storm passes.

Side walls also bring a big boost in privacy and camp comfort. Once installed, they create an intimate space where you can change clothes, stretch out, or even set up a cot without feeling exposed. They include large doors and windows built right into the fabric, with zip-up panels and mosquito nets for bug protection. This design lets you roll up a window for a breeze or open a door for easy access, all while keeping pesky insects out and keeping your living area private. It’s like having a portable living room attached to your rig - one that keeps you safe from the elements and nosey campground neighbors alike.

Another great aspect of side walls is their flexibility. You don’t always have to put up all the walls – you can use just one or two as needed, thanks to the modular designs most systems offer. Each wall panel can be attached or removed on its own, so you can customize your setup on the fly.

Side walls deliver a huge usability boost to car awnings - expanding your sheltered space, adding privacy, and creating a weather-resistant haven that can turn any roadside stop into a comfortable camp.

Shade Walls for Perfect Sun & Wind Protection

If you’re looking for a lighter, simpler way to shield your camp from the elements, shade walls are a fantastic option. A shade wall is basically a single-panel wall that you can attach to one side of your awning for partial cover. This accessory is perfect when you don’t need a full sidewall enclosure, but you could use a break from the sun beating down or the wind. In the middle of a hot day, setting up a shade wall on the sunny side of your awning can drop the temperature in your chill-out zone significantly. And if a light rain or a sudden breeze rolls in, the shade wall has you protected by acting as an extra barrier.

What makes shade walls especially handy is their speed and versatility. They attach using the same zippered system as full side walls, so installation is quick and hassle-free​. In practical terms, you can zip on a shade panel in a few seconds - no complex assembly required. This means more time brewing coffee in the morning or enjoying the view, and less time fiddling with gear​.  Also, you can stake the bottom edge straight down to the ground for a traditional wall, or use extension straps to angle the wall outwards. Because shade walls cover only one side, they’re lightweight and compact to pack. And when it’s time to hit the road, a shade wall comes down as quickly as it went up, sparing you any drawn-out teardown.

In short, shade walls deliver partial protection with maximum convenience: an ideal balance for many real-world camping scenarios.

Picking the Right Awning Setup for Every Adventure

Choosing between side walls, shade walls, or a mix of both comes down to your adventure style and what you expect to encounter. There’s no one single solution - the beauty of car awning accessories is how customizable they are for different situations. Here are some tips on finding the right setup for your needs:

• Maximize Shelter and Privacy: A full set of side walls will create a private, weatherproof room where you’re shielded from heavy rain, wind, or prying eyes. This setup is great for longer stays, family camping, or overlanders who want that extra comfort of a contained space. It’s essentially like adding a bonus room to your campsite, perfect for changing, sleeping, or waiting out a storm in peace.
• Quick Shade on the Go: For day trips, quick stops, or minimalist overlanding, a shade wall might be all you need. If you’re mostly dealing with sun and the occasional light breeze, clipping on a single shade panel is an easy way to get relief without the bulk of a full sidewalls. This is the go-to choice for travelers who are on the move and want to keep things simple. You can deploy the shade wall during a lunch break, then pack it up in moments when you’re ready to go.

In the end, car awning accessories like side walls and shade walls are all about enhancing your camping experience. They give you the freedom to adapt your shelter to any environment. By choosing the right combination for your adventure’s terrain, weather, and goals, you’ll gain comfort and confidence on the road.