30 second stormchaser awning. Is this the best for the $?
Welcome back to *Have a Crack*! Today, we're diving into the camp setup I've chosen for the 76 series Land Cruiser.
These days, there are so many options for setting up your 4WD for camping: rooftop tents, swags, and even traditional tents beside your vehicle. For my 76, I’ve gone with a 30 Second Storm Chaser awning with walls.
This awning is similar to a regular 30 Second model but with a key difference: vent holes in the roof. These vents are designed to release wind that might get trapped under the canopy, preventing the whole thing from getting lifted or damaged. It cost me around $1,300, and I also picked up a wall kit, which I’ll show you in a bit.
Installing this awning was quite the adventure. It wasn’t an issue with the awning itself, the 76, or the Wedge Tail roof rack I have—it was a combination of all three. If you haven’t seen my review of the Wedge Tail roof rack, check it out; it's an excellent product that I’m very happy with.
The problem I faced was with the vertical bracket braces. The nuts on the Wedge Tail rack protruded slightly, causing interference with the flat-mounted 30 Second awning brackets. This meant I had to modify the awning cover to accommodate the bolts. After some trial and error, I found a better solution using rounded coach head bolts that only protrude minimally. Now, the awning is mounted securely and sits flush—sturdy and well-fitted.
As for setup time, the name “30 Second Awning” is a bit of a misnomer. While it doesn’t literally take 30 seconds, it’s still incredibly quick and straightforward. The real joy is the peace and quiet once you’re set up. Here at Gunbower Creek in Kahuna, it’s calm and serene, and that’s what camping should be about—no rush, just enjoying the moment.
The 30 Second awning is really easy to set up, even if it takes a bit longer than advertised. I’ve tested it in some decent wind conditions, and it has held up well. Previously, I used a 2.5x3 meter Ocaml awning, which was more time-consuming and struggled in windy conditions. Seeing a friend’s awning in action during a gale sold me on this model.
I also purchased a wall kit separately, totaling around $2,000 for the awning and four walls. The setup provides ample space for cooking, sleeping, and relaxing. Inside, there’s enough room for a whole family, with space for a stretcher, swag, and a portable fire pit.
Next up is adding lighting. I’m installing a stick-on LED strip that will be controlled by switches wired into the vehicle’s electrical system. The lights will be mounted inside the awning and controlled from a switch inside the vehicle.
The wall kit is very user-friendly and intuitive. It includes a door wall, two windows, and a solid wall. Setting it up is quick and easy, and it provides a comfortable and spacious area for camping.
I’m thrilled with this setup and looking forward to using it on more trips. If you’re considering a similar setup or have your own camping gear, I’d love to hear what you use and how you rate it. You can check out the video below.