270 FREESTANDING LED AWNING L

Two years of design engineering. Thirty days of real-world wind testing. The result is the DARCHE Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED Awning, the only wind-tested freestanding 4WD awning on the market. With 11.5m² of coverage wrapping from the side of your vehicle all the way around to the rear, integrated LED lighting built into the frame, and a freestanding design that sets up without ground poles, it's the most capable 270 degree awning DARCHE has ever built. This listing is for the Left Hand Side (LHS) configuration.

Australia's Only Wind-Tested Freestanding Awning

DARCHE is the first manufacturer in Australia to extensively wind-test a freestanding awning, and the Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED Awning is rated to 30km/hr while freestanding. That rating comes from a comprehensive 30-day testing period exposing the awning to a full spectrum of wind conditions, measured using an Omega OM-CP-WIND101A wind speed data logger calibrated against data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. In testing, the awning held firm to 50km/hr on its initial trial and to 55km/hr after repair. With three poles deployed and properly pegged, it withstood gusts up to 90km/hr before pegs pulled from soft ground. View the full wind testing results here.

Engineered Break Points for Added Peace of Mind

The Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED Awning features specifically engineered break points built into the structure. In the unlikely event of failure under extreme conditions, these break points are designed to ensure the awning fails in a way that avoids damage to your vehicle and allows for simple, straightforward repairs. It's a design decision that reflects DARCHE's commitment to protecting your investment, not just the awning itself.

Our Recommendation on Deployment

While the awning is rated to 30km/hr freestanding, we always recommend deploying the included three support poles and pegging the awning down properly using the included guy ropes. Weather conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly, and using the poles every time is the best way to protect the awning and get the most out of it long-term. Please note: if this awning is mounted to a rooftop tent, the three poles must be used at all times to avoid damaging your tent.

11.5m² of Coverage, No Ground Poles Required

The freestanding design wraps 270 degrees of shelter from the side of your vehicle around to the rear, creating 11.5m² of shade and weather protection without cluttering the ground with support poles. Swing it out, extend the rafter arms, and you're under cover in minutes. With the optional Gen 2 wall set attached, total coverage extends to 20.5m².

Dual-Colour Dimmable LED Lighting Built Into the Frame

LED strips are fully integrated into the X-tube aluminium alloy rafter arms, delivering light across the entire sheltered area the moment the awning is open. Switch between warm amber and bright white, and dim to whatever level suits the moment. There's nothing to hang, no separate power source to run, and nothing extra to pack and unpack at each campsite.

X-Tube Aluminium Alloy Rafter Arms

The rafter arms use an X-tube aluminium alloy profile that delivers measurably greater stiffness and load-bearing performance than standard round tube aluminium of the same weight. The backing plate and hinges have been engineered using advanced simulation techniques to ensure maximum structural strength at every connection point, particularly where wind loading is greatest at the extended tips of the arms.

Two-Piece Backing Plate for Easy Vehicle Transfer

A two-piece backing plate design means the awning can be unbolted and moved to a different vehicle without a full reinstall, giving you the flexibility to run it across multiple rigs as your needs change. A fully enclosed transit cover protects the canvas from dust, mud, and trail debris while you're on the move.

Compatible Wall Set Available Separately

Gen 2 270 Awning Walls are designed to zip directly onto the Eclipse 270 Freestanding frame, enclosing the sheltered area for full weather protection when you need it. With walls attached, total coverage reaches 20.5m², creating a fully enclosed outdoor living space at your campsite. Wall sets are sold separately and are available here.

Also Available With RTT Entry

If you run a rooftop tent, the Eclipse 270 Freestanding + RTT Entry adds a purpose-built zippered access hatch directly into the canopy, creating a seamless sheltered connection between the awning and your rooftop tent ladder. All other features and specifications are identical to this model.

Installation Notes

The supplied mounting brackets suit most commercially available roof racks and steel basket setups. For some platform racks, long brackets (T050801751B or T050801753) may be required. For specific installation recommendations, visit your local roof rack specialist. Ensure that your roof mounting system is rated and fit for purpose before installation.

Browse the full DARCHE 270 Awnings and Walls range or explore the complete vehicle awnings collection to find the right shelter setup for your rig.