BEST Budget Awning almost discontinued?!? | NAPA MaxiTrac 8ft Awning Review & Install | Only $99.99!

[@ryanambrose805]

Hey Overland Engineer! We met at the last Rigs and Coffee meet in MN. A good way to do it with one person is before you unravel it flip the cloth of the awning over the bag that it comes in and move the poles for the sides out, then unravel it. That is what I do for my Maxi Awning.

[@chrismessersmith2379]

A way I found that worked really well is throw the awning up behind the brackets then Take the two side poles and push them out past where the awning will be. Grab the fabric and pull it out, connect the side poles and good to go.

[@taylornave4298]

This is the way

[@brianwatson3705]

As a Napa employee , I got mine pretty quickly. My store is the warehouse for this general area so that helps. Maxi trac has many items that area great for overlanding/camping setups.

[@o4thesox]

Thamks for the info. Do you guys make a roof rack?

[@txrunroutdoors]

I bought one by chance when I was in there for light bulbs. Then went through hell ordering a second for my wife's truck. Got one for each vehicle. I like them. I've always wondered how well the maxi trac tire inflator work compared to say a budget viair or the like.

[@brianwatson3705]

@@o4thesox Napa doesn't make one. Not sure if Maxi Trac does or not. Harbor freight sales one that is pretty good for the price.

[@kirkhamster0024]

Brian, looking to buy one. Cant order thru local napa. Can you hook me up?

[@brianwatson3705]

@@kirkhamster0024 they should be able to order one through another store. If not they can get them through their dc.

[@FrenchieLaChance]

I have my 1 (one) year experience with the Maxtrax 8' awning. I saw this awning posted on a forum and at the price(was on sale for $89.99). I bought one for my Tacoma truck. I also saved 10% being a AAA. With tax and free shipping the price was great. The review; Side by side comparison with many others on the market including ARB. The aluminum extrusions are a bit lighter then ARB's awning. It is a little more flexible. The fabric looks good and similar to the others, I compared it too. The Items that have required up grading and I have fixed. The pop (blind) rivets were factory installed were to small. Opening for the first time 2 (two) of them were half way out and not holding. The straps to hold the rolled up awning inside of the cover came out. The same straps where they were heat cut into the sections are nu-fraying. One of the "D" plastic loops the stitching came nu-sown, and the loop fell out. The side tension poll bent when in the night light rain collected on the top (even with the corner lowered 9" lower then the other for drainage). I was able to fix the problems myself. Inconvenient to fix but it worked fine. I made some improvements that have worked out great. The repairs were to add a cross bar between the tension between the upright polls and the vehicle mounting carrier (1/2 way between the legs. I added 2 additional post as well). The new cross bar lifts the awning tighter and less gravity sag in the middle. I have bought another same awning for my Jeep JKU. I also bought a additional for spare parts. This is cheaper then ordering replacement parts. I have spares now if I need them. I can confirm that the the "IronMan" 8' X 8' room works great with the awning. Most of the knock-offs are made in just a couple of factories in China. They are cheaper then the name brands and we get what we paid for. All of the awnings are not made for windy conditions or heavy rain or snow out of the box. Suggestions: Get some solid tent stakes, Get heavier ropes to secure it tight. The decision for myself is that this is good for what I paid for the awning. The shade is very nice in the beaches and deserts. The rain protection is also good. Can improve the weather situation and make a big difference. If you get a room to go under the awning I would recommend that you add the cross bars (as I did) and extra legs to help with the weight of the room walls and ceiling to the tension bars.

[@goldenglowladore3842]

Thank you for your feedback.

[@OXFOOT]

Yeah I should have bought one when I had the chance. It’s greyed out for pick up or delivery to Denver.

[@joel__ryan]

I just bought one. Check their website again, they might have more in stock still.

[@jcmorrison5487]

@@joel__ryan not anymore😐as of today.

[@mike4128mh]

Just bought mine today in omaha, guy said almost all the stores out here still have them

[@bajasoobnut]

Ok, what I do with mine is I unravel the roll about 2 feet or so then hold it overhead and move the 2 bars out to outside the awning envelopeand extend them a bit, then I unravel it the rest of the way and extend out the legs but keep them in the stowed position, then with those 2 bars I then put them into their homes and then fasten those Velcro loops on. Now this is where I have had to change things up, I then extend the legs and then install the crossbolts through the leg. The reason why I did that is because the first trip out with it and using it was on the beach and well I had to get access to the recovery boards as someone drove their crv into loose sand, when I went to drop the legs one of them became separated from the cam lock on the end as they are just staked with a poorly designed staking, and when I went to repair it that came basically rapidly disassembled itself with no means to reassemble. I love mine and it's great for shade from the sun as well! And I have it mounted on a 02 sequoia btw using the sandwich method with the brackets. Also another note, before installation go and get better hardware as the bolts and nuts are not passivated and gaul way too easily. And also there is a Facebook group called "Napa awning support group" in which a lot of people have little fixes, improvements, and mods for these awnings.

[@o4thesox]

Just bought it and it's in stock at the napa a few blocks away. With the "napatext" coupon it was only $80 bucks. Thank you for the heads-up up, the detailed review and the coupon. New sub now

[@midwestgroundup8403]

I recently learned about the Maxitrac awnings and happened to be able to watch this video last week. I took the opportunity and visited the NAPA website to check the availability of the awning. I was able to put 2 in my cart and purchased both at a 20% discount with their buy more save more code. I picked up both of them later that morning (10 hrs later) from our local NAPA warehouse/retail store. Not just a standalone retail store front. I asked the attendant if they had the awnings at their facility as they are a large warehouse or if they had them shipped in etc. as I was interested in buying another one while I was there. She said that they were shipped in from another location and now show -2 which meant that none were available from them or their manufacturer. She said I likely got the last 2 available, at least at that point in their system. She wasn’t sure if they were discontinued but leaned in that direction. Your title in your video description, (even though the video has been posted for several months) is what motivated me to look and buy the awnings on Thursday. Thanks for the heads up in your video title, even though I was months late to the party. This is in the greater Milwaukee area. Thanks for the heads up, Peace

[@OverlandEngineer]

Right on! Wow I have heard a lot of different stories about it going in and out of stock. Some people paying like $130, some getting it discounted. It is harder and harder to find but somehow there are still units in the system haha.

[@brotherjasonlundmark6935]

I just ordered this evening, based upon your video , thank you , also got 20% off by placing 3 items in napa Carr, so I added 2 .50 cent fuses , amazing

[@Runner_-of6jd]

I just paid $83.39 for my awning from my local NAPA store. Ordered online and used a promo code and NAPA rewards, original price from my store was $109.99. Can't wait to install and use at the beach this season!

[@HUNtastic1]

just an fyi, your car keys can be cut based on that picture, and it can be stolen if they get its location. Same thing with house keys, just put it away next time.

[@tpseeker3367]

Seen this NAPA awning last year & forgot about how big they actually are. Swing the side arms out 1st, then unroll. I like how there is a channel in the end of the rollup metal part that a 3/8" thick rope can slide into to put up screen.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Oh dang, I did not notice that channel, that is sweet. Yeah that is a good idea. I guess I could just slightly unroll it then place it on top of the vehicle to swing out the arms.

[@tpseeker3367]

I blame JohnDZ for that idea@@OverlandEngineer. There's a few companies that have generic screens & walls that use the 3/8 channel. Seems to be a universal size.

[@tpseeker3367]

Just be CAREFUL on how you swing the arms OUT @@OverlandEngineer. That Might be why people are complaining on how easy the metal ones break.

[@John-fy5io]

Went and picked up the Maxitrac spare tire trash bag yesterday and was told the awnings are done until next year.

[@ugamurph]

Swing the side support poles out first not quite to 90° and extend close to the full length that they need to be opened. Then roll the awning out on top of the support poles. Once the awning is open all the way, swing the legs down from the end support piece. Then you’ll twist to loosen one side support pole, insert it into the end support, pull it all out so that the awning is tight, and repeat on the other side. Now adjust the legs and tie it down.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah I just don't want to break off the poles that are horizontal and the rolled out awning blocks me from swinging them out immediately so I think I have to roll it out a little bit and set it on the roof. It's whatever.

[@ugamurph]

I’ll try to post a video to show how I do it. It’s awkward alone, but swinging out the side support poles after unstrapping the canopy assists you in holding up the awning while getting it setup. Always support the weight of the awning until the legs are on the ground when using the above method.

[@GOTDAMITOFFROAD]

I looked at napa online and they were all out of stock. I decided to just call my local napa store and see if they could get one, they had one for me the next day. Heck yeah! 11/12/21

[@OverlandEngineer]

Nice!!

[@grywolf1973]

I have 2, one for each side of my Square Drop Camper. One I use just as an awning and the other I use an ARB screen room on.

[@TerryManitoba]

That is a good price and for the amount of times you might use it quality matters a bit less. I have spent 15 months over 3 years in my rig and had very few times where I felt I would have really wanted to have an awning. Unless I change my rig - In the end I will likely never get an awning. And for the few times I may want a cover a tarp could work just fine without the extra wind drag & weight up top that are a couple of downsides for an awning.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Yeah true! Those downsides were not as big of a deal to me and for your exact reasons about price I figured it was nice to have it along for those occasional moments where you really wish you had it.

[@edgarbaron2561]

I overland in crocks also...they just dam comfy, but I bring duck or rain boots also...lol Thanks for the tip on the awning got mine yesterday

[@OverlandEngineer]

That’s awesome! Yeah I love my crocs. They don’t look that great but super easy and comfortable

[@michaelg1805]

I have this awning and in process of breaking down camp a rogue out of nowhere wind lifted the thing up into the air. Snapped both the pins off side rods and bent the extrusion and end caps. The extrusion is very thin and flimsy. No parts available to fix so figured id just buy another. Now nobody has one in stock to buy. We didn’t realize how much we would love this awning while camping. But now im thinking ill just get a arb. Granted yes it probably never would of broke staked down but i was in process of putting it away.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Dang that stinks. Sorry about that! Yeah that was why I was thinking it was good enough quality and worse case scenario you could buy a few of them before spending the price on a high end awning. But then again if they are discontinued that may not be an option...

[@michaelg1805]

@@OverlandEngineer that was my thinking also. Just get another. its my first awning and now since i now know how much i like having a awning. I dont mind spending for a better one. I also had to install more rivets in mine initially as a few didnt go into anything on the extruded part.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@michaelg1805 Ah I see. Yeah I think I am in the same boat but I did not know until I tried this one!

[@stonemartinez8664]

Same thing happened to me!! Mine broke with the wind also but NAPA replaced it for free!! Not sure if you guys know but they have a 1 year warranty with receipt but the cashier guy told me it would’ve been fine if I didn’t have my receipt. So I got a brand new one no charge. I am just careful now when there isn’t even the slightest breeze lol

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@stonemartinez8664 Dang good to know!

[@MC-je7qm]

I have both the ARB 2500x2500 and the maxi Trac. The ARB is more robust and heavier built and mine has the LED light strip which is amazing. With that said...the maxi trac is by far a better value. With the AAA discount I got mine for $80 and it's a great awning. It also accepts ARB awning rooms. Hopefully they start producing them again. Can't beat them for the money.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Awesome!

[@brendanhorsman7680]

Hey man, I know it’s 8 months later but is it an exact fit with the arb awning room? I really like the looks of this awning but I was concerned because I’d want a room as well and I saw that Napa didn’t sell any room for it. Thanks!

[@MC-je7qm]

@@brendanhorsman7680 Yes it will fit. If you can the room....get it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6CllK1jd9Fqg6M check this video out.

[@brendanhorsman7680]

@@MC-je7qm thanks man!

[@andrewgoric8412]

Awesome review thx probably gonna get one today

[@johnkesling]

Thanks for the video. Looks very similar to one I have from Yescam, but yours has different hardware on the end pieces. Instead of the metal points, mine has threaded bolts that are super annoying to slide through and I'm constantly dropping the nuts that I have to screw on. I like the NAPA design better. Might order one for the other side of my Honda Element, though it looks like they've raised the price to $150 (but $130 with a discount code).

[@usmcdoc2512]

Any idea why they stopped selling there?

[@usmcdoc2512]

GOOD LUCK FINDING REPLACEMENT PARTS!

[@OverlandEngineer]

I'm pretty sure all the ARB awning parts work. Had to order one part for it and it was an ARB awning part.

[@usmcdoc2512]

@@OverlandEngineer oooohhhhh really?... It's the side arms that extend. Hmmm now I'm thinking.... Maybe I won't have to toss it. Or perhaps just say F it and upgrade. I've had this thing 2 years. It served it's purpose...

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@usmcdoc2512 Haha I know what you mean. Always the debate. A good opportunity to upgrade or repair....

[@usmcdoc2512]

@@OverlandEngineer I guess I can just fix the broken one, stick it on the truck camper shell and put the new one in the SUV. Salvage it I suppose.

[@james_the_darklord]

I'd rather go for this Napa awning than the ones that ARB sells which is expensive. They are both made in China anyway , you are just buying the ARB name only.

[@RogueXI]

I just picked this up 6/8/23. FYI, the Maxi Trac logo has been replaced by a white NAPA logo.

[@pnw_element9822]

I got one months ago took off my 4ft cvt awning to put on the bigger one for 99 bucks

[@OverlandEngineer]

There you go!

[@jnw8356]

I am pleased with your no bs presentation of your video. Was wondering if this awning would mount on stock Toyota roof rails on 4Runner(2016). Thanks for your good work.

[@OverlandEngineer]

You probably could if you drilled your own holes or built little brackets. LFD crossbars are pretty awesome. They mount into the factory rails and have way more flexibility like an aftermarket roof rack.

[@chriseppley8272]

Will this work with the stock roof rack and cross bars?

[@Krystof.Veritae]

That 4runner looks fab …. What lift and Tire setup is on it ? Did that lift helped the gas tank hide as I always see 4runners gas tanks kinda hang low …. Cheers & Thank ya

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! I’ve got a 3” Old Man Emu lift with 285/70R17 Yokohama Geolandar 003 MTs on Relations Race Wheels RR6-H bronze rims. Zero offset. The gas tank has no moved but lifting the 4Runner gets it farther away from the ground haha. The skid does sit lower than the frame though like you’ve noticed

[@bookofjoshua1]

They raised the price to 140, but I found one in stock locally today 12/26/22 with a $40 discount.

[@aaronwiles5213]

The local NAPA store near me says they are going to spin up production again next spring 2022.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Oh that’s good. So many people can’t get them!

[@aaronqueen55]

And the price went up 30%

[@JDS-Dalton]

Man, I was right about to buy one on Thursday but got busy with work. When I finally got done and was about to go through with the purchase it was already out of stock.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Oh no! Yeah it seems as though what is for sale is just the remaining units in warehouses.

[@OverlandEngineer]

Where are you located?

[@JDS-Dalton]

@@OverlandEngineer I'm over in NC, hoping that they have a shipment stuck in one of the cargo ships sitting off the west coast lol

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@JDS-Dalton Hahaha

[@JDS-Dalton]

@@OverlandEngineer I will say though that I've seen these things go out of stock for a bit then come back, I may have missed it in the video, but where'd you hear that they might be discontinued? Heard that earlier yesterday after running into someone else with the awning.

[@caleyhall]

Your audio is better than most professional bloggers what are you using?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Haha just some cheap lapel mics. Most people use shotgun mics on the top of their camera and I started out doing that but it never seemed to be as good for me.

[@caleyhall]

@@OverlandEngineer it sounds extremely professional, I have a range of microphones from lapel to studio but this is the best audio I’ve heard for KZbin and I’m only listening on an iPad. Well done! Maybe do a gear vid for us enthusiasts..

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@caleyhall Haha well I will take it! These are what I use. I don't really think the majority of my subscribers care what I use but happy to answer questions! Maybe I'd do a gear video someday if I get tons of questions! mic: amzn.to/3qVole6

[@caleyhall]

@@OverlandEngineer awesome cheers, there’s definitely millions of people wanting to film outdoors on their adventures. Ur an inspiration.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@caleyhall Thanks!

[@douglasquaid2548]

Still available, it just costs $139 now.

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Just trying to see how I can put it on my 3rd gen 4runner. I'm missing one of my stock roof bars..

[@fjoffrd1240]

Unfortunately I’m also a day late and a dollar short! I just recently checked everywhere they’re gone!😖

[@bobbydauctioneer]

Great vid! Love that rig!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Thanks! It's only going to get better!

[@tonynunez1321]

The t nuts and bolts, where did you get them? Have a link? Been back and forth from the hardware store and can’t seem to nail down the right size.

[@OverlandEngineer]

They are “trac-nuts” they are M6x1 with a 16mm shaft length. I think I got 20mm shaft length and that was good

[@gsjtruckingllc]

Looking for an updated review... How's it holding up a year later?

[@davidoergel8710]

Mine did not come with the 12 bolts. I only got 8 bolts with mine.

[@williamrandall6472]

Tyvm for sharing

[@Treetopflyer777]

I can’t find one anywhere 😢😢 Is it possible to mount the short side of the “L” bracket to the rack and the awning to the top of the longer side of the “L” bracket to elevate the awning up and away from the rack?

[@lennylitvinyuk6884]

Looks exactly like my Ironman awning and for about the same price

[@OverlandEngineer]

Good to know!

[@lennylitvinyuk6884]

Could be a good alternative if this one is no longer made! Liked the video though!

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@lennylitvinyuk6884 That’s exactly what I was thinking! Haha. Thanks!

[@boymata]

Where did you get that roof rack? Looking to outfit my GX470.

[@joseperezpaz9986]

RRW wheels?? What sz tires ya rocking?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Oh yeah! 285/70/17s!

[@greenlantern1016]

Sir how did you install the awning on your your prinsu roof rack? Thanks!

[@taco_timedqp4806]

It would prob help not to park in the lowest section where water run off is and puddles...you literally pan around where the ground is not in 1-3in of water...sigh

[@OverlandEngineer]

Easy to say when the night before it was dry and level and not suppose to rain much....sigh.

[@victorhernandez4241]

What kind of roof rack do you have?

[@Strykerchan]

That’s how I do it

[@binhle2088]

The rims look very nice but out of stock :((

[@OverlandEngineer]

Don't worry, they will be back soon!

[@RCGJR_]

What’s the lift on that bad boy? 2.5” or 3”? 🤔

[@OverlandEngineer]

Probably 3" in rear and 2.5" in the front. Typically it levels out fully loaded. Its a 3" OME Lift though with heavy duty springs in front and 450lbs+ vehicle weight heavy duty rear springs!

[@RCGJR_]

@@OverlandEngineer sweet thanks! Heard good things about Old man emu.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@RCGJR_ For sure! Yeah, that is why I went with it. The cheaper lifts are actually better for daily driving because you do not need to rebuild them and the OME lift was supposedly a better ride quality than Bilstein 5100s

[@RCGJR_]

@@OverlandEngineer i’m actually planning on the OME 3” lift for my runner, how are they holding up? Any issues? I’m all new to the lift game, recently just got a ‘21 back in oct of last year, in the meantime i only have daystar’s spacer lifts (hockey puck) and heard I shouldn’t take them off roading unless i switch to an actual suspension lift, but yeah back to the quality topic, are they superb? V.s the more expensive options like bilstein, dobinsons,..etc…etc

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@RCGJR_ Sick. I have really found it to be great quality and value. It is a little stiff because I got the maximum springs practically but that may be the case no matter what lift you get if you are going to weigh down the 4Runner. I think if I had extra money for a lift I would get the 3way adjustable dobinson kit. I have heard great things about it and I may upgrade to that in the future. I have only had the OME kit since April. So far so good. I do not really understand why you can't offroad with a spacer lift...probably just bad ride quality but thats up for you to decide not them lol

[@VanillaGorilla502]

I wonder if these would work on the Gobi Stealth rack ?

[@OverlandEngineer]

For sure! They sell different brackets to mount awnings to the GOBI racks.

[@hymlog]

Now $160 Bucks ...See The Greed!

[@OverlandEngineer]

Dang…actually wild to have my video up through the price changes

[@jameshurd4815]

Instead of standing out in the rain why don't you just get inside the forerunner lol

[@OverlandEngineer]

Haha, well for this particular trip my buddy was tent camping and I had a bunch of stuff in the front seats plus the awning was set up the night before...there were a number of factors.

[@daviddesha5926]

I've been looking for weeks... Going, going, gone.

[@adamant7146]

any idea which arb annex room would attach to it? is it the 2000x2500 or 2500x2500? thx

[@OverlandEngineer]

I presume its the 2500x2500. Is that 2500 mm? I am guessing it is the 8ft by 8ft awning room.

[@adamant7146]

@@OverlandEngineer that's what i'm thinking as well. i was able to get one of these awnings and the next step is the annex room..just trying to be 100% certain before i invest $300 bucks on the room...thank u for the reply

[@DerfLrak]

Would this fit on a stock 4Runner TRD Pro roof rack?

[@OverlandEngineer]

Depends on which year and what brackets you use but probably not would be my guess. I'm not really sure why the TRD Pro rack is extra or considered an upgrade...it has a built in basket but for all the practical roof brackets and fitting in a garage its silly to me.

[@DerfLrak]

@@OverlandEngineer yeah that’s what I thought, haven’t found much use for it yet..

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@DerfLrak Lot of people still want them though so I hear people sell them for decent money that can go toward the roof racks most guys run that mount a lot of accessories up there!

[@DerfLrak]

@@OverlandEngineer That’s good to know! Sounds like a plan, thank you!

[@chrislincoln489]

LOL I'm to late there out of stock

[@wywyb88]

$129 now but still out of stock

[@OverlandEngineer]

Oh dang. Thats a huge price increase.

[@wywyb88]

Yup and I was just looking at them last week hoping they would be in stock, and they were still $99 then.

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@wywyb88 that’s wild

[@applejacks971]

FFS put the 2 legs down so it'll hold itself up instead of turning the whole process in to a clusterf*ck. Seriously

[@Eric-R]

Deploy the side arms first before unrolling the awning, and it will be a lot easier for you. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWbLdHaci9l4rqM

[@rfcdgaf]

It's $140 now RIP

[@bravovictor1922]

You have wheels, why TF are you parked in a puddle with crocs on? (Asking for my 9 yo)

[@OverlandEngineer]

Lol. Well I parked there with my awning setup and woke up to it pouring rain. Had to tear stuff down and only had my crocks and hiking boots so I saved my hiking boots and just sacrificed the crocs to get soaked.

[@bravovictor1922]

@@OverlandEngineer we figured as much, I’ve been there….well, not in crocs…NEVER in crocs 😉Happy trails

[@OverlandEngineer]

@@bravovictor1922 haha the stuff on the trails I have walked through in crocs…not recommended but they perform! Haha I know crocs can be cringe but I just can’t find something better for comfort and ease of use.