Howling Moon 270 Swing Awning - Owner's Review

Another review of the equipment that I use on my Land Rover, this time the Howling Moon 270 Swing Awning.
An excellent awning that provides ample of protection and easy to use.
Pro's
1) well constructed
2) 300GSM ripstop canvas
3) self supporting up to 20km winds
4) legs provided in all arms
5) walls ( door or window ) can be purchased individually or as a set.
Con's
1) ground pegs are shit!
2) tie down straps were replaced with tent rope.
3) package cover is not waterproof
4) zippers to attach the walls to the awning were down graded to standard zippers. Pre 2020 versions of Howling Moon Swing Awnings had HD zippers. The best proof I could find is this video: • Howling Moon - 6 Arm 2...
From the time I placed the order and finally received this awning, it was nearing 6 months, the distributor prided himself that I was getting the updated 2020 awning. By changing to a standard zipper on the awning and changing out the tie down straps for tent rope I think it was more of a step backwards as I did my research and knew exactly what I wanted when I placed the original order.
With that said, the few faults are not enough to make me want to change. In heavy Nordic rains this swing awning has held up very well.
If this swing awning is within your price range, I'd recommend you taking a good look at it.
Thanks for watching and enjoy.

[@OverlandbyEric]

I like your T-shirt. BTW great review keep the good informative work.

[@tukocan]

I had the t-shirt made locally with my OB number, thank you for your comments. 😉

[@marcoe14]

Nice practical review

[@antonlouw6374]

Put some silicone wax on the zips to make them glide easier.. Thanks for the review

[@tukocan]

Hi Anton, excellent idea, that I will try. Thanks.

[@Maxtrialsuk]

I saw your eezi awn roof tent video, have you had any experience with their bat 270 awning or know anybody who has?

[@nadirelf]

Would you please provide a link to the tent stakes you’re using in lieu of those provided by Howling Moon?

[@tukocan]

Here are the heavy duty ones that are here in Sweden; www.addnature.com/campz-t-eisen-hering-M599568.html?vgid=G634891&_cid=21_1_-1_9_2015_634891_458610409097_pla&CBA&ef_id=CjwKCAiAs92MBhAXEiwAXTi25yd9itqgi_nru0mG1ed96bZtK6-WV0S-9OsYEf1qR0nxsj5rzszICxoCOjYQAvD_BwE%3AG%3As&campaign_detail=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAs92MBhAXEiwAXTi25yd9itqgi_nru0mG1ed96bZtK6-WV0S-9OsYEf1qR0nxsj5rzszICxoCOjYQAvD_BwE

[@tukocan]

These are the ones that we use daily if there is no need for the storm pegs www.campingtillbehor4u.se/sv/artiklar/taltpinnar-o-7-mm-x-21-cm-modell-4-5-pack.html

[@Edge-dy9fh]

Very usefull review. Thanks. I am torn between this one and a similar awning from Darche. Does anyone know of any others I should be looking at?

[@tukocan]

It's a jungle out there and it's not easy to find the "right" 270 awning that will suite your particular wants & needs. I was nearly on the money with this one, just a shame that the provided changed production methods without notification. With that said, it's still a top contender and we are happy with it. Another provider that began making 270 awnings after I bought mine is Quick Pitch, maybe theirs will hit the nail on the head for you? Thank you for you comment and good luck with your purchase.

[@Edge-dy9fh]

@@tukocan Thanks I didn't know about the Quick pitch awning. Looks like a good option.

[@iraqcom8939]

did you catch the fish😆

[@warrenhaywood8425]

Looks like cost cutting with the zippers and ropes, not impressed,zipper goes wall useless and a pain to replace, I am going with the Ostrich another Sth African product.

[@tukocan]

Cost cutting is exactly what it was. I can live without the tiedown "straps" but the zipper change on the awning is frustrating. We have used the awning in zero weather where it is more cumbersome to use the walls and I do worry that one day I'll pull too hard on the zipper and break it. But still with the few faults or the changes that were not known at the time of researching and purchasing, it's a fine product.

[@deanbull1062]

im in the market for a good high quality 270 awning and im not sorry to say this awning would at the bottom of my list compared to some other quality 270's available on the market this awning is difficult to set up and even more so to pack up do yourself a favour and check out brands such as Darche,Bushwacker,Bush company and even rhino for a better more easy set up

[@tukocan]

Hej Dean, the whole idea with this video was to help to inform those who are considering an awning for their adventure vehicles. Clearly I have helped you with your decision to buy another brand, they're not all perfect but on the other hand they are not all bad either, what matters is what suites "our" needs. At the time I bought this 270° awning, the brands you mentioned were and as far as I know are still not available here in Sweden other than Rhino which for me (like you said) fell to the bottom of my list. Thanks for your comments and all the best with the awning that you eventually buy which I'm sure will suite your needs as required.

[@Edge-dy9fh]

I bought this awning and really regret doing so.

[@tukocan]

Interesting comment, why do you regret the purchase?

[@Edge-dy9fh]

@@tukocan I had several minor issues right from day one such as the strap that holds the awning open snapping in very light wind conditions, the stitching on the outer bag failing, causing it to leak. The main reason I regret buying is the poor after sale service. I have been trying for weeks to buy a small aluminium extrusion that joins the arms to the hinge. It snapped in gust of wind. Until it's replaced I can't use the awning or even pack it back in it's bag. Thankfully I don't have any more road trips planned for the next few months.

[@tukocan]

@@Edge-dy9fh Thankfully I've not had those poor quality issues but I will say that I'm forever drying it out. The outer bag is not waterproof, because of it's design or how it's applied/mounted to the back plate, rain water enters instantly. Also I've already noticed the 4th arm ( the last one closest to the rear door) sags, fingers cross the extrusion doesn't fail. Have you tried googling to buy the extrusion else where's?

[@Edge-dy9fh]

@@tukocan I have the same problem with it being wet all the time and the same arm as you mention, dropped and buckled the first time I opened it. So make sure you Support it’s weight when you unfold it. Also the locking cams inside the legs are starting to rust on mine, I would consider spraying them with something like wd40.

[@tukocan]

@@Edge-dy9fh I have one locking cam that turns and turns for what seems like forever before it locks. LOL In the spring I'll lube them, thanks for the tips.

[@alexcici6359]

Chinese stuffs are very good

[@tukocan]

I had a Chinese side awning and I can tell you that a Chinese 270 awning can't even come close to the quality of this awning.