Yakima SlimShady 6.5 Setup & Review

[@du3223]

Thanks for the video. I was considering one of these but you've convinced me to stick with my DIY tarp setup. I realize this is your first time setting it up but your video shows just how flimsy and cumbersome these things are by design.

[@SomeStrangemysterious]

I have an awning like this that is even cheaper than the SS. It is not hard to set up this and similar awnings. Here are the steps. 1. Unzip and undo, Velcro straps holding the awning inside the bag. Mine has 3 so I undo the two outside straps first and the middle strap keeps the awning from falling out of the bag. Then I undo the last strap when I’m ready to have hold of the awning. 2. Unfold the awning only about a foot or so and toss it up over the outside protective pouch so it rests on the vehicle’s roof. It’s still mostly folded at this point 3. Take the two upper poles and rotate them to the sides at least perpendicular to the vehicle so they are not in your way for the next step, but still close at hand. 4. Take the awing and proceed with unfolding it out fully. Deploy both support legs, but only lengthening to about chest height and lock the support legs. Slightly angle the poles towards the vehicle. This is where most first timers have problems I think. 5. Continue to support the awning while you insert the top poles, extending as needing and locking securely. It’s important the awning be held taught when inserting the top poles otherwise if slack is allowed in the awning the support legs can’t do their job and it’s just a mess. 6. After both top poles and inserted and twisted tight, then raise the support legs to your desired height and re-tighten them. Finish by securing all the Velcro straps to the top poles and you are done. This whole process takes me under 2 minutes. Again it’s important the tarp be taught not floppy and don’t forget to always use the guy lines to secure the awning. I do this even in light winds because you never know when the wind will suddenly pick up. Hope this helps. There are some really good videos showing the proper technique for deploying these style of awnings. Hope this helps.

[@briantodd4887]

I have a Subaru Outback and was highly considering this exact awning for car camping. I currently have a rear hatch awning by Kelty but wanted something for the driver side. How has it been handling for you? Seems like lots of frustration- but maybe you got the swing of things on how to set up, etc. would you recommend?

[@jdmoney1000]

Rachel, Sister Mary Catherine, Jesus! What a dumpster fire...I'm so sorry for you....Now that it's been a month, level with me... Is the 6.5 shade really big enough to be functionable??? Are you happy with it??? Would you opt for eight feet if you could do it over???? Or would you prefer to have your money back and park under a tree for shade??? Bronco sport owner asking... thx!

[@cardolianez]

I just put up an 8' slim shady by myself. I'm 5' tall. It's not this hard. Gotta be a joke.

[@Karm007]

Got a tell you , this was very painful to watch 😂😂😂😂

[@tray-b6955]

Oh the pleasure and pains of The Awning! I have one that sets up w/(heavy duty!) suction cups on the flat of the roof. Wind is no friend!😮

[@RachelsOutdoorAdventureReviews]

Yours sound much simpler than mine! I've seen people use magnets as well.

[@cardolianez]

Hard ground shoulda known it wasn't going to stake in. I swear this is a fake video to take out Yakima. 😂

[@nmfirelover]

Wow..this video is a joke 🤦‍♀️ it’s really not that hard