Which 270 Degree Awning Is Right for Your Tommy Camper?
When travelling around Australia, a good awning can make a huge difference to your camping experience. Whether you are escaping the midday sun, cooking dinner outside or enjoying a few days off-grid, having plenty of shade and shelter around your camper makes life on the road much more comfortable.
At Tommy Campers, we offer three freestanding 270 degree awnings for our slide-on campers: The Bush Company 270 XT MAX MK2, Bushwakka Darkness Pro and Darche Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED.
All three have been carefully selected because they work particularly well with the design of our slide-on campers. They wrap neatly around all our models with a 90-degree corner, providing generous shade across the outdoor living area.
Our slide-on campers are also designed to accommodate these awnings, with compatible mounting brackets making installation straightforward. But while all three serve the same purpose, there are some interesting differences in price, construction, weight, canvas, lighting, shade coverage and warranty. So, which one is right for you?
Why does Tommy Campers offer three different awnings?
When choosing an awning for your Tommy Camper, we believe it is important to have options. That is why we have selected three freestanding 270 degree awnings from The Bush Company, Bushwakka and Darche, each offering something different.
The biggest differences come down to price, weight, construction, features and personal preference.
With manufacturer-listed prices ranging from approximately $1,400 to $3,000, there is a significant difference in what customers might want to spend on an awning.
But price is not the only consideration. Some travellers prefer a traditional, heavy-duty awning with a strong focus on robust construction and simplicity. Others appreciate integrated LED lighting, additional features or a particular canvas colour that complements their camper.
Even the materials differ, with each manufacturer taking its own approach to fabric, frame construction and design.
Rather than offering dozens of awnings, we have selected three options that suit our campers while giving customers the freedom to choose what matters most to them.
Comparing the three freestanding 270 degree awnings
| Feature | Bush Company XT MAX MK2 | Bushwakka Darkness Pro | Darche Eclipse 270 |
| Shade coverage | 12.2 m² | 12 m² | 11.5 m² |
| Listed Retail Price (AUD) | $2,950 | $1,399 | $1,879 |
| Weight | 33.5 kg | 30 kg | 26 kg |
| Canvas | 315 gsm polyester ripstop | 320 gsm HexaTough canvas | 320 gsm ripstop polycotton |
| Integrated LEDs | No | RGB LEDs | White / amber |
| Freestanding | YES | YES | YES |
| Warranty | 2 years conditional | 12 months | 3 years |
*Prices are indicative manufacturer-listed prices and may change. Installation charges are not included. Warranty conditions apply.
The Bush Company 270 XT MAX MK2 – Built with durability in mind
The Bush Company has become one of the most respected names in Australia’s off-road touring industry, particularly when it comes to heavy-duty awnings and rooftop tents.
With roots in South Africa, founder Dean Gurney began developing freestanding 270 degree awnings back in 2007. Today, the company continues to manufacture its awnings in South Africa, with its Australian headquarters and showroom located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The 270 XT MAX MK2 reflects the brand’s approach to touring equipment, with a strong focus on robust construction, quality materials and straightforward operation.
Offering approximately 12.2 square metres of shade, it is the largest of the three awnings in this comparison, although the difference in coverage is relatively small.
One of its distinguishing features is its construction. The awning uses 315gsm acrylic-treated polyester ripstop canvas with a single seam, stainless steel heavy-duty headstocks and B-Tech® Alloy arms, rated to 50km/h freestanding. While its canvas has a slightly lower GSM rating than the other two awnings, a lower GSM rating doesn’t necessarily mean a lower-quality awning. GSM refers to the weight of the fabric in grams per square metre, rather than its thickness, waterproofing or tear resistance. The type of material, protective treatments, stitching and overall construction all play an important role in determining the fabric’s quality and durability.
The Bush Company also takes a different approach to integrated features. Rather than incorporating LED lighting into the awning, it keeps the design relatively straightforward. For some campers, integrated lighting is a convenient addition. Others may prefer to keep their awning and lighting systems separate, allowing them to choose their own setup.
At approximately 33.5 kg, it is also worth considering the weight when fitting out a camper, particularly because the awning is mounted relatively high on the vehicle. With a listed price of approximately $2,950, the XT MAX MK2 is the most expensive awning in this comparison.
What stands out?
- Largest shade coverage of the three at 12.2 m²
- Heavy-duty frame and stainless steel components
- Single-seam canopy construction
- Straightforward design without integrated electronics
- Manufactured in South Africa
Things to consider: Its higher purchase price, weight and lack of integrated lighting may make it less appealing to travellers who prioritise convenience features or a lower budget.
Bushwakka Darkness Pro – Features, functionality and value
Bushwakka Adventure Gear began as a family business in South Africa, founded by Johnny and Annelize Loots. What started with renovating caravans has grown into an international camping and outdoor equipment brand.
Today, Bushwakka has its Australian headquarters on the Gold Coast, with showrooms in Queensland and Victoria and more than 40 stockists across Australia.
The Darkness Pro reflects the brand’s focus on practical camping equipment, combining generous shade coverage with integrated LED lighting and a competitive price. With approximately 12 square metres of shade,
it provides almost the same coverage as The Bush Company XT MAX.
The Darkness Pro uses 320 gsm HexaTough waterproof canvas in black, giving it a distinctive appearance compared with more traditional awning colours.
One of its biggest features is the integrated RGB LED lighting system. Rather than setting up separate camp lights, the awning includes four integrated dimmable LED lights, with colour options including red lighting. This can be particularly useful when cooking, relaxing or organising gear after sunset. The Darkness Pro also features an internal frame design and adjustable support legs, offering additional
flexibility when setting up camp.
At approximately 30 kg, it is slightly lighter than The Bush Company awning, which may be worth considering when managing the overall weight of a touring setup. With a listed price around $1,399, depending on the
selected option, the Darkness Pro offers an attractive combination of shade coverage and integrated features.
Bushwakka has manufacturing connections in both South Africa and China. The current Darkness Pro is believed to be Chinese-made, although its exact production location has not been independently confirmed.
What stands out?
- Generous 12 m² shade coverage
- Integrated dimmable RGB LED lighting
- Black 320 gsm HexaTough canvas
- Adjustable support legs
- Competitive price for a freestanding 270 degree awning
Things to consider: The black canopy may appeal to some vehicle builds more than others, while the integrated lighting introduces electrical components that need to be considered during long-term ownership.
Darche Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED – Australian camping heritage
Established in 1991, Darche is one of Australia’s longest-standing camping equipment brands. Founded by Darren O’Dwyer, the company originally became known for developing Australia’s first dome swag before expanding into rooftop tents, awnings and a wide range of 4WD touring equipment.
More than 30 years later, Darche continues to design and engineer its products in Australia, with showrooms in Melbourne and Brisbane and a dedicated Australian customer support and spare-parts operation.
The Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED brings that experience into a practical 270 degree awning, combining ripstop polycotton canvas, integrated lighting and replaceable components. With 11.5 square metres of shade, it offers slightly less coverage than the other two awnings, although it still creates a substantial sheltered area. The canopy is made from 320 gsm ripstop polycotton canvas, with a published 3,000 mm waterhead rating and UPF 50+ protection.
Like Bushwakka, Darche incorporates lighting directly into the awning. However, rather than RGB lighting, the Eclipse features dimmable white and amber LEDs. White lighting is useful when preparing meals or organising equipment, while amber lighting provides a softer atmosphere around camp.
Another interesting feature is Darche’s approach to replaceable components. Individual components are designed to be replaceable, which may be useful if repairs are required during the awning’s life.
At approximately 26 kg, the Darche is the lightest of the three awnings. That saves 4 kg compared with Bushwakka and 7.5 kg compared with The Bush Company, an advantage when managing weight mounted high on a camper.
Darche also publishes a freestanding wind rating of 30 km/h under its specified test conditions. As with any awning, weather conditions can change quickly, and the manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed.
The Eclipse is Australian-designed and Chinese-manufactured. With a listed price of approximately $1,879, it offers a combination of practical features, weather protection and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What stands out?
- 11.5 m² shade coverage
- Lightest of the three awnings at 26 kg
- Integrated dimmable white and amber LED lighting
- 320 gsm ripstop polycotton canvas
- Published 3,000 mm waterhead rating
- Replaceable components
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
Things to consider: It offers slightly less shade than the other two awnings, and its published freestanding wind rating should be understood in the context of the manufacturer’s test conditions.
Why awning weight matters on a 4WD or camper
When choosing a 270 degree awning, weight is something that is easily overlooked. But for a 4WD touring setup or slide-on camper, every kilogram counts.
Unlike accessories mounted lower on the vehicle, an awning sits relatively high on the camper. This means its weight contributes to a higher centre of gravity, which can influence vehicle stability, particularly when cornering, driving on uneven tracks or travelling off-road.
The Darche Eclipse 270 is the lightest at approximately 26 kg, followed by the Bushwakka Darkness Pro at 30 kg and The Bush Company 270 XT MAX MK2 at 33.5 kg. That is a 7.5 kg difference between the lightest and heaviest options. While it is only one part of the overall build, the difference is worth considering because the awning sits high on the camper.
When fitting out a Tommy Camper, it is worth considering not just the awning itself, but the combined weight of all accessories mounted high on the camper. Ultimately, choosing an awning is about finding the right balance between shade coverage, features, durability and weight
What about canvas quality and waterproofing?
Not all awning fabrics are created equal, and a higher GSM rating does not automatically mean a better awning. GSM refers to the weight of the fabric in grams per square metre. It does not directly measure thickness, waterproofing or resistance to tearing.
The Bush Company uses acrylic-treated polyester ripstop, Bushwakka uses its HexaTough fabric, and Darche uses ripstop polycotton. These fabrics have different characteristics, and their performance depends on the weave, coatings, seams and construction.
Darche publishes a 3,000 mm waterhead rating, while the other manufacturers describe their fabrics as waterproof without necessarily publishing directly comparable test figures.
When camping in wet conditions, it is also important to consider how an awning drains water. Even waterproof fabric can experience pooling if the awning is not correctly tensioned or positioned. For extended rain, using the manufacturer’s recommended support legs and securing points can make a significant difference.
Are freestanding 270 degree awnings suitable for windy conditions?
One of the biggest advantages of a freestanding awning is how quickly it can be deployed. But the word freestanding can sometimes be misunderstood. It does not mean the awning should be left unsecured in strong winds.
Each manufacturer has different recommendations for wind conditions, support legs and guy ropes. Darche publishes a 30 km/h freestanding wind rating, while the other awnings use different construction methods and manufacturer guidance. The Bush Company publishes a wind rating to 50km/h freestanding and over 90km/h when poled, guyed and pegged.
Because testing methods and conditions are not necessarily identical, published wind ratings should not automatically be treated as a direct measure of which awning is strongest. Regardless of the brand, securing your awning when required and packing it away before severe weather arrives is always good practice.
Although these awnings are designed for freestanding use, each manufacturer has specific recommendations for securing them in changing weather conditions. Darche recommends using its supplied support poles and guy ropes whenever the awning is deployed, while The Bush Company and Bushwakka also provide guidance on securing their awnings when required.
What about warranty, spare parts and after-sales support?
When investing in a 270 degree awning, it is worth looking beyond the initial purchase price. All three brands have established Australian operations, with local customer support and access to replacement parts or warranty assistance.
The Bush Company operates from its Australian headquarters on the Sunshine Coast, Bushwakka has its headquarters on the Gold Coast, and Darche has Australian showrooms in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The manufacturer’s warranty periods also vary. The Bush Company offers a two-year conditional warranty, Bushwakka provides 12 months, and Darche offers three years on its standard awning range.
But a longer warranty does not necessarily mean a more durable awning. What is equally important is understanding what the warranty covers, whether replacement parts are available and how easily repairs can be arranged.
For travellers planning extended trips around Australia, having access to Australian-based support provides additional peace of mind.
Why these three awnings work with Tommy Campers
At Tommy Campers, we have selected these three freestanding 270 degree awnings because they work particularly well with the design of our campers.
One of the key considerations is the 90-degree corner, allowing the awning to wrap neatly around the camper and provide shade across the outdoor living area.
Our campers are also designed to accommodate freestanding awnings, with mounting brackets that make installation straightforward for the compatible models we offer.
This means customers can choose between different awning styles, materials and features without compromising the overall camper layout.
Whether you prefer the straightforward, heavy-duty construction of The Bush Company, the integrated RGB lighting of Bushwakka or the practical features of Darche, all three are suitable options for a Tommy Camper.
Which 270 degree awning should you choose?
There is no single awning that is right for everyone.
If you prioritise robust construction, straightforward design and long-term touring, The Bush Company XT MAX MK2 is worth considering.
If integrated lighting, generous shade coverage and a lower purchase price are important, the Bushwakka Darkness Pro offers an interesting combination of features.
And if you are looking for integrated white and amber lighting, replaceable components and a longer manufacturer’s warranty, the Darche Eclipse 270 Freestanding LED deserves a closer look.
Ultimately, the best 270 degree awning is the one that suits your vehicle, camping style and budget. All three provide generous coverage around a touring setup, and each approaches the job a little differently.
At Tommy Campers, we are happy to help you explore the different options and choose an awning that works with your camper and the way you travel.