Best Car Awnings, Jump Starters & 4WD Recovery Kits Australia 2026
Shade at every stop, a flat battery sorted without help, and the right gear when the track gets soft.
8 min read · Updated October 2026
A car awning gives you shade at every lunch stop without unhitching, a jump starter sorts a flat battery without waiting for help, and a recovery kit gets you out when the track turns soft. They are three of the most useful bits of kit for touring.
This guide covers what to look for in each and how to use them safely. What we stock is below.
Car awnings, jump starters & recovery gear in the KamperHub Store
Sold and shipped by us, from Australian warehouses.
270 Degree Awning with Bulit-in LED Lights, 10.9 ㎡ Driver Side Vehicle Awning, Waterproof UV50+ Car Side Awnings, All-Weather Free-Standing Overland Awnings Car Shelter for SUV Truck CampingView in store →
Weisshorn Camping Tent SUV Car Side Awning 2x2m Canopy Outdoor Portable 4WDView in store →
X-BULL Winch Recovery Kit 11PCS 4WD 4x4 Pack Off Road Snatch Strap EssentialView in store →
Vehicle Awning, Large 10' x 7' Shade Coverage Car Side Awning, PU2000mm UV50+ Car Awning with Extended Side Canopies and Portable Storage Bag, Suitable for Truck, SUV, Van, CampersView in store →
Weisshorn Camping Tent SUV Car Rear Extension Canopy Outdoor Portable Family 4WDView in store →
2000A Jump Starter Powerbank Hummer 37000mWh 12V Car Battery Charger LED HX ProView in store →Car awnings: side, rear or 270 degree?
A side car awning rolls out from the roof rack along one side of the vehicle. It is the lightest and quickest option for lunch stops and short stays.
A 270 degree awning wraps around the side and the rear, so you get shade at the tailgate and beside the car from one unit. It covers far more area but weighs more and needs a sturdy roof rack mount.
Rear extension canopies and stand-alone side tents attach to an SUV or 4WD tailgate and suit longer stays where you want more enclosed space.
Fitting and using a 4WD awning
Check that your roof rack and roof are rated for the awning's weight, and remember the awning counts against your vehicle's payload. Track it in your free KamperHub garage.
Peg and guy every leg, even on a still day. Wind gets under an awning fast, so roll it up if the wind picks up or before you leave it unattended.
Look for a waterproof rating and UV50+ fabric for Australian sun, and let a wet awning dry out fully before long storage to stop mould.
Choosing a jump starter
A lithium jump starter is a compact battery pack that starts a vehicle with a flat battery, no second car needed. Most also charge phones and power a torch.
Check the listing against your engine: bigger engines and diesels need more starting power, so choose a model rated for your engine size, not just the biggest peak-amp number.
Recharge it every few months and after each use, and keep it out of direct sun on the dashboard, as heat shortens battery life.
4WD recovery kits and snatch straps
A 4WD recovery kit usually includes a snatch strap, shackles, a tree trunk protector and gloves. Choose a snatch strap rated for your vehicle's weight as the strap maker recommends.
Only attach a snatch strap to rated recovery points. Never use a towball or tie-down point: they are not built for recovery loads and can break free under tension.
Lay a damper or heavy blanket over the strap, keep everyone well clear, and let the air out of your tyres before you try a recovery on sand. If you are new to it, a 4WD training course is the best place to learn.