Which One Is Right For Your Setup?
When choosing the right awning for your touring setup, the mounting system, weight, and ease of use can be just as important as coverage. At Clevershade, the two options are the Ultra Lite and the Deluxe awnings. While both deliver exceptional shade and performance, they are built around very different mounting systems and user experiences.
This guide breaks down the key differences to help you choose the right awning for your vehicle and lifestyle.
The Clevershade Deluxe Awning
Traditional, Proven and Easy to Install
The Clevershade Deluxe awning is designed around a traditional mounting system that most 4WD owners will already be familiar with.
It features a solid rear backboard with integrated tracks that allow you to mount the awning using adjustable stainless steel brackets. These brackets attach directly to your roof rack system, whether you are running Rhino Rack, Yakima, Front Runner, a tub rack system or similar setups.
Installation is straightforward. The brackets can be adjusted for height and positioned forward or backward along the rack to suit your setup. For best results, we always recommend spacing the brackets as far apart as possible to maximise strength and stability. On full size Deluxe awnings, a third bracket may be required for additional support in the middle.
The awning itself is stored in a protective bag attached to the backboard. Simply unzip, unfold, and you are ready to go. It is a familiar system that is easy to use, easy to remove, and easy to transfer between vehicles.
Key advantages of the Deluxe:
- Simple and widely understood mounting system
- Fast and straightforward installation
- Adjustable bracket positioning for different setups
- Easy to remove and swap between vehicles
- Reliable and proven design
If you are looking for a no-fuss solution that works straight out of the box, the Deluxe is hard to beat.
The Clevershade Ultra Lite Awning
Lightweight Innovation with a Unique Mounting System
The Ultra Lite awning takes a completely different approach. Designed for weight savings and minimal hardware, it uses a single-point mounting system built around Clevershade’s exclusive extrusion.
This extrusion must be mounted correctly for the system to work. It is designed to integrate directly with Rhino Rack HD roof rack feet. If you are running a platform-style rack, an adaptor is required to position the extrusion behind the platform.
Once installed, the awning slides into the extrusion via its main mounting bar and is secured using the supplied tightening handle. From there, setup involves removing the cover, pulling the awning forward, and tensioning it into position.
The rear is then ratcheted into place, and a front mounting hook is installed to keep the awning secure and properly tensioned. Depending on your setup, this may require adjusting your crossbars or installing the hook into your roof rack channels using Clevershade’s supplied hardware.
This system offers a clean and lightweight solution, but it does require careful setup to get it right.
Key advantages of the Ultra Lite:
- Extremely lightweight design
- Minimal mounting hardware
- Clean, low-profile appearance
- Innovative single-point mounting system
Weight Comparison
Is the Ultra Lite Always Lighter?
Weight is often a major deciding factor when choosing an awning, and on paper, the Ultra Lite has a clear advantage.
The Ultra Lite awning typically weighs around 14kg (3.6m), 16kg (4m) , while a Compact Deluxe sits closer to 19kg (180 Degree) or 21kg (270 Degree), and the Deluxe is 25kg which in most cases is still lighter than most awnings. This makes the Ultra Lite an attractive option for those looking to reduce overall vehicle weight, however you're counting that little of weight, your vehicle is probably going to be overweight most of the time.
However, it is important to consider the full system including cross bars and extra mounting brackets.
In many setups, the Ultra Lite requires the addition of the Clevershade extrusion, and in some cases adaptors depending on your roof rack configuration. Once these components are factored in, the total installed weight can increase and become comparable to a Compact Deluxe or even a standard Deluxe in certain setups.
This means the real-world weight difference is not always as significant as it first appears, particularly depending on how your vehicle is set up.
Installation Comparison
Simple vs Precision Setup
The biggest difference between these two awnings comes down to installation and usability.
The Deluxe is very forgiving. It is easy to install, difficult to get wrong, and can be removed or transferred between vehicles with minimal effort. In most cases, it only requires loosening a couple of bolts or channel nuts.
The Ultra Lite, on the other hand, is more technical. It requires correct placement of the extrusion, careful alignment, and proper tensioning to perform as intended. While it delivers a cleaner and lighter setup, it may require additional time or assistance during the initial installation.
Which Awning Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Ultra Lite and Deluxe comes down to your priorities.
If you want something simple, reliable, and easy to install or swap between vehicles, the Deluxe is the clear choice. It suits most setups and provides a familiar, user-friendly experience.
If you are chasing a lightweight solution with a sleek mounting system and are happy to spend a bit more time dialing in your setup, the Ultra Lite offers a unique and innovative alternative.
Final Thoughts
Both Clevershade awnings are designed to deliver high-quality shade and durability in real-world touring conditions. The difference lies in how they integrate with your vehicle and how much involvement you want during installation.
The Deluxe is all about simplicity and versatility along with strength and familiarity.
The Ultra Lite is all about innovation and weight reduction.
And while the Ultra Lite appears lighter on paper, factoring in mounting components can bring the overall system weight closer than expected.
Whichever you choose, you are getting a premium awning built for Australian conditions and designed to perform when it matters most.
