Basics: How does MoonShade attach to vehicles?Updated 2 years ago

MoonShade is super versatile and works with almost any vehicle or camper and on countless other structures. 

There are two primary methods for attaching MoonShade to your vehicle:

1. Clip the awning's corner carabiners to an anchor point, OR
2. Use the included strut pole as your connection point between the awning and the anchor point

Your anchor points can be a lot of things, but they will most commonly be:

• MoonAnchors (suction cups, magnets, etc)
• Existing Exterior Hardware (roof racks, rails, platforms, baskets, platforms)
• Your DIY Anchor

Attachment Methods

Attachment Method 1: Clipping the Corner Carabiners

MoonShade's corner carabiners can clip to a huge number of anchor points like our custom MoonAnchors, existing exterior hardware on your vehicle, or your own DIY anchor. The options are endless, but they fall into two categories below.

• Clip to MoonAnchors

Our collection of MoonAnchors makes anchoring your MoonShade quick and simple. Whether it's MoonShade's included suction cup anchors or our Sprinter Rail Anchors, we have you covered. Once you have chosen your MoonAnchors and anchoring location, mount the anchors at the appropriate distance of 9ft or 7ft, ensuring they are secure. Then, clip MoonShade's corner carabiners to the eyelet or loop on the anchor. Set up the awning and enjoy.

• Clip to Existing Exterior Hardware or DIY Anchor

Anchoring to existing exterior hardware on your vehicle can be a secure and quick way to anchor your MoonShade. To clip MoonShade directly to existing vehicle hardware, the hardware anchor points must be approximately 7ft or 9ft distance apart (MoonShade's short and long side measurements, respectively). MoonShade's corner carabiners will clip directly to compatible existing hardware such as eyelets or loops and narrower roof rack features like baskets or platforms with pre-cut openings.

See the Strut Pole section next if your vehicle isn't long enough to place anchors at 7ft or 9ft distance.

Attachment Method 2: Using the Strut Pole

If your vehicle doesn't have space for anchors (or existing hardware) to be placed at 7ft or 9ft distance, you will need to use the included Strut Pole to mount MoonShade. The strut pole attaches to one of MoonShade's 7ft sides and it acts as the connection point between the awning canopy and the vehicle or structure.

Watch the Strut Pole instruction video here for a demo: Strut Pole Instruction Video.

You can use the strut pole a few ways:

• Strap the strut pole to MoonAnchors of your choice placed on the vehicle or camper.
• Strap the strut pole to existing hardware like a roof rack, side rails, or other hardware.
• Pass the strut pole through existing hardware (may require additional steps).
• Strap the strut pole to a vertical post like a tree or fencepost.

Strut Pole Steps:

1. Attach the strut pole to one of MoonShade's 7ft sides. Pass the pole through the midpoint loop and secure the end posts in the corner grommets of the awning. 
2. Strap the strut pole to your anchors or other hardware using the included hook-and-loop straps or Nite Ize Gear Ties (sold separately).
3. Setup MoonShade as normal.

TIPS:

• THE STRUT POLE IS NOT REQUIRED ON EVERY VEHICLE. The strut pole is only needed when the anchor points cannot be placed 7ft or 9ft apart. It is not required for every MoonShade setup, but it may be the only way for you to use MoonShade on your vehicle. 
  
• Any MoonAnchor can be used with the strut pole.

See the article What are the MoonAnchor options? for more about each MoonAnchor product and visit the MoonAnchor Collection to purchase.