In the past, travellers often used side awnings attached to their Spaceship for outdoor protection and shade. However, as times have evolved, so have these awnings, transforming into what we now call sunshades.

Sunshades offer greater flexibility compared to traditional side awnings. They can be used at the rear of a vehicle, making them perfect for enhancing the outdoor living space of your campervan. This setup allows for a covered area outside the vehicle, ideal for extending the usable space when camping.

The sunshade is designed to be foldable, which makes it extremely convenient to set up and take down. It serves as an excellent shield against the harsh Australian sun, which is especially important considering Australia's strong UV levels due to the thin ozone layer in this region.

Sunshade set-up instructions

The sunshade connects to the tailgate.

• Pegs are supplied but only useable in grass or other soft surfaces. Grass in summer could be too hard for the pegs.

• If on a sealed surface, you can tie the long ropes off to rocks, trees, or other objects with some weight to them.

• Setting it up is easier with two people but also achievable with just one person

Step 1

• Grab the end of the fabric with the two short ropes.

• Place and then centre the end of the fabric with the two short ropes on top of the tailgate as shown.

Step 2

• Pull the short ropes (one on each side) so they are even in length with one bit in each hand.

• Loop one end around the gas strut that holds the boot open and feed this end through the end clip.

• Pull the rope firmly back down into the narrow end of the clip so it grabs into the teeth of the end fitting.

• The rope won't be secure until it has grabbed properly into the narrow end of the fitting.

Step 3

• Close-up image of how the rope secures firmly into the end fitting of the short ropes.

• Once both sides are secured correctly you can set up the poles and peg the long ropes in or tie them off onto other objects around you.

Other useful tips

• For fine weather use only. Do not use in medium-high winds

• The sunshade is only water-resistant, not water-proof.

• Remember to pack away the pegs and double check all the parts are packed away before moving on.