GJCrafts Car Awning Tailgate Tent Review UK 2026
Quick verdict
Score: 8.3/10
Best for: Extra sheltered living space for a caravan, motorhome or tent
Not for: Anyone needing a fully enclosed, four-season shelter
Bottom line: A practical camping shelter (car / SUV awning) for time spent outdoors.
The GJCrafts Car Awning Tailgate' Car Awning Tailgate Tent is designed as a car or SUV awning option, intended to provide sun protection and a waterproof shelter surface for camping and beach setups. The key purchase priorities are shade and rain-ready coverage, supported by the listed outdoor shelter use including UV protection and a waterproof surface. The main uncertainty is fit and pack size.
Pros
- Car / SUV awning
- UV protection
- Quick shelter for the outdoors
Cons
- Check the size and capacity suit your group and gear
- Practise pitching before your trip
- In strong wind, peg out and guy properly (or take it down)
Type and Use
This tailgate tent is designed as a car or SUV awning that also provides sun shelter, creating shaded space for camping or beach outings. It is used by attaching the awning to a parked vehicle and then opening it to form a covered area. The product title indicates waterproof sun protection, aiming to reduce glare and handle bright weather and light rain. For campsite use, it can provide a sheltered space for resting or food preparation, although comfort may be reduced in exposed, windy conditions.
Size and Capacity
As a result, the exact coverage area, any height range, and how many people it can comfortably accommodate are not stated. The title also does not include the packed or set-up dimensions, so transport-space planning cannot be confirmed. To assess fit and comfort, measure the intended parking position and the vehicle's rear width, then compare those measurements with any dimensions listed in the manual or product details. Comfort also varies with the internal layout, since sleeping and seating require different space. If people capacity is important, it should be verified before purchase.
Weatherproofing and Build
For weather control, this camping shelter is presented as a sun shelter with UV protection and waterproofing for outdoor use. The design emphasis is on blocking harmful sun and resisting rain, which should improve comfort when conditions change outdoors. Overall, it reads as a casual outdoor shelter for sun and light rain, but the material details should be checked before relying on it for prolonged bad weather.
Pitching and Features
Pitching the GJCrafts is primarily about using it as a car and SUV sun shade, then building the covered area around the vehicle for camping or beach use. It unfolds as an awning first, then the tent section attaches to create a simple sheltered space, with the vehicle acting as the mounting point. The fabric is described as UV protection and waterproof, indicating rain resistance for short outdoor stops. Setup is described as straightforward.
Who Is This For?
This car awning tailgate tent is aimed at people who want an easy way to add a shaded, weather-resistant outdoor space alongside a parked car, particularly for car or SUV use at campsites or the beach. It suits buyers who want cover that can help block sun using UV protection, while staying focused on a setup positioned next to a parked vehicle. It may be practical for families needing a small extra area for short breaks, changing, or keeping items close by.
Where to Buy in the UK
Finding the right place to buy the camping shelter in the UK is usually easiest through major outdoor, camping, or automotive accessory retailers, as well as online marketplaces that carry car or SUV awnings. It is worth checking auction sites and classifieds, but returns may be limited. When buying online, shoppers should confirm the listing mentions "sun protection waterproof" and the "B3 gauze" wording, as unspecified details can vary. They should compare photos of the tailgate setup, then check delivery terms and whether the item is described for camping, outdoor use, SUV use, or beach use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GJCrafts worth it?
For adding sheltered living space to a caravan, motorhome or tent, the camping shelter (a car / SUV awning) does the job. Whether it suits you depends on your group size, how you camp and the weather you expect. Check the current Amazon UK price, as camping gear is heavily discounted off-season.
What type of awning is the GJCrafts Car Awning Tailgate?
The GJCrafts is a car / SUV awning. Drive-away awnings detach so you can take the vehicle out and leave the awning pitched; caravan and motorhome awnings attach to the van for extra living space; porch awnings add a smaller sheltered entrance. Choose the type for your vehicle and how you camp.
What features does the camping shelter have?
The GJCrafts offers UV protection. Match the features to how you camp.
Is the camping shelter easy to pitch?
Pitching ease depends on the type - pop-up and inflatable (air) designs go up fastest, while poled tents take a little longer but pack smaller. This camping shelter is typical for its type; whatever you choose, practise pitching once at home before your trip so it's stress-free on-site, and peg out guy lines properly in wind.