ELKHART — Dometic, a global RV appliance manufacturer, was so excited about the return of awning manufacturing and distribution to northern Indiana that it rented billboard space to trumpet the news.

Awnings can be a great addition to an adventure rig. They can effectively double your covered living space and provide a nice shelter from the sun or rain—but they don’t come without their downsides.

If you happened to be checking out Gear Patrol back in March (and why wouldn’t you??), you may have noticed a little story about Jeep filing for a patent on a pretty unique rooftop tent concept.