Crosswing Side Mount Kit: Step-by-Step Install Guide
By Kammok: High Performance Gear to Elevate Camp | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: How-to Guides
Mount your Crosswing awning at 0°, 12.5°, or -12.5° with the Side Mount Kit. Follow these steps to choose an angle, align multiple mounting points, and keep a low profile.
Quick answer
The Crosswing Side Mount Kit lets you mount your Crosswing awning at a neutral 0°, angled up at 12.5°, or angled down at -12.5°. Pick the angle that matches how you want shade or rain runoff to work, then use the kit's multiple mounting points to fit your existing roof setup. Keep the profile low if you store your vehicle in a garage.
Choose your mounting angle before you drill
The Side Mount Kit supports three positions: 0°, 12.5° up, and -12.5° down. A neutral 0° keeps the awning level and is the simplest starting point. Angling up at 12.5° can help with clearance over doors or roof racks. Angling down at -12.5° encourages water to run off instead of pooling on the fabric. Decide this first because changing the angle later means loosening hardware and realigning the mount.
Plan for low clearance if you park indoors
The kit is designed to keep the awning at a manageable height for garage storage. Before you commit to a position, measure your garage opening and compare it to the height of your vehicle plus the awning in its stowed position. If you are close, the Side Mount Kit's low-profile design gives you more room to work with than a taller bracket. This is a measurement step, not a guess.
Match the kit to your existing rack or roof setup
The Side Mount Kit provides multiple mounting points so you can work with your existing setup rather than rebuilding it. Check where your roof rack crossbars or factory rails sit, then confirm that at least two of the kit's mounting points line up with solid, load-bearing locations. If your rack has unusual spacing, you may need to add or reposition a crossbar. Do not mount to plastic trim or sheet metal alone.
Add the Tie-Down Kit for windy trips
The Crosswing is rated to withstand up to 25 mph winds on its own. If you camp in exposed areas, the Crosswing Tie-Down Kit adds security for gusts up to 35 mph using knotless hooks and aluminum toggles instead of knots. Above that, close the awning rather than testing the limit. The tie-down kit is a separate accessory, so plan it as part of the same install session if you expect gusty conditions.
Installation steps
- Confirm your angle and clearance: Measure your garage opening and decide between 0°, 12.5°, or -12.5° before touching hardware. Mistake to avoid: drilling first and discovering the awning is too tall for your garage.
- Locate solid mounting points: Line up the kit's multiple mounting points with load-bearing crossbars or rails on your existing setup. Checkpoint: at least two points should sit on metal, not plastic trim.
- Attach the Side Mount Kit to the vehicle: Bolt the kit to your rack or rails using the chosen angle position, keeping hardware loose enough to adjust alignment. Mistake to avoid: fully tightening one side before the other, which can bind the bracket.
- Mount the Crosswing to the kit: With the kit secured, lift the awning into place and fasten it according to the kit's mounting points. Checkpoint: the awning should sit level left-to-right at your chosen angle.
- Torque and test the angle: Tighten all hardware, then deploy and stow the awning once to confirm the angle works and nothing rubs. Mistake to avoid: skipping the deploy test and finding a clearance issue on the road.
- Add the Tie-Down Kit if needed: If you expect gusts, install the Crosswing Tie-Down Kit with its knotless hooks and aluminum toggles. Above 35 mph, close the awning instead of relying on the tie-downs.
Product facts
- Crosswing Side Mount Kit: Variable Angle Install: allows Crosswing to be mounted at a neutral 0°, angled slightly up at 12.5°, or angled slightly down at -12.5°. You can tune shade coverage and water runoff without buying a different bracket.
- Crosswing Side Mount Kit: Adjusts for Your Setup: the Side Mount Kit allows for multiple mounting points. It can adapt to existing roof racks or rails instead of forcing a new rack purchase.
- Crosswing Side Mount Kit: Low Clearance Friendly: keeps your awning at a manageable height for garage storage. Useful if your vehicle barely fits through a garage door with an awning attached.
