Guide

Stealth
Awning Explained

A stealth awning is a campervan and van awning that stays invisible when packed away. This guide explains what a stealth awning is, how it differs from a traditional cassette awning, and why more and more van life owners are choosing one.

Definition

What is a stealth awning?

A stealth awning is a campervan awning where only a slim rail stays on the roof, while the sail, straps and stakes are stowed inside the van. The word "stealth" refers to the van staying discreet: there is no bulky cassette housing on the side to reveal that it is a campervan.

This makes a stealth awning ideal for city parking and wild camping, where it is an advantage that the van looks like any ordinary panel van. NordicStealth is a stealth awning for the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper, and with roof-mounted adapters it also fits the Mercedes Sprinter and VW Crafter.

Benefits

Why choose a stealth awning?

A traditional cassette awning weighs up to 35 kg, sits permanently on the side of the van and stays with the vehicle when the owner changes van. A stealth awning flips that logic: it is lightweight, takes up no space when packed away, and follows the owner on to the next van.

Because only the rail stays on the roof, a stealth awning saves fuel compared to a heavy side-mounted awning, and it can be moved to a new van instead of being lost when you change vehicle.

How it works

How the NordicStealth awning works

The rail attaches to the van's existing factory anchor points on the roof with small adapters. There is no drilling and no permanent modification to the vehicle, and the rail can be removed without leaving a trace. When you want shade, the edge of the sail slides into the rail's channel from one end, a bit like a zip.

The full setup takes under 10 minutes for one person, with no tools. The sail is UPF 50+ marine canvas and covers 14.5 m² of shade. Afterwards everything packs back into the carry bag, and the van looks like an ordinary panel van again.

Comparison

Stealth awning vs. traditional awning

	Stealth awning	Traditional cassette awning
Visibility when packed away	Only a slim rail, invisible	Large cassette housing on the side
Weight	15 kg complete system	28-35 kg
When you change van	Moves to the next van	Stays on the old van
Installation	Factory anchors, no drilling	Often drilling into the bodywork

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