Meadowlark 2 XL with Little Wing 270 Awning Setup Guide
By Roofnest | Tents & Gear for Overlanders | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up the Meadowlark 2 XL rooftop tent with the Little Wing 270 awning. Step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and practical tips.
Quick Answer
Set up the Meadowlark 2 XL and Little Wing 270 awning in under 10 minutes by following a simple order: level the vehicle, deploy the tent, then extend the awning. This guide walks you through each step with common pitfalls to avoid.
Why Setup Order Matters
The Meadowlark 2 XL and Little Wing 270 awning are designed to work together, but the order you deploy them affects both speed and safety. Opening the tent first gives you a stable platform and prevents the awning from interfering with the tent's hinge or fabric.
The awning opens to the opposite side of the vehicle from the tent, so you need to know which side that is before you start. If you ordered the Passenger-side option, the tent opens on the driver's side and the wing extends on the passenger side. Verify your fitment before your first trip to avoid confusion in the field.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent error is forgetting to secure the awning's tension straps before deploying the tent. This can cause the awning to sag or flap in wind, putting stress on the mounting points.
Another common issue is not leveling the vehicle side-to-side. Because the tent and awning are mounted to the roof rack, a significant lean can make the tent's ladder awkward and the awning's pitch uneven.
Finally, many people try to set up in high winds. The Little Wing 270 is designed for near-instant shade, but it is not a storm shelter. If winds exceed 25 mph, consider deploying only the tent or finding a sheltered spot.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Park and Level: Park on a flat surface and use leveling blocks to get the vehicle side-to-side as level as possible. This ensures the tent ladder sits at a comfortable angle and the awning pitches evenly. Check side-to-side level, not just front-to-back.
- Release and Deploy the Tent: Unclip the tent's travel cover and release the mounting latches. Push the tent open from the hinge side—the side opposite the awning. Allow the ladder to extend and lock into place. Ensure the ladder's feet are on solid ground. Confirm the tent opens on the correct side for your fitment.
- Extend the Little Wing 270 Awning: Unzip the awning's storage bag and pull the wing out from its mount. Extend the support arms and lock them into position. Use the included poles and tension straps to secure the awning to the ground. Tension the straps before adding any load to the awning.
- Adjust and Secure: Adjust the awning's pitch so water runs off and doesn't pool. Stake down the awning's feet if you're on soft ground. Double-check that all latches and straps are tight before you start using the space. Re-check tension after a few minutes—straps can stretch.
Product Spotlight
- Meadowlark 2 XL + Little Wing 270 Awning Bundle: The Meadowlark 2 XL gives you room for three in a lightweight and compact size which is perfect for most vehicles, while the Little Wing 270 Awning provides near instant shade for your basecamp. This bundle balances sleeping capacity and camp comfort without adding excessive weight, making it a practical choice for most overland vehicles.
Meadowlark 2 XL + Little Wing 270 Awning Bundle
