Meadowlark + Little Wing 270 Awning Bundle Setup Guide
By Roofnest | Tents & Gear for Overlanders | Published: 2026-10-25
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up the Meadowlark tent and Little Wing 270 awning bundle step by step, including orientation, mounting, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick answer
Start by choosing the correct Little Wing 270 side (driver or passenger) so the tent and awning open on opposite sides of your vehicle, then mount the tent first and attach the awning to the tent's mounting channels.
Why orientation matters first
The Meadowlark tent opens to the opposite side of the vehicle from the Little Wing 270 awning. If you order a Passenger-side awning, the tent must be installed so it opens on the driver side. This ensures the awning and tent do not interfere with each other when deployed. Getting the side wrong means you will have to uninstall and re-mount everything.
The bundle weighs 140 lbs total, so plan for two people to lift and position the tent on your roof rack. A helper makes the job safer and prevents damage to the tent or vehicle.
Mounting sequence and hardware
Always mount the Meadowlark tent first. The Little Wing 270 awning attaches directly to the tent's integrated mounting channels. If you mount the awning first, you may block access to the tent's mounting points or create alignment issues.
The tent uses standard roof rack crossbars. Verify your crossbars are rated for the combined weight (140 lbs) and that the spacing fits the tent's mounting brackets. Most factory crossbars work, but aftermarket bars with a low profile may require additional brackets.
Awning attachment and cable routing
The Little Wing 270 awning slides into the tent's channels and is secured with bolts. Do not overtighten—snug is enough to prevent slipping without stripping the threads. Use a torque wrench if specified in your kit.
Route the awning's support arms and cables so they do not pinch against the tent fabric when closed. A common mistake is leaving the arms too loose, which causes flapping at highway speeds. Check all straps and buckles before driving.
Step-by-step setup process
- 1. Choose the correct awning side: Select the Little Wing 270 awning side (driver or passenger) based on which side of your vehicle you want the shade. The tent will open on the opposite side. Double-check the side before ordering—it cannot be swapped after mounting.
- 2. Mount the Meadowlark tent to your roof rack: Place the tent on your crossbars, align the mounting brackets, and tighten the bolts evenly. Use a helper to avoid dropping the tent. Check that the tent is centered and level before fully tightening.
- 3. Attach the Little Wing 270 awning to the tent channels: Slide the awning's mounting brackets into the tent's side channels and secure with the provided bolts. Do not overtighten. Ensure the awning is parallel to the tent and does not rub against the roof.
- 4. Route and secure awning arms and cables: Extend the awning's support arms and tension cables, then stow them neatly when not in use. Use the provided straps to keep everything tight. Test the awning deployment before your first trip to confirm smooth operation.
- 5. Verify clearance and test drive: Close the tent and awning, then check that nothing protrudes beyond the vehicle's width or height. Drive slowly and listen for rattles or flapping. Re-tighten all bolts after the first 50 miles of driving.
Bundle components at a glance
- Meadowlark + Little Wing 270 Awning Bundle: The Meadowlark and Little Wing 270 Awning bundle includes the tent and the awning, with a combined weight of 140 lbs. This means you can sleep two people and have near-instant shade at camp, but you need a roof rack that supports the total weight and two people to lift it.
Meadowlark + Little Wing 270 Awning Bundle
