Can Car Awning Mount to Cover 2023 Honda Ridgeline Truck Bed

Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 08/14/2024

Question:

Hello, I drive a 2023 Honda Ridgeline with the roof rack installed. Do you know if there is a way to mount an awning perhaps something like the Yakima slim shady that can be mounted to the roof rack but open up backwards to cover the bed of the truck? Imagine pulling up to the lake, laying in the truck bed, with the awning pulled over for shade and stakes into the ground when it reaches the tailgate. I would much prefer this to having to set up an ez up 10x10 pop up awning but I’m not sure it’s possible. Please let me know if you have ideas!

asked by: Kim K

Expert Reply:

Hi Kim; an awning like the Yakima SlimShady # Y36VR or # Y96VR is designed to mount along the side of the vehicle, attaching to both crossbars from your roof rack. It might be possible to design some modified brackets and mount it along a single crossbar but that would be something you would have to figure out. As far as factory parts are concerned there is no way to make this happen.

The other option would be to use a ladder rack and install the awning so it runs across the truck bed instead of out to the side. Only issue here is that means an additional cost and the options for a ladder rack on a Ridgeline aren't great. We don't carry one that fits a 2023 but I do know there are some out there.

expert reply by: Robin H

Robin H.

1/27/2026

Hey Kim, what did you end up deciding for your Ridgeline—did you try modifying the Yakima awning or look into a ladder rack setup for shade over the bed? Your update could make it easier for others trying to get a similar setup.