A WA summer can be harsh. Long days of sun, dry heat, and extreme UV can make even the best camping spot unbearable if you don’t have the right gear. The solution? Quick-deploy shade, reliable cold storage, and smart upgrades that keep your vehicle cool inside and out.
At M4C.au, we design and install complete Shade & Cool packages so you can focus on enjoying your trip, not fighting the heat. From premium awnings and lithium battery systems to fridges and Solarscreens, our Perth workshop has the gear, stock, and expertise to keep you comfortable all summer.
- Vehicle Project Management
- Mechanical Workshop & Servicing
- 4×4 Builds
- The Bush Company
- 12V Electrical
- 12V Fridges
- Solarscreens
Why shade matters in WA
Perth summers average around 32°C with more than 11 hours of sunshine a day. UV levels reach extreme (11+) most of the season, which means shade isn’t just about comfort — it’s about protecting your health.
The Fremantle Doctor sea breeze brings some relief along the coast, but inland and on the flats, you’re often left exposed. A properly fitted awning or shade system means you can stop anywhere and instantly make your camp or lunch break liveable.
Awnings that actually work
Cheap awnings flap, sag, and leave you sweating. Premium awnings are engineered to hold their shape, stay stable in WA winds, and deploy in seconds.
270 XT MAX – the ultimate wraparound shade
- Up to 12 m² of shade
- Heavy-duty frame and premium canvas
- Freestanding in fair conditions, drop legs when needed
- Perfect for families, tourers, and coastal setups
See The Bush Company at M4C.au
270 XT – lighter and rapid coverage
- Slightly smaller footprint than the XT MAX
- Still delivers full kitchen + rear coverage
- Strong hinges and ripstop canvas for WA conditions
180 XT – simple, smart coverage
- Shade down one side of the vehicle
- Ideal for trades, fishers, and solo setups
- Quick pitch, compact footprint
Why M4C.au for installs: We make sure your awning clears the tailgate, suits your rack or canopy, and is mounted with reinforced brackets — so you don’t fight it in the wind.
Keep it cold: 12V fridges and smart power
There’s no point having shade if your fridge is warm. A well-designed 12V system is the difference between ice-cold drinks and a wasted trip.
How much power does a fridge use?
- 40–55 L fridges: 40–60 Ah
- 60–85 L fridges: 60+ Ah
- Driving, fridge insulation and shade all impact Amp hour usage
Browse options: 12V Fridges
Lithium batteries: the smart 12V power upgrade
- 100 Ah LiFePO4 = ~90–100 Ah usable
- 100 Ah AGM = ~50 Ah usable (without damaging lifespan)
- Thousands of cycles, lighter, and more efficient
Charging & solar for Perth summer conditions
- Smart alternators = need a DC-DC charger
- A 25–50 A DC-DC charger ensures correct profile for AGM or lithium
- Perth summer averages 29 MJ/m² of solar exposure daily (~8 kWh/m²/day)
- Rule of thumb: 200 W solar per 100 Ah lithium
Explore fit-outs: 12V Electrical
Don’t forget the cabin: Solarscreens
Shade outside is only half the story. Keeping your cabin cool is just as important. Solarscreens are custom-fit, insulated window covers that block radiant heat, reduce UV, and give privacy at camp.
- Keeps interiors cooler when parked in WA sun
- Reduces strain on your fridge and air-con
- Doubles as privacy blinds at camp
- Packs away compactly
Proven Shade & Cool packages
We’ve built hundreds of WA-ready setups. Here are three common packages we tailor in-house:
The Weekender
- Awning: 180 XT or 270 XT
- Fridge: 40–50 L
- Power: 100 Ah lithium, 25 A DC-DC, 160–200 W solar
- Perfect for: Day trips, beach runs, overnight stays
The Family Tourer
- Awning: 270 XT MAX with walls
- Fridge: 60–75 L dual zone
- Power: 150–200 Ah lithium, 40–50 A DC-DC, 200–400 W solar
- Perfect for: Multi-day trips, family touring, hot-day ice creams
The Remote Cruiser
- Awning: 270 XT MAX + walls
- Fridge: 75–95 L + optional second drinks fridge
- Power: 200–300 Ah lithium, 50 A DC-DC, 400+ W solar, monitoring
- Perfect for: Off-grid trips, extended stays, full touring rigs
Start planning yours: Vehicle Project Management
Nice to have extras
- Solarscreens for cabin cooling & privacy
- Shade walls for blocking wind and late sun
- Fridge slides & tie-downs for easy, safe kitchen setups
- 12V fans & lights wired on switches for efficiency
- Out of sight, out of mind – keep what’s in your vehicle away from prying eyes
How M4C.au makes it easy
Planning a full summer-ready build is overwhelming if you go it alone. At M4C.au, we:
- Plan – Right-size your awning, fridge, power system and Solarscreens to suit your travel style.
- Build – Install everything in-house at our Perth workshop, from brackets and wiring to DC-DC chargers and solar.
- Prove – Test your system under load, so you leave knowing it works.
- Vehicle Project Management
- Mechanical Workshop & Servicing
- 4×4 Builds
- The Bush Company • 12V Electrical • 12V Fridges • Solarscreens
Ready to stay cool this summer?
Don’t wait until the next heatwave to find out your setup isn’t ready. Whether it’s a 270 awning, a dual-zone fridge, a lithium power upgrade, or a set of Solarscreens to keep the cabin bearable — M4C.au will get your vehicle sorted.