The Best RV Awnings for Your RV and Camper Trailer

Motorhome owners have been trying to find the right RV awning for years. After all, RV awnings have become such an essential piece within a camper. It would make sense to try and find the best RV Awnings available.

But this task is a bit more involved than most RVers might initially realize. It can be draining to search through all the options, including configuration types and fabric used in making them, without a guide breaking down what needs consideration.

Our article will attempt to become the resource capable of guiding you through this experience. I’ll cover a long list of topics about these devices to ensure you can pick out a new one without much difficulty.

I’m going to start with 11 reviews of the top-rated RV awnings available, which should be a good starting point for your search. One of these options could be what you’ve been looking for in an RV awning.

11 Best Awning for RV Reviews

1. Shade Pro RV Awning Fabric

If you’re looking for the right RV awning replacement fabric, Shade Pro’s RV Awning Fabric has to be a contender. Its vinyl construction is one of the most versatile materials that correspond with RV awnings.

This awning fabric has shown no difficulty in meshing with Carefree RV awnings, Dometic RV awnings, Lippert RV awnings, and several other top brands. Plus, it comes in 14 different sizes to further ensure it can adapt to most people’s situations.

I was thrilled to see it came in five color options, as well. I’d have a hard time passing up on this option’s burgundy fade choice, which provides a distinct style. There’s no way anyone wouldn’t see your awning with complete jealousy.

As for its performance quality, this vinyl RV awning fabric shines in this area. Several customers made a point to note its good quality and ability to withstand regular usage. It should have no problem lasting several years without requiring you to buy another replacement awning.

Shade Pro was kind enough to offer a 3-year limited warranty with each purchase, too. It’ll provide some protection against receiving an unusable awning or other shipping issues. Multiple buyers were pleased with how customer service handled their questions, which shows they have an excellent reputation.

You can’t do anything but love this product’s affordable price, either. It’s a bargain buyer’s dream with its excellent quality and low investment cost. What more could a person want from a replacement awning fabric like this one?

2. Shade Pro RV Vinyl Awning Slate Blue Fade

Shade Pro’s Vinyl RV Awning Slate Blue Fade Replacement Fabric happens to have an excellent rep for dealing with heavy rains. Its heavy-duty vinyl material contains water-resistant abilities to stop rain from seeping through it.

Given this information, anyone RVing within rainy places should consider getting this awning replacement fabric. It’ll help make sure rig owners can enjoy light rain showers from the comfort of a shady, protected area.

I was also thrilled to see the fabric has a 3 ply thickness. This construction should provide a bit more resistance against obtaining rips or tears. As far as awning fabrics are concerned, this level of thickness is considered top-notch.

The product’s poly cord being sewn into its design for your awning’s roller tubes and rail are pivotal aspects, as well. It makes this fabric easy to install and a lot less taxing experience than other awning materials.

These features might make a buyer believe the awning material has an expensive price tag. However, I’m happy to report Shade Pro managed to keep this fabric’s price lower than expected. Bargain buyers should be overjoyed at the affordability of this option.

You don’t often find a top-tier awning fabric with an included replacement pull strap for this little cost. In some cases, it seems a little too good to be true. But there’s nothing about this product performance-wise to think it would be a dud.

3. Awnlux ‎RV Awning Fabric

The Awnlux RV Awning Fabric has become a favorite choice among RVers, with both manual and electric awnings for campers. It isn’t hard to see why with its durable vinyl construction material. Users can expect it to last for several years, especially when it’s adequately maintained.

One of the main reasons for this material’s durability is its waterproof insulation. As a result, the vinyl fabric does a much better job in rainy conditions than people might expect. It is the product’s quality that makes it an excellent fit for small camper usage in off-grid locations.

However, the fabric’s durable construction isn’t its only calling card. I am also thrilled with its almost endless versatility. For instance, Awnlux made it have a universal fit that’s compatible with all the top RV awning brands like Carefree, Dometic, and Lippert.

This versatility only increases with the seven color options available. I had difficulty choosing between them as each would significantly improve my rig’s appearance. I ultimately went with the ocean blue scheme as it meshes perfectly with my camper’s exterior.

Meanwhile, another area where this product soars over other awning fabrics for camper trailers is UV protection. It does an amazing job keeping those pesky rays out and providing top-tier shade. It has made my patio area a much more comfortable and relaxing place.

I also must mention that this manual camper fabric comes at an affordable cost. It’s among one of the lowest-priced options on this entire list. Due to this, bargain buyers should be tripping over themselves, trying to acquire it.

However, I did have a few issues installing this fabric onto my retractable awning for camper. I ended up having to call a friend to help me. So anyone considering this option should expect to need a helping hand.

4. Solera V000182037 RV Awning

Rig owners looking for a fully equipped awning to cover a slide room should check out Lippert Components’s V000182037 RV Solera Awning. It comes with a solid black fabric with accompanying black hardware to provide everything needed for a new awning.

This model isn’t a slouch when it comes to user-friendliness, either. It’ll easily connect to your RV’s exterior wall and slide room without any complications. Honestly, I couldn’t believe how easy this awning was to set up when compared with other models.

You’ll also love its effectiveness at preventing outside substances from entering a slide room. It has proven to be a useful deterrent against debris, smoke, dust, and water. Uses never have to worry about any of these issues causing problems even when your slide room’s retracted.

Buyers shouldn’t overlook that this model offers a permanent installation, either. This awning will work with your slide room and automatically retract whenever it does. It’s a much more effective solution than continually having to set up a manual RV awning.

This automatic RV awning’s extension ability is awe-inspiring, as well. It can extend out to 50 inches, which is eight more than most of its competitors. As a result, it creates a more extensive protection area than you usually expect from slide room awning toppers.

Lippert Components was nice enough to offer this awning in 22 sizes and two colors, too, which is always an excellent touch. I can’t imagine a rig owner with a slide room wouldn’t find a suitable variation for their particular situation.

5. Shade Pro RV Awning Checkered Flag

If you’re a NASCAR fan, I don’t see how you could pass up on Shade Pro RV Awning Checkered Flag Fabric Replacement. Its checkered flag design would bring the atmosphere of the race track right onto your rig’s exterior.

But its checkered flag design isn’t the only notable feature about this choice. This fabric is considered a universal fit option capable of working with various awnings: Carefree, Dometic, Lippert, Carter, and Faulkner.

I was thrilled by this product’s resistance to UV rays and water, as well. It should have no trouble holding up to regular usage with these traits. As a result, you won’t be looking for a replacement awning anytime soon.

Cold weather RVs should be intrigued by this option, too, as it can handle -25 degrees F without cracking. It should withstand any freeze temperatures that a buyer might never encounter unless they take an RVing trip into the Arctic.

The awning fabric having sewn in poly cords was another helpful quality. It made the entire replacement process much more comfortable when trying to fit this 15′ RV awning fabric variation onto my rig’s awning. I don’t think anyone would have issues with the other available sizes, either.

Several buyers also mentioned its thickness as a notable positive. It should hold up well against whatever situation arises that could threaten its integrity. Plus, the included 5-year limited warranty will have you back when an accident does occur.

6. Solera RV Patio Awning Fabric

The Lippert Components RV Solera Patio Awning Fabric might offer a color scheme made for almost every style imaginable. Each buyer will choose between nine style options to ensure they can mesh with their preferences perfectly.

I’m always going to applaud brands who prioritize giving their customers choices regarding product color. It helps set a precedent that these companies, such as Lippert, Dometic, or Carefree, care about their customers.

More importantly, Lippert hit this awning material out of the park when it comes to performance. Its heavy-duty vinyl fabric with leak-proof seams offer outstanding results. This option shouldn’t have any issues meeting all your expectations concerning shade protection.

Honestly, its heavy-duty vinyl should stand up to heavier winds, excessive sun, and rain easily. You don’t often come across awning fabric with a high-quality construction quite like this one. It’s truly exceptional, even among other vinyl RV awnings.

I was also intrigued by this option having an integrated light track. As a result, it makes installing LED lights into the awning an easy, straightforward process. It’s a rare additional inclusion, which gives this awning fabric a bit more appeal.

If you install these lights, hanging outside your camper at night will become a lot more convenient. You won’t ever have to bring a flashlight when doing some little chore during the night, which is a massive benefit.

7. Tentproinc Black Mesh RV Awning

Rig owners looking for a little more sun protection than what a traditional awning fabric can provide should consider Tentproinc’s Black Mesh RV Awning Sun Shade. It’ll deal with the scorching heat better than any other option mentioned on this list.

But this option doesn’t do a bad job against rain, either. It should keep the rain from affecting your relaxing session under its shade protection. Therefore, you’ll have no trouble enjoying your times spent outside your RV without being annoyed by sweat or rain.

These attributes come from its breathable mesh screen, which Tentaproinc guarantees can block 86% of all sunlight. It’ll also keep your view unobstructed while maintaining a sense of privacy by hanging over the front of your awning.

If sun and rain protection weren’t enough, this sun screen has shown an impressive ability to deal with winds, bugs, and other nuisances. This product should keep your relaxing session peaceful and stress-free.

I was thrilled to see this model came with bungee balls and plastic stakes, as well. This inclusion will make sure that securing and installing this Tentproinc RV awning sun screen a lot easier. Both these features received constant praise in this product’s reviews.

The lightweight construction will help with its installation, too, making moving it effortless and straightforward. But this quality somehow doesn’t affect its overall durability. Tentproinc managed to find an excellent balance between the two, which promotes ultimate user-friendliness.

8. SunWave 16′ RV Awning Ocean Blue Fade

If you were bummed by our other SunWave product being too large, SunWave’s 16′ RV Awning Fabric Ocean Blue Fade might be right in your wheelhouse. This 16′ option offers much of the same qualities as the previous awning but in a smaller package.

The main standout highlight would have to be its rather impressive 16oz vinyl weather shield. As its name suggests, this attribute will help the fabric deal with certain conditions. It’ll provide it with an extra sense of weather protection, which should help it last longer.

Some RVers will also benefit from its being designed specifically for manual awnings. It makes the installation in these situations straightforward and much less complicated. If you have a manual Dometic, Carefree, and Carter awning, this fabric should meet your every need.

I couldn’t help but be impressed with its inclusion of a poly cord for the rail and roller tubes. Both their additions make for a much more convenient using and assembly process. It’s truly a lifesaver for someone like me who isn’t too skilled with those sorts of tasks.

SunWave has received excellent reviews for their customer service team, as well. These compliments might have the top-rated RV awning fabric reviews concerning this aspect that I’ve encountered.

You don’t often see people praise a brand’s willingness to go above and beyond for their clients. Due to this, it would be smart to pay attention when it does happen. It’s always a better idea to buy from a company with a stellar reputation rather than a lousy one.

9. ALEKO Manual Retractable RV Awning

RVers who want to upgrade their RV awnings should look into ALEKO’s Manual Retractable RV Awning. One of the main reasons it needs consideration is its durable awning frame made from powder-coated aluminum.

Buyers can expect this frame to last years on your RV without showing any signs of rust or corrosion. It’s an ability that separates this ALEXO from several other manual replacement RV awnings on the market. You can assume this awning will be in your life for a long, long time.

Most people assume manual RV awnings are difficult to use, which isn’t the case with this one. You can open and close this awning in under a minute with its included pull strap. I can report it doesn’t take much effort, either, as I had no problems doing it.

The awning’s detailed instruction manual and heavy-duty mounting hardware offer even more convenience. As you might expect, these inclusions will make your life much easier when trying to assemble and set up your new awning.

You shouldn’t overlook its included PVC fabric, either, as it has shown to stand up well against mother nature’s worst moods. In other words, it should meet your expectations and survive every situation that any different awning fabric can without trouble.

This retractable awning offers some versatility, too, considering it isn’t only usable in motorhome applications. Some users have found it useful as a back or front yard patio. I’m always going to value awnings that can work well in various situations.

10. SunWave 18′ RV Awning Ocean Blue

SunWave’s 18’ RV Awning Ocean Blue Fabric tends to be a favorite among rig owners for several reasons. But the main one would have to be its distinct color scheme, which will make sure your rig’s exterior looks fantastic.

You can expect this ocean blue color scheme to be on both sides, as well. This attribute will ensure your rig’s awning looks stunning from every angle. If you’re looking to give your rig a bit of style, this fabric is the perfect fit.

The reliable performance provided by its vinyl fabric construction doesn’t hurt, either. It should offer excellent protection against UV rays and rain without trouble. You shouldn’t have any issues relaxing under this fabric when enjoying a morning coffee.

I should note that this fabric has a weather shield heat welded on it, too, which should provide even more protection. There’s not a single reason to believe this product won’t last longer than most other options, such as tough top awning products.

This SunWave awning fabric is easy to install for a camper with a manual operated Carefree awning, Dometic awning, or Carter awning won’t even need help with the task. In fact, I was able to do the entire thing within a few minutes by myself.

Some other notable features include an affordable price tag, a 3-year limited warranty, and a poly cord for the rail and roller tube. Given this information, it seems fair to conclude SunWave did an excellent job creating a top-tier awning fabric.

11. Carefree 701509ACD RV Awning Shade

Our final product, Carefree’s 701509ACD RV Awning Shade, is another excellent option explicitly made to offer protection against harmful UV rays. Similar to a screen room, it’ll hang over the front of your awning and provide this high-quality coverage.

Its shade protection was such an overwhelming positive that it had no problem offering comfortable shade in direct sunlight. I was able to enjoy a drink and book peacefully under my RV without any sun rays causing me discomfort.

You can attribute this excellent performance to its open weave fabric design. Carefree managed to create a screen useful enough to cut out almost all sunlight during those early mornings or late afternoons.

The shade awning’s heavy-duty zipper was another intriguing aspect worth mentioning. It makes attaching this screen onto and removing it from your awning much easier endeavors. Multiple buyers were overly complimentary of this feature when writing their reviews.

I should also note that this screen’s top section remains connected to your awning. As a result, this aspect makes using it much more convenient. You won’t have to store the entire screen when you’re not utilizing it for shade protection.

This aspect will help a rig owner save space inside their storage areas. Thus, it becomes a practical choice because every RV owner is always looking for ways to conserve storage space. I know it would be a godsend for me considering my general hoarding tendencies.

Dometic 915NR18.000B 9100 RV Awning (Outdated)

One of the best and most advanced awnings would have to be Dometic’s 915NR18.000B 9100 RV Power Patio Awning. It’s an electric awning with a tough, convenient construction capable of providing excellent longevity due to its many exciting features.

For instance, I don’t see how a rig owner wouldn’t appreciate this product’s knee action design, which allows the awning to survive in moderate or even high winds attacking your RV without issues. You don’t have to worry about this option ripping off your rig because of heavy winds.

I was also thrilled with its wall-mounted switch, which controls the entire awning. This switch allows a user to retract or open the product with a single touch. As you might imagine, these RV power awning reviews were filled with people expressing their delight about the switch feature.

The product’s fabric matches up well with other options on this list, as well. It’s made from stellar vinyl that offers a bit of stylish and toughness. This material isn’t going to rip anytime soon and should last many years without needing replacement.

You can expect this fabric to offer top-tier mildew and moisture resistance, too, which is always essential. These attributes only further convey that this electric awning does stand out above the rest concerning its durability and convenience.

VEVOR RV Awning Fabric Replacement (Outdated)

Motorhome owners shouldn’t miss VEVOR’s RV Awning Fabric Replacement for a variety of reasons. Its durable vinyl awning design should be a perfect piece of equipment to ensure you get a shady relaxing area outside your rig.

The awning replacement fabric uses premium vinyl fabric to offer high-quality protection that most other vinyl awnings can’t match. It has shown to be capable of withstanding UV rays, wind, rain, and other elements with relative ease. In other words, those hot summer days shouldn’t have any long-term effect on this excellent product.

VEVOR even guarantees its vinyl RV awnings can block out an impressive 86% of UV rays. I have no way of telling whether those numbers are correct. However, it did make my morning coffee a lot relaxing in the afternoon heat a lot less sweaty than usual.

I was also impressed by the vinyl fabric’s lack of weight. Multiple buyers pointed out this benefit in their reviews, too, which shows I wasn’t the only one shocked by it. This aspect made moving it from place to place much more manageable and helped with the installation.

Buyers will find themselves loving the product’s color scheme. It has the blue ocean fade design that I mentioned in an earlier review, which should be appealing to most buyers. I can see it easily meshing with most rig’s exterior and providing some distinct style.

Other than its blue ocean fade color, it has a few other familiar notable features noted in our previous reviews. Some of these aspects include being easy to install, available in several different sizes, and affordable price tags.

RV Awning Buyer’s Guide

Choosing an RV replacement awning will depend on more than knowing the top options. You’ll need to know what makes one option better suited for your situation than others. This section will demonstrate how to determine what RV awning represents the right choice.

Awning Material

Each RV awnings’ fabric should be the first aspect to consider when choosing one. In other words, an RVing enthusiast must pick a material that can mesh with their particular adventure. Your intended destination and corresponding weather conditions will have a lot to do with this choice.

For instance, summertime RVers would be doing a smart thing by going with a breathable acrylic option. This acrylic fabric will mesh much better with the excess moisture and other summer-related environmental issues.

But a wintertime camper would need an RV patio awning made from a more durable, tougher fabric, such as vinyl. It’ll be able to deal with the cold temperatures, snow, frost, and ice-related issues much better than acrylic awnings.

I should also mention that RV awning material will come in many different appearances, durability levels, and weights. A common choice among rig owners would be a lightweight polyester material, which dries quickly to promote easier handling for users.

Meanwhile, acrylic will be much more expensive because it’s incredibly durable and can last a long time without issue. You can also expect the acrylic fabric to be rigid, lighter, and offer better UV resistance than most other materials.

Most RVers and experts would recommend acrylic awnings because of these benefits. In any case, you should check out the customer reviews of motorhome awnings before choosing an option. These resources should give you the lowdown about its fabric’s quality.

How Easy is the Installation and Using Process?

Rig owners don’t want to choose an RV awning with a complicated installation process, which takes a couple of hours to set up on your vehicle. It’s just a hassle that you’ll want to avoid at all costs as it can make your experience with the awning a nightmare.

It’d also be best to avoid awning, which has complicated directions for both usage and installation. You instead want to pick an option that makes it easy to use and set it up. I’d suggest reading the instruction manual and customer reviews for each model to get a better perspective.

Some companies even provide online videos depicting these processes. As you can imagine, these resources will be endlessly helpful and informative. Each of them should offer a much better idea of the right RV awnings for your situation.

Length of Your RV

An often-overlooked factor when choosing the best RV awnings is a buyer’s vehicle size. Recreational vehicles are made in various types, which means these RV awnings are also available in numerous variations. You’ll have to use the length of your RV to find a suitable awning type for your needs.

After all, buyers don’t want to purchase an awning that’s too big or too small. It would just be an unusable waste of money, which can’t fit in or onto their vehicles. If you’re a buyer who’s replacing an RV awning, the old one can be a massive help in choosing the right type.

But rig owners who never had one before can get the proper measurements by measuring ⅓ to ½ of your RV’s length. You can always ask the manufacturer about the matter, as well. Most high-quality brands like Carefree or Shade Pro will be more than helpful regarding customer service and questions.

Where You Plan on Traveling?

RV owners must choose an awning that can mesh with their travel needs. For instance, let’s say you’re someone who plans on boondocking and taking their rigs into the woods for several days; you would be doing yourself a disservice by buying an electric RV awning.

The lack of power in those remote campsites could present a huge problem. You could find yourself in a situation where you’re incapable of operating even the best electric RV awning for several days.

But campground RVers with access to nearby outlets would be smart to buy an electric camper awning. In other words, each buyer needs to realize numerous awning types exist for a reason. There isn’t a single one capable of being useful in every single situation. As a result, you must consider them all and choose the one that can meet your traveling needs.

Color Scheme and Design

After considering those previous factors, it’s time to get into the fun stuff: the awning’s appearance. These devices come in various designs and color schemes to ensure everyone can choose one perfect for their style.

I’d recommend picking one capable of effortlessly meshing with your rig’s exterior. You don’t want an awning that clashes with your vehicle. It’ll just become an eyesore, which won’t meet the standards of what you’ve imagined.

RV Awning FAQs

Our product reviews and buying guide should’ve offered an idea of what RV awning could be a right fit. These next few discussions will focus the scope of your search even more. Each one will give some new insights into what model could be a perfect fit.

Who is this for?

Going over what these devices happen to be is the easiest way to explain who could benefit from having one. The basic idea is that these awnings are a secondary covering attached to your rig’s exterior wall.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, users can expect these awnings can be made from several different materials. Each of them would function by being a single piece of overhanging fabric that provides shade and protection from harmful UV rays or other environmental factors.

Some RV awnings on the market are a bit more complicated, though, featuring several parts and even walls to offer a large amount of protection/privacy. In any case, these devices can make hanging out outside your rig a much more comfortable experience.

Not surprisingly, most RVers who travel in the warmer months love them. But wintertime rig owners shouldn’t overlook them earlier. They can provide some coverage against light snowstorms or cold winds.

What are the different types of RV awnings?

I’ve covered the different materials used in RV awnings, but it’s essential to know several construction types are available on the market. I’ll discuss each of them below to help you choose a favorable option.

• Rv Retractable Awning

RV Retractable awnings tend to be a favorite among full-time RVers. Their appeal comes from the ability to collapse, fold easily, and top-tier storability. It makes them a convenient option for someone who’s always traveling from campsite to campsite.

Another massive advantage is their straightforward RV awning installation process, which only takes a few minutes. But honestly, the best part about retractable awnings is the supportive metal arms within their designs.

These arms allow users to fold the camper retractable awning when it’s not being used. Due to this, it becomes an absolute delight for full-time RVing enthusiasts who are moving from campsite to campsite. It also doesn’t hurt that these models are available in both manual and electric awning variations.

Retractable electric RV awnings are undeniable with their peak level of user-friendliness. Users can use these options with a single touch of a button. You might even come across an electric replacement RV awning with metal cover or remote control to offer even more convenience.

Manual retractable RV awnings utilize a crank for opening and closing, which isn’t overly taxing or inconvenient. The main difference between these two comes down to an electric RV awning being more convenient, while manual options have fewer parts.

• RV Shade Awning

Warm weather rig owners would find shade RV awnings very useful. After all, these options provide a comfortable, relaxing space to hang out even when faced with scalding heat. A shade awning could make those summer barbecues a lot more bearable for everyone involved.

Most RV shade awnings are quite easy to install or use. It also helps that these options are excellent at keeping those UV rays away from people. Many of them even can mesh perfectly with dropdown mesh sunshade panels, which should offer additional protection.

• RV Awning Canopy

RV awning canopies are known for coming in a variety of colors and fabrics. These awnings are superb additions to your lightweight material, such as polyester. They’ll make sure it can withstand harsh weather conditions like rain/wind and doesn’t become torn.

• RV Shelter Awning

If you’re looking to provide a rig with a bit of overhead coverage, RV shelter awnings could be a perfect option. These devices are known for offering reliable shelter that can shield vehicles from numerous external elements.

Most RV shelter awnings will have a plastic or fiberglass framework, making them a bit different from other types. As a result, these models become an excellent investment for anyone looking to protect their rigs and themselves from mother nature’s worst.

The only issue with these shelter RV awnings is their weight and how long it takes to disassemble them. It can make storing and trying to set them up a massive hassle, especially for those who travel alone.

How does an RV awning work?

An RV awning isn’t an overly complicated piece of equipment to understand. These RV awnings are a supplemental roof or cover, which helps minimize exposure to outdoor elements: sun, heavy rains, wind, snow, etc.

Most of them will provide this weather protection using constructions made from cloth, aluminum, or vinyl fabrics. As you can imagine, an awning can make your RVing trips a lot easier, enjoyable, and comfortable.

It’s a simple way of getting the shade necessary to enjoy the area outside your rig. You can use it to create a space where hanging out and relaxing is allowed anytime. It’s no wonder why rig owners tend to say these RV awnings are lifesavers.

I should also note that most rigs will come with their own pre-attached RV awnings when you purchase them. But these built-in options aren’t usually top rated RV awnings, which makes most people look for upgrades.

Nonetheless, awnings have become a standard staple of RV living for various reasons. It’s just a simple matter of finding a high-quality one that’s easy to use and hassle-free.

When should I put my RV awning in?

Keeping an electric or manual awnings for camper in good condition is all about knowing when to pull it back. After all, strong winds and other problematic weather can do a number on even the most durable fabrics.

So it’s vital to keep an eye on the forecast for any troubling situations. For example, it’s best to pull your awning back in for the day if you notice strong winds or rain.

Furthermore, most camper awnings will have instructions about wind speed limits. These restrictions exist for a reason, and you should follow them. They’ll make it much easier to determine whether your awning for trailer needs to be retracted or pulled back into place.

Which is better acrylic or vinyl awning?

Both acrylic and vinyl awnings have situations where they would better fit—so choosing between them will require understanding their pros/cons and how they mesh. For instance, acrylic awnings for motorhome offer more breathability, making them suitable for summer.

However, acrylic awnings would be much less ideal for colder temperatures because they’re not as tough. Vinyl awnings deal much better with harsh conditions due to their durable, rugged construction. It allows them to withstand ice and other cold weather issues more effectively.

Given this info, it stands to reason that many rig owners would be better off with acrylic. It offers many more benefits as most campers travel in the summer. That said, vinyl awnings are still worth considering, especially for RVers who like traveling in colder climates.

How do I protect my RV awning from sun damage?

My preferred method of offering awnings UV protection is buying an awning guard. RV awning manufacturers build these products specifically to protect against these issues, effectively extending the fabric’s lifespan by several years without breaking a sweat.

As a result, campers won’t have to spend money on cheap travel trailer replacement awning fabrics each season. It certainly has saved some serious cash over the years

How much does it cost to replace an awning on an RV?

The cost of a replacement awning for travel trailer or motorhome usage will vary drastically. It’ll come down to the awning type, its quality, and whether you’ve hired an expert for the job. In most situations, the awning’s price alone will range from $200 to $3,500.

You’ll also need to factor in the replacement awning’s overall design into the equation. For instance, more complicated awnings made from heavy-duty, tough materials will cost more. Their installation fee alone will cost anywhere from $180 to $1300.

Due to this, providing a general outline of what this task will cost is somewhat tricky. But the ranges above should offer some idea of what you’re getting into when replacing an awning. It would be best if you prepared to pay quite a bit for a new one.

How much wind is too much for an RV awning?

The general RV awning for wind usage guidelines is no higher than 20 MPH to 25 MPH. In fact, the sturdiest options should even be put away when winds reach this level. It’ll save you from having the fabric rig apart or the RV awning itself becoming dislodged from your rig.

Neither of these outcomes is anything a rig owner wants to experience. Therefore, do yourself and don’t use your awning out when the winds reach these levels. It’ll only end up being something you regret.

How do I protect my RV awning from wind?

Strong winds and RV awnings aren’t going to mesh well. Many RV owners have to learn this realization the hard way. The problem comes from high winds causing the acrylic or vinyl fabric to tear off its track or the entire awning ripping off your rig.

Both these situations will lead to extensive, costly repairs or replacing your entire RV awning. Plus, it can be a safety hazard because nobody should be near a flying one. Another thing to consider is the level of wind your model can handle will depend on various factors: manufacturer, size, type, and quality.

However, the best action a person can take to protect their awning from winds is a simple one: putting it away whenever the wind is strong enough to make it flap around (20 to 25 MPH). Even though tie-downs, deflappers, and canopy clamps can help withstand these intense winds, putting them away remains the most effective move.

I’d recommend always staying up-to-date on the weather forecast, as well. This resource should make it relatively easy to decide when retracting your RV awning is the right move. It’s an easy way to ensure you avoid any wind-related hassle.

How do you lubricate RV awning arms?

The process of lubricating RV awning arms is straightforward, but it does require gathering a few materials:

• Rag or paper towel
• Silicone-based spray lubricant

Once you’ve gathered these materials, the process begins by opening your awning. You then follow these three steps to lubricate them effectively:

• Spray the lubricant on its moving parts: Support arm pistons, the roller’s ends, and hinges.
• Proceed to wipe off runs and drips with your chosen rag or paper towel.
• Open and close your awning multiple times to work in the lubricant (wipe away any visible excess).

How do I stabilize my RV awning?

If you need to secure or stabilize an RV awning, the most effective way would be using spiral stakes and ratchet straps. You should then supplement with deflappers to ensure even more security against any issues.

The process begins by screwing two spiral stakes into the ground, located at each end of the awning. Next, place a ratchet strap around the roller tube’s end, connect it and tighten it onto those spiral stakes.

As for the deflappers, place four of them at each side of your awning. Their usage should keep it stretched very tight, even when heavy rains put pressure on the fabric. Using these pieces of equipment should keep it stabilized.

I would also recommend checking out the full awning anchor kits available at most camping stores or online. These kits will usually include some anchor, which will screw into the ground at your awning’s ends.

A durable strap or cord will be included, too. You’ll run it from your awning and through the anchor to secure it from rain or high winds.

How long does an RV awning last?

You can expect most RV awnings to last between 10 to 15 years, while a high-quality awning might even offer 20 years of usage. Of course, the longevity will depend massively on your ability to keep up with regular maintenance.

Most of these devices will require repairs at some point to keep up top-tier performance. You can expect the cost of this maintenance to range anywhere from $150 to $1000. It just becomes part of the awning owning experience.

Where can I buy a new RV awning?

Amazon would be our suggested place to buy the top-rated RV awnings. As with every product, Amazon has an incredible selection and reasonable prices. There’s a reason why everyone tends to do their shopping using the site.

However, some other places and sites do offer some fantastic options. Camping World would be the best of these secondary sellers. They offer great deals on RV awning fabric (vinyl or acrylic) and RV awning parts, especially Dometic awning parts.

Conclusion

Finding the best RV awning shouldn’t be much of a challenge with this new information at your disposal. If you follow our buying guide and other discussions, I have full confidence that buying a new RV awning won’t give you any frustration or stress.

But some questions or concerns might come up during this process, which is why our comment section exists. Feel free to leave a post about anything that might be bothering you. I’ll make sure to answer each post as quickly as possible. Thanks for reading!

Dane Heldt

Hi, I am Dane Heldt, a full-time RVer since 2016. I am always passionate about building and joining an RV community where people share their love for RV lives. This blog is a dream of mine, as I can finally share my experiences to help people who want to start living differently. So, feel free to reach out to me!