RV Awnings: Providing Shade and Style for Your Outdoor Oasis

An RV awning is a retractable fabric canopy that attaches to the side of your RV, extending outward to create a shaded and comfortable living space outdoors. They are essential for creating a relaxing area under the sun and can be used for:

  • Sun Protection: Awnings provide much-needed shade from the sun, protecting you and your furniture from UV rays.
  • Shelter from Light Rain: Awnings can offer some protection from light rain showers, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors even in less-than-ideal weather.
  • Creating an Extra Room: The awning expands your living space, creating a shaded area for dining, socializing, or relaxing outdoors.

Popular RV Awning Brands:

  • Dometic: A leading manufacturer of RV appliances and accessories, Dometic offers a wide range of awning styles and sizes to suit different needs.
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  • Carefree of Colorado: Specializing in RV awnings, Carefree is a trusted brand known for high-quality awnings with various colors, fabrics, and functionalities.
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  • Fiamma: A European brand known for innovation and design, Fiamma offers awnings with advanced features and a sleek aesthetic.Specializing in RV awnings, Carefree is a trusted brand known for high-quality awnings with various colors, fabrics, and functionalities.
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  • Thule: A Swedish company offering a variety of RV accessories, Thule awnings are known for their durability and weather resistance.
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  • Solera Awnings: Offered by Lippert Components, a leading supplier in RV parts.
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RV Awning Styles:

  • Horizontal Arm Awnings:
    • The most common RV awning style, horizontal arm awnings extend outward from the side of your RV in a parallel direction to the ground.
    • They are available in manual or electric operation, with electric awnings offering the convenience of extending and retracting the awning with a switch.
    • Pros: Easy to use, versatile, offers a large shaded area.
    • Cons: Can be susceptible to wind gusts and may not provide as much shelter from rain compared to vertical awnings.
  • Vertical Drop Awnings:
    • Also known as wall awnings, vertical drop awnings roll down from the side of your RV like a shade screen.
    • They provide excellent privacy and protection from wind and rain, especially on the side of your RV.
    • Pros: Excellent privacy and wind/rain protection, ideal for windy areas.
    • Cons: Offers less shade area compared to horizontal awnings, may not be suitable for all RV purposes.

Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing an RV Awning:

  • Size: Measure the side of your RV to ensure the awning you choose will provide adequate coverage.
  • Material: Awning fabrics come in various materials like vinyl or acrylic, each with its own advantages in terms of durability, weight, and UV resistance.
  • Operation: Decide between manual or electric operation based on your budget and preference for convenience.
  • Features: Some awnings offer additional features like LED lighting strips or integrated rain gutters.

Conclusion:

By considering these factors and the various awning brands and styles available, you can find the perfect RV awning to enhance your outdoor living experience during your camping adventures.