The Best RV Awnings to Provide Extra Protection and Privacy

RV awnings serve multiple purposes and are a great addition to include in your RV. They provide shade and protection from rain, sun, and wind. If you have decided to buy an RV awning, then there will be no dearth of options.

While a good thing, too many options can make your decision-making process perplexing. To make things easier and more informed, I have reviewed some of the best RV awnings available in the market.

• Material: Awnings are either made of acrylic or vinyl. Most RV awnings in this list are made of vinyl because it’s waterproof and durable. Some high end models even provide UV protection to protect the material from damage.
• Design: RV awnings come in many varieties, so choose one which suits your camper. Many of the products below are roll-out awnings because they last longer than fixed ones. An RV patio awning is perfect for enclosed trailers, while automatic models provide extreme convenience.
• Size: A 12 foot awning is ideal for small campers while a 21 foot is sufficient for 5th wheel and other large campers. A 16 foot awning is ideal for motorhomes in mid-size. In this list, the size ranges from 16 to 20 feet.

By the end of this article, you will be clearer about which RV awning you should be investing in. Let’s dive into the RV power awning reviews:

Top 10 Awning Reviews

Below I have selected the top 10 RV awnings that I have used. So the details that I share are entirely based on my experience with the products.

1. Shade Pro Vinyl Fabric Awnings

If your old awning fabrics have seen better days and you are thinking about an awning replacement, then I have a good suggestion for you. This Shade Pro’s vinyl fabric awning might be just what you need. As the name suggests, it literally replaces your shabby old awning fabric and offers much-needed protection from harsh elements.

Coming to the appearance, I personally like it boasts a version of the dark blue-white gradient. But don’t worry if you don’t like blue as there are five color options in fading design to choose from. Aesthetically, it will complement different external appearances to your vehicle.

Whether Faulkner, A&E, or CareFree, this can fit in with different types of awnings. It’s because this awning features two sewn in PolyRods at the roller tube for a more breezy installation.

Along with the main product, you will also get an easy to follow instruction manual, allowing you to complete the installation steps more easily. You can easily fit and install this fabric into your vehicle with a matter of minutes.

I really like the fact that this RV awning replacement fabric comes with a three-year warranty on parts as well as freight. So in case your product comes with any damage or broken parts, you can get it replaced without any hassle.

2. RecPro RV 18 Foot Awning Fabric

When it comes to sun protection, this 18’ camper awning fabric from RecPro is the one to consider. It features three fade blends that complement the exterior color profiles of most RV on the market; you will get Tan/Camel Fade, Gray Fade, and Fade. I really liked the smooth transition from light to dark, which is also quite in trend.

The color blend apparently has a functional purpose as well. It helps in avoiding solar capture, which will heat the shaded areas if the awning has a solid and too-dark color.

These awnings come with a tensile strength of 140 psi and are also UV resistant. This means that they are able to withstand exposure, wind, and weather. Furthermore, these awnings are environmentally friendly and flame resistant, making them healthy and safe to be used.

The awning comes with heat-welded seams; instead of sewn seams. The heat sealed allows the awning to easily withstand temperatures up to -25 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or degrading. These are more reliable, durable, and sturdy.

The fabric measures exactly at 17′, which is more than sufficient to provide good shade and sun protection. I also like that I do not have to do anything, in particular, to clean the fabric as the water just slides off quickly. With everything working its way, what could go wrong?

3. SunWave Awning 16’ Fabric

One of the top-rated RV awnings among the best Sunwave awning reviews is this 16′ with approximately 15′ RV awning fabric. It boasts new fabric that works efficiently well with Carter, Carefree, and A&E awning frames.

Another great thing about this awning is that it comes all ready to install. There are two ploy cords of 1/4″ and 3/16″ for installing the rail and roller tube. And, it does not take much time to assemble this as well.

There is no metal cover; instead, it is made of 15 oz of vinyl. In order to add durability, a vinyl weather shield of 16 oz is heat welded on to the main fabric. I like that it is colored on both sides, making the overall product look aesthetically pleasing.

I am happy with the construction of both the fabric and the poles that come along with it. The vinyl appears to be of high quality, and the poly cords are quite sturdy. And, the fact that you get three years of warranty further adds to the value of the products.

If you are taking this product for Carter awnings, mention the same in the order so that the company can send the product accordingly. Another important note for you is to measure the exact width of your awning since the fabric comes in 9-10 inches shorter.

4. Shade Pro RV Awning Fabric

Another top-rated product to consider when replacing an awning is by Shade Pro. One of the first things that I liked about it is that it is compatible with the majority of awning brands such as Carefree, A&E, Lippert, etc. adding to the versatility. This is something that made this product so popular in the market, and I am glad that I tried.

Another reason why I would recommend this RV awning is because of its pleasing, heavy-duty and durable build. The use of tough materials and the limited 5 years warranty are quite evident. You can be sure that it can easily withstand the extremities of the weather. You also do not have to worry about the issue of exposure to outdoor weather can result in fading of color.

The materials used in its construction not only protect you from the harms of the sun but also maintain the product’s durability for a longer time period. It is designed using a three-ply and 12 oz fabric. It is among the thickest awning available on the market, thereby providing higher reliability to the RV owners.

Coming to the installation, it is so easy that you can do it yourself without any hassle. The company has provided easy instructions that will guide you through the entire process. In addition, the package encompasses poly cords to provide easy installation at the roller tube and rail.

5. SunWave 17’2-3” Awning Fabric

This is a product that is quite popular among RV owners and for all the right reasons. It offers tons of interesting features at a cost-effective range. You can also choose slide-out awnings if you wish to replace all the fabric at once.

These are made of top-graded vinyl and are offered in an array of vibrant colors. This way, you can accentuate the exterior design of the RV. I like the subtle fade patterns, which gradually move from white to different maroon shades, tans, and blue.

The colors are applied on both the fabric sides, thereby providing an elegant finish to the overall product. The way it looks is something that will attract many RVers. This item could be the best RV awning replacement fabric choice in terms of versatility as it offers compatibility with Carefree, Carter, Dometic, A&E, etc. awning frames.

Besides the versatility that provides great value to this awning shade, its light weight is worth mentioning. This is better as not only supports easy installation but also perfect for frequent transportation if you’re an RV camper addict.

But the frames have to be operated manually and must not use metal cover. One thing is sure; the customers are going to like the size selection and price tag offered by the manufacturer.

The company provides you with a quality product to get protection from the sun and rain while camping. Along with the visually appealing design, I also liked the sturdiness offered by the product. You can rest assured that this product will stand the test of time.

6. Solera Replacement Fabric Awning

When looking for an awning fabric replacement, which lasts longer, you should consider the product’s performance and reliability. It is imperative to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth with the purchase you make. Solera Universal Fit replacement fabric is among the most popular awnings for RVs that you can trust.

And one of the reasons contributing to its popularity is the vinyl material. This strong material is capable of withstanding changing weather conditions as well as harsh outdoor elements. This is an investment that will give you peace of mind.

Additionally, high-quality material does not fade or wear out easily. And the fact that the sunshade is manufactured using heat-welded seams also adds to its durability. The product is tested for cold cracks up to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. This further indicates the high-quality performance and durability of the RV awning fabric.

To further provide reliability to customers, the company offers a five-year warranty. During this time, you can have your issues resolved without paying any cost. So when it comes to customer satisfaction, Solera has played its cards right.

I also liked this product because it comes integrated with a light track, which allows you to add Solera fabric light. This light kit comes with the package that you order. If you like LED lighting at your camping site, then this could be a fun product. Also, if you are among the RVers who like to add colors to the awning fabric, then you have found the right one.

Depending on your preference, you will come across tons of color options that include solid black and white fade, silver fade, fade, green fade, burgundy fade, and blue fade.

7. Awn Lux RV Replacement Awning

This product is created to cater to the expectations of modern-day RV owners. Awnlux is one of the best awning brands to consider when buying awning fabric. A key highlight of this product is that it is UV rays resistant and waterproof.

This means that the awning is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, thereby offering high durability. Another feature that I find interesting is universal compatibility. Whether it is Carefree or Dometic awnings parts, this product offers compatibility with all different brands.

You would also appreciate the fact that the RV awning fabric comes with the necessary accessories to facilitate the process of installation. Therefore, you can set up the whole thing within a few minutes. The fabric size measures at 11-feet and 2-inches for an awning of 12-feet.

So irrespective of the size of the awning you need, you will certainly find the best awning replacement fabric for your RV. The company allows you to make customization based on the requirements, which is a solid feature. Generally, building customized awnings take time to design, and they are more expensive than a standard retractable awning.

However, the quality and sturdiness they boast are also paramount. If you are looking for a replacement awning for your travel trailers that are customized, then Awnlux is a brand that you should rely on.

With Awnlux awning replacement fabric, you will get a three-year warranty, which will cover manufacturing defects, excessive fading, cracking, etc. After you buy the product, if for any reason you want to return it, you can do it within fourteen days.

8. SunWave Awning 18’ Fabric

When looking for an RV awning, you may have come across the brand name SunWave as it is quite popular. This 18′ fabric featuring Camel fade is among the top-selling products by the brand and why not. It is boasted with tons of features as well as performance benefits that make people want to rave about it.

The 18’ RV awning fabric allows you to enjoy summer adventures with your travel trailer and motorhome awnings. I appreciate the vinyl replacement fabric, which is compatible with Carefree, Carter & A&E. I found the awning shade to be extremely easy to install, and I can make sure that you would be able to do so without any hassle.

You can use this replacement fabric to replace any old fabric of a manually operating awning. You cannot execute a replacement RV awning with metal cover. If you are looking for a long-lasting fabric replacement, then I would suggest you consider this product.

The awning comes with a weather shield, which protects it from harsh weather conditions, allowing you to get the most out of your investment. There is more to this product than durability and versatility; it is also aesthetically appealing. Irrespective of what type of RV you own, this awning will complement it perfectly. Thankfully, the manufacturer has colored the fabric on both sides, giving it an elegant look from all angles.

Coming to installation, you will have no trouble installing this as it comes with all necessary accessories that include poly cord for the roller tube and the rail. You do not have to purchase anything from outside.

9. Vevor Manual 20ft RV Awning

There are so many reasons to love this product. Light but strong, this slide-out awning is one of most favorite products among RVers who are constantly on the road. It offers superior protection as opposed to many standard awnings.

So you do not have to worry about rain, wind, or sunlight impacting your traveling or camping experience. Additionally, Vevor’s awning features a pull strap, so working with it outdoors becomes easier. Depending on your needs, you can deploy and retract the awning within a matter of seconds.

I like the use of top-graded heavy-duty vinyl fabric that offers durability to the product. Subsequently, this product is going to stay intact for a longer time period, even if you use it regularly. The fact that you get all these features at a reasonable price was something that attracted me to this product.

The fabric spread to 19’ 2-3”, so you have a 20’ awning. Once spread around, it will offer you a spacious and cozy place to rest during your road trip.

The product is lightweight and easy to handle. And this makes the installation process significantly easier. There is also a pull rod strap that enables hassle-free opening and closing of the awning. And, it will work with all different types of awnings, thereby providing you with versatility.

10. Carefree IE0557A00 Window Awning

The last product on my list is a premium window awning by Carefree. If you are looking for a simple yet sturdy awning for your RV, then this is it. The 15 oz vinyl fabric is double stitched and double hemmed.

And, the material also comes with the virtually indestructible thread by Red Gore TENARA. This premium fabric also offers antimicrobial protection. All these features add to the durability of the product.

It is perfect for people who are using an awning for the first time. It comes with a simple manual operation. The fabric is attached using a basic awning rail. And it is very easy to deploy the product. All you have to do is pull on the strap and hook the latter to the coach’s side.

And, each one is added at the bottom with three screws through the pivot bracket and bottom support. The awning rail will come along with the package, so you do not have to worry about making additional investments.

One of the things that I liked about this RV awning is the elegant look that it offers. It comes in a charcoal black shape with silver aluminum stripes accentuating its overall appeal. If you are looking for more color options, you can select from chocolate, indigo, and charcoal. This will complement the exterior of any RV exterior.

What To Consider When Buying An RV Awning

Following are some factors that you should consider before buying an RV awning –

• Size

The size of your RV awning depends on two things – the current dimensions of your RV and awning and the kind of space you need outdoors. When buying an awning, consider the dimensions to decide whether the new replacement aligns with the current one’s size as closely as possible.

The size, along with any restrictions, should be present on the guidebook provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to check this on the description before making the final decision as this is the best way to get the right size.

• Material

The material used in the trailer will significantly impact the performance you will get from the product. For instance, if your goal is to block out sun rays and get a cool, shaded place to relax; then, you should get an awning that offers resistance from UV rays as well as sun rays.

You also need to make sure that the material is tightly woven enough to protect you from harmful sunburns while outside. However, if you are looking for a side room kit with screens and awnings for an RV, then you should invest in a kit.

Make sure that the kit you choose is made of high-quality materials and capable of bearing wear and tear. Considering that the outdoor environment can be quite harsh, it is imperative to stress on the quality of the product you purchase.

Moreover, if your RV awning is offered with parts and accessories, you should make sure that the frame is made using tougher materials. This is important to ensure because these elements will be bearing the weight of the awning material. When looking for an awning, make sure that the material you choose is lightweight and easy to carry.

• Design and Application

When it comes to buying RV awnings, everyone has their own needs. While some people buy it for the shade, others may want to build an outdoor place for their pets. This space can also be used by RV owners to sleep.

Every need of the user requires a different kind of setup. So the decision of what type of awning you should buy depends on the design and application. For example, for shade, you only need a simple drop-down screen across the front of the RV awning.

However, if you are creating an outdoor space, you need to build a screen room with entry and exit.

• Ease of installation

The installation process of an RV awning might turn out to be the most awkward process of your purchase. You can avoid complex circumstances by choosing a product that offers easy RV awning installation.

The best way to ascertain the same is to go through the product review, where people who have bought the product share their honest opinions. So you will be able to determine how easy or difficult it is for an item to install.

RV awning that features universal fitting tends to make the installation process easier. But if you don’t find one, then look for other helpful options as well. Check out the instructions on the manual; it should be clear and well-instructive.

What Are The Types Of RV Awning

Following are certain prominent types of RV that you will come across –

• Fixed Awnings

As the name suggests, this type remains fixed in one place, offering constant protection against external elements. The main disadvantage of this type of RV awning is that they tend to fall off while driving. And they also lack flexibility when you have to adjust the position.

• Slide-Out Awnings

This awning replacement form is the exact opposite of fixed awnings. Generally, they are made of canvas and can be unrolled manually when you want shade. A drawback of this type of slide-out awning is that water tends to collect in them, so you have to slide it out frequently to avoid the accumulation of mold.

• RV Patio Awnings

This awning type enables you to turn the outside space of the RV into a sunroom. Additional fabric in this patio awning assists in creating a roof and walls. It offers a screened in-area for you to relax. Although this patio awning provides extra protection and privacy, they are often poorly ventilated and require more maintenance.

• Automatic Awnings

An automatic RV awning is simple as well convenient. You can control using a simple button. They are easy to maintain and adjustable. But if you have a limited budget, then this might not be a good option for you as they come with expensive price tags.

What Are The Benefits Of RV Awnings

Following are some of the advantages of RV awnings –

• Offer cool shade on hot summer days.
• Block the sun from directly shining into the RV, thereby maintaining a cooler temperature.
• Prevent the fading of furniture and carpets.
• Create an outdoor room that is bug-free
• Protect you from the rain while sitting outside.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does RV awnings work?

Understanding how an RV awning works are imperative to ensure its proper functioning and maintenance. It is an important element that determines how you enjoy RV camping. This is because they keep the harsh summer sun off you and the RV and maintain a low and soothing temperature.

Awnings for RV are basically camper retractable awning, either through electric or mechanical means to deploy and retract. A good mechanical awning leverages a torsion spring, whereas the best electric RV awning uses a motor integrated within the roller tube.

Mechanical awnings are manually operated, but that does not mean that you have to put in a lot of effort. These are well-designed device that can be easily extended and retracted by anyone.

On the other hand, electric camper awnings are more expensive than their mechanical counterpart as they come with more complex RV awning parts. As the name suggests, an electric awning needs electricity to function, which requires wiring in the RV.

Both these types of RV awnings come with integrated safety features to prevent it from being extended while driving. Mechanical awnings come with physical locks that prevent them from unrolling. The electric awning integrates a gearing of the motor, which prevents the same.

Who makes the best RV awnings?

Choosing a reputable brand for installing awnings on your RV is imperative. A credible manufacturer designs products using quality materials and uses the latest technology to ensure efficient and durable performance. So if you are looking for an RV awning, below are some of the brands that you can trust –

• SunWave RV Awnings
• ShadePro RV Awnings
• Carefree RV Awnings
• ALEKO RV Awnings
• RecPRO RV Awnings
• Solera RV Awnings
• Awnlux RV Awnings
• VevorRV Awnings
• Dometic RV Awnings
• Lippert Components
• Tentronic RV Awnings

What is better vinyl or acrylic awning?

You can choose one of the two RV awning fabrics vinyl or acrylic. So which one is the best for you? In order to help you with the same, let’s look at both these types of fabric in detail –

Acrylic Awnings

Acrylic awnings are developed using breathable woven fabric that enables the circulation of air. They are water-resistant, but heavy rainfall can soak through them. This RV retractable type is ideal for windy environments, and they tend to dry quickly.

Acrylic RV awnings come with impressive durability. Therefore, they are considered ideal for harsh environments. Since it is woven into the fabric, acrylic awning replacements are capable of holding their color for a long time.

Why choose acrylic awning?

• Easy to maintain
• Light and breathable
• Simple storage

Why not choose acrylic awning?

• Need regular maintenance
• Not entirely waterproof

Vinyl Awnings

While these RV awnings are waterproof, the vinyl material tends to collect mildew if not maintained properly. These are considered ideal for the rainy region. However, it is recommended that you clean this type of awning replacement fabric after every trip. And they require deep cleaning once or twice a year.

Why choose vinyl awnings?

• Protection from weather
• Durable material
• Tear-resistant

Why should you not choose vinyl awnings?

• Needs to be dried completely before storing,
• More vulnerable to mold and mildew
• High maintenance.

Deciding which one is the best among them entirely depends on your travel requirements. They both have their pros and cons, but they are also quite useful.

So when deciding on the awning fabric, consider the travel destination you will be taking your RV through to make a lasting investment.

How much does it cost to replace an RV awning?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the kind of RV awning you already have. Basically, a replacement awning for travel trailer or RV can cost you anywhere between $250 and $2500. The more moving parts an RV retractable awning has, the more expensive it will be for you.

There are many other factors that add to the cost of replacement. Along with the type of awning, you should also consider the material used and the installation process. Moreover, a mechanized awning will cost more as it needs additional features to set up.

How much wind can an RV awning withstand?

The speed of the wind that a majority of self-supported awnings are tested to is approximately 20 to 25 miles per hour.

However, this measurement was taken when the wind was steady; instead of irregular, which is more dangerous. In order to determine the withstanding ability of the awning, you have to understand the camper awning in the wind.

RV awning maximum wind speed has an inversely proportional relationship with the width and breadth of the fabric. The greater the breadth and width, the lower the wind rating.

The following are the factors that impact the awning’s react to the wind –

• The angle of wind inclination
• The presence of shades
• Number of poles into the ground

How do you clean and care for your RV awning?

It is not that difficult to clean and take care of your RV awning. Instead, it is about understanding the right way to do it. Following are some of the ways that you can clean and care for your RV awning –

• Wash it off with a hose

Irrespective of whether you have durable vinyl and acrylic awnings, hosing the dirt off is a great way to clean your awning. If you see dirty sports even after hosing down, you can use a spot basis with soap to take care of the same. Make sure you are gentle while cleaning as excessive scrubbing will result in wear and tear.

• When it is raining

When you have deployed the RV awning while raining, keep one corner lower than the rest. This will ensure that water slides off instead of accumulating on the top. Too much water accumulation can put excessive strain on the awning. It can force the awning tube to bend under the weight of the water and might break as well.

• Let it dry first

If you roll up a wet awning, it can result in mold. This can further cause issues of dry rot, bad stink, and even ruin the fabric.

• Limit the UV rays exposure

While counterintuitive, excessive exposure to the sun can weaken, and the fabric can impact the durability of the awnings. If you are away from the RV, keep the awning rolled up inside. Adding an aluminum awning to cover in order to protect it when the awning is all rolled up.

How to open an RV awning?

It’s pretty easy to open cargo trailer awnings. Simply, unfasten the arms. Here are the steps.

1. Look for the rafter knobs behind each awning arm. Loosen the knobs for a few turns.
2. Squeeze the support tabs that hold the two arms together. When you hear a clicking sound, it indicates that the travel locks are released.
3. Switch the lever to the roll-down or open position. Some manual awning models like Aleko feature a crank for easy opening.
4. Push the inner arms above the opposite arms until you hear a clicking sound.
5. Tighten the knobs back and raise the arm’s handle to adjust the awning height.

Do RV awnings need to be lubricated?

Yes, you need a little bit of lubrication to your awnings for camper trailers. Apply some dry lube on the awning arms so they slide and prevent the development of rust.

Don’t forget to spray other moving parts, like the roller tube’s axle, ends, and motor gear’s opposite sides.

What is the life expectancy of an RV awning?

A well-maintained RV awning can last up to 15 years. You need a special RV awning cleaner to remove any dirt and other debris on the fabric. Once in a while, lubricate the moving parts to ensure smooth operation of the moving parts.

When should I put my RV awning in?

Roll up your awning when the wind breeze gets stronger than 25mph. You can tell that the wind is strong when you see the fabric flapping around. Strong winds can tear off your fabric and rip the whole awning apart.

The best measure is to listen to the weather forecast. If it gives a wind or storm warning, immediately put your RV awning away to protect against damage. During winter, make sure to retract your awning before going to sleep so that you don’t have to wake up when an unexpected gust of wind occurs while you’re sleeping.

What color of awning is best?

Since you’ll be using the RV awning to feel cool under the sun, choose lighter colors that reflect heat. Such colors include green, yellow, and light blue. Avoid darker colors because they will only radiate more heat down into your camper canopy.

Besides feeling cool, light colors also are more fade-resistant than their dark counterparts. They also help brighten the look of your RV for aesthetic value.

What size awning do I need?

You need an awning that’s enough to shade the area that you want to cover. Measure the height from the ground and the length from left to right. The standard RV awning sizes are between 8 to 21 feet.

It’s easy if you have an existing awning. Measure the distance between the center of each arm. For example, if you get a distance of 10 feet, then you’ll need 10 ft camper awning.

Where to buy RV awnings?

You can buy a new camper awning in RV specialty stores and online stores like Amazon. If you’re on a budget, you can hunt any used RV awning complete kit that comes in cheap. Just ensure that the parts are working smoothly and the fabric isn’t faded.

Conclusion

If you are someone who is constantly on the road, then investing in an RV awning can prove to be beneficial. These elements in your RV can help you in protecting you from the vehicle from extreme weather condition.

In this article, I have shared a detailed review of top-rated RV awnings available in the market. Additionally, you will also come across important information regarding RV awnings. After you read my review, I hope that it’s helpful so you can purchase your own best RV awning.

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.