Published Date: March 7, 2022
Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Camper Front
An RV is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors. Having a good awning could make a world of difference in the protection it can offer on the trip. RV awnings protect you from UV rays and keep you cool during the hot summers. They enhance the comfort and luxury of the outdoor experience. Ease of use and durability are also important when selecting the best RV awning. This article will act as a guide on the best RV awning options on the market today.
Solera V000182037 Black Slide Topper Awning
- Variety of colors
- Extends up to 50 inches
- Universal fit
- Replacement parts are easy to find
- Comes in different sizes
- Incompatible with other brackets
- Not ideal for humid climates
With the Solera Universal Line, replacing your awning has never been easier. The Solera sets itself apart from the pack as the company works with various RVs, making it universally applicable. With a simple manual kit, you can make significant modifications to your RV.
What We Like
The vinyl awnings have a universal fit making them compatible with a wide array of accessories. With this awning, you can benefit from using various third-party accessories like support, light kits, and even specialized sensors. It is compatible with third-party wind and security sensors for enhanced effectiveness.
The Solera comes with versatile styling. It also features diverse color and style offerings. The fabric is also durable, being made with vinyl fabric and seams that are heat-welded to withstand rigorous conditions outdoors.
With this awning, you do not have to worry about finding parts if it breaks down. Since the Solera is compatible with most third-party accessories, it is easy to find new parts. After a few fixes, the awning ends up looking brand new, making it one of the best RV awning options available.
What We Do Not Like
The awning mounting bracket is a bit unconventional, making it harder for people to figure it out. It makes any pre-install structures you already have irrelevant. This feature means you have to install new brackets regardless of whether you have some already.
ARB 814412A Black Aluminium Retractable Awning
- Easy to use
- Adjustable height
- UV and water protection
- Made from durable, high-quality materials
- Protects from heavy rains
- Features weak Velcro
- Material tends to collect road grime
This stationary awning is built for convenience, can fit in just about any roof bar or roof rack, and is easy to store. The awning is specifically designed to withstand harsh weather thanks to its outback height-adjustable legs, with Velcro ties meant to keep it locked to its stands. Though it may immediately seem complicated, it comes with a comprehensive manual that is easy to understand.
What We Like
The ARB 814412A is one of the leading acrylic awnings whose fabric is built to last as it features a waterproof design. At the seams, the awning is designed to withstand the daily abrasion from daily use. This feature allows it to be used for a lot longer, making it one of the best RV awning choices on the market.
It has a premium feel thanks to its design and choice of materials. The loops on the awning are made from high-quality UV-protected poly cord loops designed to withstand shocks from the outdoors. The cam locks are metallic, unlike competitors who make them out of plastic.
The utility of this awning can be further enhanced using various accessories. It can support third-party accessories, which enhances the body of choices the user can make. You can improve the awning convenience by integrating quick-release brackets, windbreaks, universal mounting brackets, and awning walls and floors.
The ARB RV awning fabric is easy to use and assemble. The entire structure takes about 30 seconds to set up and deploy. It is also packed conveniently in its package to ensure use is as quick as possible. The adjustable height is a convenient feature and why this is one of the best RV awning options since it is easy and fast to get some shade regardless of where you go.
What We Do Not Like
The manual awnings feature Velcro on their sides. This Velcro is not likely to hold in the case of solid winds in awnings of standard sizes, making it less effective against the elements outdoors.
ShadePro Premium Grade RV Awning
- Made of high-quality acrylic material
- Straightforward install process
- Features an attractive awning design
- Easy to clean with standard awning cleaner
- Colors are not as advertised
The ShadePro premium-grade RV awning is one of the best acrylic awnings and is designed to be a reliable alternative to your current one. It is made from high-quality vinyl for extra durability. The vinyl comes in different prints, making it more attractive. You can count on it to protect you from the sun, heavy rains, and snow because it is one of the best RV awnings out there.
What We Like
Without using any special tools or any specialized knowledge, you can easily install the awning and use it. It comes with a detailed step-by-step manual to ensure anyone can do it themselves. Within a few minutes of unboxing, you can get a lot of utility from your awning.
The ShadePro is compatible with most RVs. By its design, the ShadePro is meant to replace the existing cover you might own. The designers took a lot of care to ensure it could easily fit most RVs. With a simple measuring tape, you can quickly determine if this awning is best for your purposes.
For the entire awning to be used outdoors, particular emphasis has to be made on durability. The ShadePro excelled here by using high-quality vinyl to ensure the fabric awning can last as long as possible. The fabric that makes up the awning is durable and resistant to UV rays and conditions of -20 Fahrenheit. The seams are also reinforced at the dress points, enhancing their durability.
What We Don’t Like
Despite being very effective as an awning, the color selection is wanting. The main complaints from customers are the colors do not come as depicted in the advertised pictures.
CAREFREE 701509ACD
- Easy to use
- Comes with a comprehensive user manual
- Compatible with an entire body of accessories
- Made from a fabric with 85% visibility
- Features a wide array of colors
- It does not offer as much shade as we would like
This rolled-up awning features high-quality weather-resistant fabrics made from a blend of vinyl and polyester in an open-weave design. A Carefree domestic awning allows users to protect themselves from the sun while keeping their view unobstructed by the materials. The feature makes it more valuable, especially in the mornings and evenings. Choose from three different drop sizes (7ft, 8ft, and 9ft) to find the best RV awning for your rig.
What We Like
Designed for RVs, the awning is made to be as convenient as possible. The company has installed a myriad of awnings and accessories on RVs across the world. It features an entire body of accessories that can be easily installed to give the awning extra utility for the user.
The awning has an open weave design that blots out about 85% of the light. This awning is easy to use, with people finding complete utility without needing specialized tools. All the user needs is to follow the easy-to-understand manual that comes with it. Lastly, it fits inside the awning roller easily and unfolds quickly for a fast setup.
What We Don’t Like
Though it blots out about 85% of the light, it is still insufficient. The awning is still quite bright, not offering enough shade experientially at midday when it’s brightest.
EXCELFU RV Awning Sun Shade Screen
- Blocks out 86% of harmful UV rays
- The awning screen offers privacy protection
- Easy to use
- Made from durable, high-quality materials
- Features a faulty zipper
This awning excels in its ease of use and speed with which you can set up and put down. The durable awning is designed for a camping trip in an RV and provides much-needed shade in the early morning and late evening. It creates the perfect ambiance for a camping trip. It also protects the user’s skin by blocking over 86% of UV rays, so it is one of the best RV awning choices available.
What We Like
This is one of the best RV awning choices to protect the user from harmful UV rays from the sun. It filters out up to 86% of the sun’s UV rays, offering more thorough protection to the user’s skin, and preventing melanomas and other skin cancers. The cover also provides enough shade in the early morning and late evening, creating extraordinary experiences in which you can bond with your family and friends.
The awning is made of high-quality materials built to last. It features high-density vinyl and sewn-in double stitches, creating a shelter that is resistant to weather, rust, and constant pulling. This addition gives it more utility as a sun, wind, and rain blocker.
Campers can use it to gain privacy which may be limited when in the great outdoors. People in public or crowded campgrounds can get privacy as the awning will restrict the public’s view of you. It can also offer a good perspective of the outside while inside the awning shade.
What We Don’t Like
The product works as advised though the zipper is of low quality. After prolonged use, it comes apart and can be troublesome to repair or replace.
Buyer’s guide
When searching for the best RV awning, key factors dictate the quality of the product you’ll buy and how long it will last. Here are a couple of pointers to help you out.
Size
Before making a purchase, you have to consider how many people will use the awning. It would be best if you made a note of whether the awning is meant to support a large family or cater to a small intimate gathering. Selecting the appropriate size depends on the size of the RV you will be using it on. Smaller camper vans will use a smaller awning when compared to larger RVs which will need a larger one to accommodate more people.
Budget and quality
There is a reasonably consistent relationship between quality and price, though not always. The higher the quality of the awning, the higher the asking price. If your budget is limited, try for smaller or manual awnings with better materials and stronger brackets instead of an electric awning that may break easily. Spending a little more means you could get a higher quality awning with the potential to last for years before it breaks.
Materials
Awnings come in a variety of materials ranging from cotton to vinyl. Each material has its qualities as well as disadvantages. Cotton fabrics tend to be more attractive and have a more remarkable adaptation to the weather, hot or cold. However, they are a lot heavier and hard to pack. On the other hand, vinyl and other polyester fabrics do not last as long but are lightweight and pack easily.
Final Verdict on the Best RV Awning
A good awning can make a whole world of difference in your camping experience. The ShadePro is our pick for the best RV awning on the market. It mixes all the best qualities of a good awning, from durability to ease of installation, and even features a black fade color pattern.
Though the EXCELFU has issues with its zipper, it still offers an affordable price making it very popular, while the CAREFREE dominates in just how easy it is to use. You wouldn’t go wrong if you choose any of these awnings because ultimately, the best RV awning for your vehicle must fit your needs.
