Awning

Is it needed? It depends. If you sit outside all the time, yes. If you ever plan on selling it or trading it in, yes. If, like me, you prefer to control your environment with heat or A/C inside, no.
The wind unrolled my awning once while driving down an expressway. The lock is a joke. All it locks is the arms against the side of the RV. It doesn't keep the awning cylinder from turning. My low tech solution was to drill a couple of holes in the drip molding, insert plastic tie downs thru the holes and around the awning, and cinch them up tight. If the next owner wants to use the awning, a couple of snips with scissors and its ready to unfurl, whenever it chooses. :)

If we are just stopping for the night or a couple of days, we will probably NOT open our awning. We will usually use a 10 X 10 shelter over our picnic table so we have a bit of shade and that is it. If we are going to be parked for more than 2 days, then the awning is most likely out. Not necessary, but definitely appreciated......just like our bathroom.

Ours is used all winter long.

While many of the negatives of owning a RV with awning are true. When there is a need to get out of the sun or rain. It is nice to have it available.

I see mine as wasted weight and a PITA to wash.

YMMV

When it is 100 plus outside and you have parked where the awning side is facing west it makes a huge difference in cooling the RV.

Nothing, even the RV itself, is really needed. The awning, like the generator, is used according to the individual camper's habits and needs. We rarely use our awning, but some of our friends never park without using theirs.

jdog wrote:
Is an awning really needed? I rarely use mine.

Asked and answered- and by the O.P. himself!

Gotta wonder why he clicked on "post message" after typing those words...:h

Not needed
Neither are electric heating elements in fridge, water heater
Neither are slideouts
Neither are leveling jacks
Neither are microwaves
Neither are........well you get the drift

On our cross country trip last June, on more than one occasion or pure luck ?
When we parked in the campsites, the awning somewhat kept the afternoon sun from beating down on the side of the MH. Maybe not alot ? but it helped keep the MH cooler inside.
And it was nice too when it rained to be able to walk up under the awning and shake the water off the umbrella/jackets, then head on inside..

I use mine for the reason stated above, heat and rain. The plus side it also keeps the DW happy when she can sit and read in the shade.