Living in BC, an awning is an intersting add-on. The wind is always your enemy, but the advantages out-weigh that. If you are camped anywhere in the sun..I don't know where you are in BC..that awning makes the whole thing a pleasure. It keeps the heat off that side of the RV, thus cooling the inside, plus you can put the chairs under it and voila..more 'living' space. Even if it's raining, that under awning space is a big deal.
Bottom line..yeah, the awning is a good investment. Ensure you take a photo of it on the unit, if you go that route. Insurance will cover a roadside loss but it'snice to be able to prove you had it.
Gary Haupt