Do you find awning useful?

An interesting question that I have thought about. The quick answer is going to be, "of course I want an awning" to shelter from sun and rain. However, the problem is that some of the times I would most want an awning (raining) it often isn't safe to have it up because of storms or wind gust which will damage it or tear it off. I don't even think about leaving it up when we leave or during the night so this makes it a lot less useful and more inconvenient than one might think.

Acei wrote:
How well do awnings handle strong winds? If we are hiking during the day, do they need to be retracted when we are not at the site?

We don't. We have a manual awning, and tied down it will weather 20 mph + winds with no problem. However if like last year at the beach, a hurricane comes thru, you might want to roll it up.

For us. The awning goes out when we setup camp, and comes back in when we break camp to come home. The rest of the time it is out.

As for if you need an awning. It all depends on how you use your RV. If like some, you NEVER come out of the RV. You don't need an awning.
If like us. You use the RV as a camper, and You rarely go inside the RV, You need an awning.

How well do awnings handle strong winds? If we are hiking during the day, do they need to be retracted when we are not at the site?

Awnings are great to keep your rv cooler - they block direct sunlight on one side. It also helps your fridge, if the fridge is located on the awning side, to run more efficiently.

We always open our power awning when it rains - isn't that 1/2 the reason we have it? It has a wind sensor so it will automatically roll up if the wind is over 12 mph, so wind isn't a problem either.

Word of caution: if there is even a chance of snow, it is wise to roll it up before you go to bed. Don't ask how I know.

We generally slide a 16' sun shade in the track of our awning once we run it out. If we get high winds we push the button and bring it in, but otherwise it can stay out most of the time.

By having the awning out, plus the sun shade attached, it is like having a semi-private patio on the side of your RV.

If mine had came with a manual awning I would have immediately had a power awning replacement installed.

There is an option....
Instead of a permanently mounted awning use an EZ Up type portable awning or two. Provides more flexibilty for placement and shade.

I'm beginning to see these used more often by RV'ers.

The true EZ UP made awning will hold up to strong wind gusts.

Most dealers/manufacturers put the awnings on so you don't always have a choice.

If given the choice I would not get a permanent awning but buy two EZ UP awnings instead.

Lynnmor wrote:
A manual awning is useful. A power awning needs to be retracted if there is any wind or rain rendering it useless.

:h

I would say that you don't have a power awning.

I've had both. My power awning has an auto dump feature for rain so rain isn't an issue. It can be tightened down and tied down the same as a manual so it is OK in the wind. Doesn't matter which you have, major wind will damage both. Finally, I don't have to get dressed and go out to retract it.

In the summer heat, awnings can help cool the rig, in spring and fall when it rains, it can keep the mud at bay. I really didn't know they were optional

bid_time wrote:
I would not even consider a trailer without an awning.

SAME HERE

Absolutely would have one, mine came without one,former rental,it was the first Mod that I had done.

The first 2 shakedown cruses it rained and I sure missed having one.