"On top of this, can one of them awning cover be added relatively easily? Think if it was cover from the sun it might last a little longer."
I remember a write-up with pictures of how a guy made a cover for the awning
for use during the off season. You might be able to find it with a search. The mod/project used a couple of lengths of 4" (?) PVC pipe split in half lengthwise. Seems like it would do the job, though I'm thinking that he would leave it at home while traveling.
Having my 16' awning fabric replaced cost me close to $600 a couple of years ago ago.