Awning?

It came with ours Lance 1161 side entry and side awning...used once in rain situation only because it was already deployed when it started to rain. Have used a number of times when wanted more privacy as I have made an enclosure for it out of cloth shower curtains..no pics available...BUT honestly I would not order one up front until you figure your TCing use characteristics...it can always be added.

BTW, rolling them up wet is not a good idea, mine has the auto closing cover when stowed...totally protected. NOW slide awning is a different animal...I'd get one and it would be a protected type, may have to get that aftermarket as well, as I do not think the TC OEM would install the higher grade or even offer it.

We have two. Very handy in the rain. The side awning gives us outdoor space and a place to dry out fishing gear and the like. The back one keeps the ground dry and allows cleaner access to the TC as well as a place to kick off your shoes, shed rain gear, etc.

Thanks for the feedback. This is helpful to consider the pros and cons.

I didn't like the side awning on my travel trailer. We often found that in campgrounds it didn't cover the area we needed it to. the picnic table was too far away, etc. It mildewed over the winter, and eventually one of the supports broke in a strong wind. So for my camper, I put eye bolts on four corners and I use carbiners to attach a blue tarp and stake out poles for the awing. Just a little more work, it switches from side to side as needed, cheap, total cost less than $25, doesn't mildew or collect water when stored, need new material, $15, really works far better.

I have a rear only on the TC and usually bring the aluminum frame pop-up.

Wind.... ouch...

To tag along BKA0721's note, Winds will blow the pop-up stand-alone away in a minute if you get some strong, and I mean strong gusts... They can be weighted but then you run the risk of bending the frame.
Up here in WA, Wanapum SP (nr Vantage)on the Columbia river is a good example.

I will "furl the sails" at any forcast or hint of continued strong winds as they can gust.

I say this as I'm sure that the same "Gusts" could/will damage the awnings and the fixtures, so with both, it's a matter of keeping an eye out for the weather.



I would plan on all 3 myself if staying for a few days. Back for shade on the door, side for immediate shade and for quick stops and the pop-up for continuous shade/rain if cooking the BBQ outside. Also for RZR Buggy shade when needed. I can lower the legs and it sets down real nice like.

The new campers are set up for rear awnings with ladders that don't go all the way up onto the roof. Personally, if an awning doesn't extend a foot or two past the door rain will blow in anyway from the side. That way you can have a wide enough awning to actually keep rain out. Also, most awnings have an extra slot in the lead bar/roller that you can slide an auxillary shade into and stake down for even more shade and rain protection even a bit more stability and wind resistance. Same thing on the side awnings. We have those on both our awnings. It's all in what you want and need to be comfortable.

I see many truck campers with awnings and know many like having them. I used sunshades during my race days in the paddocks. It was from this use I would not want to have one on my TC. I am predominately in windy areas and with snow periods. Both of these weather type events keep me from using ones. Some of the TC manufacturers are using the technology now that will automatically close them, when needed. I also have never had one on my slide and so far have not seen a time when I have needed one. But, I have helped a few people by loaning my Milwaukee Heat Gun to clear ice that has gathered under their slide awning. As well as danger from traveling through limb filled forest roads and streets. But

But, I don't feel strongly about awnings to tell you not to get one. Just that I haven't needed one or have ever missed not having one. Would I use one if it was given to me? No.

b

We have one on the rear and the side, we use the side almost every trip for shade. The rear one gets used also if were staying in one place for more than a day.

we have a side awning that protects the front door and also helps shield the slide from direct sun where our fridge is located. We were camping this week trout fishing parked North to South and the awning offered a relaxing spot to hangout extending shade as the sun settled West. I'm glad we have it.