TC and awnings

[gorohoff]

I currently do not have an awning on my wolf creek 850 but with Spring trips in the wet Pacific Northwest I'm considering getting one. I'm curious to hear others opinions on an awning. They're not cheap, so is it worth the cost, or would I do just fine with tent canopy?

[mountainkowboy]

Our AF had the rear awning and we always used it. The S&S has one on the passenger side and we seem to use it an awful lot too. Awnings are nice to have and I think that if I had a TC without one I would probably put one on.

[kerry4951]

AF comes thru standard with the rear awning. Thats why we have it. I did not order the side awnings as Im not a big fan of awnings. I have to say we do deploy the rear awaning if we are set up for extended periods and like it was mentioned it is nice if its raining. The only thing I would like better is if it was a power awning. Alot of the companies I see are going that route. I like yours Billyray. High enough that I wouldnt be smashing my head on the awning arms.

[billyray50]

My 2012 Adventurer came with a Carefree power awning. It is really nice. Notice how far it extends!!




Please note, the maximum photo width=640

[gorohoff]

For those of you who have awnings, was it already on the camper when you bought it, or was it an upgrade added later?

[Reddog1]

I think it really depends on your style of camping. Personally, I prefer the tent canopy. I have two 10'x10', a light weight and a heavy duty. Both have screen sides and solid sides. Which one I take depends on the time of year and where I am going. They have worked well for over ten years.

Typically, I use cement stakes and ratchet straps to tie them to the ground, when needed. I have used then if some especially high wind areas, when raining or snowing. They work great for small group gathering, using one or both side by side. I have use my Canopies in camp grounds that do not allow tent camping. When I have ask, I have been told they do not consider the Tent Canopy to be tent camping, just a gathering shelter.

When group camping, I take a foldout table that holds the cook stove and related stuff. I use a 20-pound propane cyl with a tree, heater, and propane light on top. Having the solid sides is nice for heating.

I find the Tents are much more versatile than awnings. Definitely less expensive. I seldom camp where an awning attached to the TC really works well. The awning limits where you can park the TC. The tents can be in front, behind, either side or away from the TC. Very difficult to keep the bugs out with an awning, and not many awnings block the wind other than the TC side. Even blocking the wind on the TC side, the wind blows under the truck into where you have your chairs and such.

The awnings are easier to store and setup, but I do not think as versatile as the tent canopies.

Wayne

[Gripnriprod]

We really like our rear awning. We deploy it virtually every time we camp in Alaska as afternoon showers are common. This really helps keep from tracking mud in and gives me a place to get out of my waders, stay dry and hang wet stuff. While it doesn't cover a large area, it is still effective in providing a dry area adjacent to the camper rear entry.

[fatmanobx]

I like having the one on the back of my tc..I can leave the door open when it's raining and it doesn't seem so closed in when having to stay in for a while. It's nice to have a nice dry area to keep things under..jmho...