When you set out to enjoy some camping in your RV and if you wish to add an awning, then this is one change that can take your camping experience to a whole new level.
An RV awning practically prevents the scorching sun and the rainy weather from hindering every one of your outdoor activities. But that is not to say that you can simply rush to the nearest shop and buy one without knowing how much an awning will cost you.
So, how much is an awning for an RV? Given that these came with very broad price ranges, the cost of an RV awning will typically run somewhere between $250 to $3000.
When selecting your RV awning, it’s about more than just how deep your pockets are. Regardless of how much it will cost, factor in how you intend to use it. Read on to learn more about the RV awning price.
Understanding The Cost: How Much Is An Awning For An RV?
When you want to know how much is a new awning for an RV, we must say that the cost of an RV awning would vary depending on its characteristics, including size, type, and brand. Let us talk briefly about the price range of the primary types:
Manual Awnings’
Manual awnings come at $200-$500. Although this type is the most affordable, you are to manage it with your hands. Thus, handling it gets quite difficult in extreme weather conditions.
Custom Awnings
The cost of custom awnings would depend on your preferences and customization ideas. They can range from $600-$1500. Again, the cost might exceed the range based on the size, aesthetics, added functions, and design you opt for.
Electric Awnings
Basic electric awnings come at $800-$1500. These offer automatic retraction and extension with a single button. But getting a good electric RV awning would cost you around $800-$3500 or more.
However, going for the mid-range power awnings that cost $1,500-$2,500 is the best option. They offer multiple smart functions like weather sensors, remote controls, LED lights, etc.
High-end ones come at $2500-$4000. They come with durability, smartphone connection access, enhanced protection against weather, portability, and reliability.
Retractable Awnings
This one is highly customizable. Thus, it’s very popular among individuals. It reduces carbon footprint as well by resisting 90% sun heat. However, it’ll cost you around $2000.
How Much Is A New Awning For An RV: 5 Price Factors
When it comes to asking for an RV awning, it is important to point out the factors that influence the price. The costs for these awnings can be quite different for several reasons.
-
Size
The size of the RV awning is also one of the most determinant factors in terms of price. Large awnings use more components and labor to design and build, which will automatically drive up the price.
In addition, large awnings might have to use extra mechanisms to balance the weight of the awning and its curtain and ensure efficient use of it. When selecting the size, it is wise to focus on your specific requirements and the area you want to cover.
-
Quality
An RV awning must be exorbitantly priced since using any material of an awning can considerably enhance its price. But other more durable materials such as American-made acrylic or even vinyl are very costly; however, they are more resistant to the elements, drying out and general use over time.
These materials are made to handle the rigors of outdoor elements and, therefore, are good for long-lasting use.
Why use cheap materials if one is able to save money on part of the cost? This is because such materials will require repairs all too often as they will wear out.
-
Type Of Mechanism
RV awnings can be erected in two ways: by hand or by using a powered mechanism. This selection is also an important determinant of the cost.
In most cases, manual awnings will be less costly and also require minimal maintenance, albeit they may prove too inconvenient to use.
Motorized awnings, on the other hand, come with the added ease of control, although the purchase costs are higher. They, however, justify such a price due to the added comfort that such a system offers.
Nowadays, many smarter functions, including weather sensors, motorized functions, and different angles, are available for awnings. But all these are quite upscale compared to basic power RV awning prices.
-
Installation Costs
The cost of the installation may vary if you want to do the installation yourself or if you require assistance from an expert. Installation Manually can reduce the overall cost, but on the contrary, it takes a long time and requires tools and a certain level of skill.
If you are unable to manage this on your own, the cost of getting an expert will add to the total expenses. The other consideration is that most professional services come with services or protection for the work provided.
Moreover, extra components, such as LED lighting, weather sensors, or internal and external support, can increase the cost of a retractable RV awning. All these features improve the operation of the awning and also the comfort of the user while using the awning outdoors.
For example, it’s possible to have automated awnings that have weather sensors, which come in very handy when it is too windy and retract the awnings inward to avoid destruction.
These features indeed upgrade the overall cost which is associated with these items, but instead of looking at only the initial cost, these can offer added comfort and protection, hence they need consideration.
Understanding The Different Types Of RV Awnings
With the diverse range of options available in the market today, it gets very bewildering to choose the right RV awning. Well, chill out! We are about to initiate well-described comparisons between the primary doubts regarding RV awnings.
Manual vs. Automatic Awnings
We often make a common assumption that electric awnings are better than manuals since they come with modern functions. But the real answer lies in your particular lifestyle.
For instance, if your area doesn’t have adequate electricity, how would you recharge or access power to the automatic awning? In this case, a manual awning will turn out to be your savior.
Yet, we would like to present a comprehensive comparison table for you:
| Comparison Factors | Manual Awning | Automatic Awning |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Full-size, slide-out ones available | Full-size, slide-out ones available |
| Installation | Quite complex to install, you need to be super cautious during the process | One-time easy installation |
| Cost | Affordable, around $200-$500 | Quite expensive, around $600-$1500 |
| Additional Cost | No electricity charge required | Electricity bills for 12V power access, costly replacement parts |
| Reliability | Higher | Comparatively lower |
| Ease of use | Hard to handle due to manual setup, extension, and retraction | Minimal physical effort, just one-button operations |
Material Considerations Of RV Awning
While picking a particular material, keep the area where you live in mind and select accordingly.
Acrylic
If your area is hot and sunny, consider getting an acrylic awning for extreme UV protection. Although it’s prone to pilling, its low absorbency works like magic for tolerating torrential rain.
Vinyl
Vinyl would be good for an area with frequent rains as well, with its excellent water resistance and durability. It has multiple layers of fabric to resist water.
It’s flame retardant as well. However, if not dried properly before the storage approach, there remains a chance of mold and mildew.
Olefin
This is a pocket-friendly option with a longer lifespan. It can tolerate years of extreme sun heat, snow, rain, and even sudden temperature changes.
It does so without getting dingy and fading. Also, the aesthetic appearance of this material is really great. However, washing this material is quite a problem; make sure to dry it with minimum or no heat at all.
Polyester
It is a durable fabric. The specialty of this one would be its added strength and protection. Plus, it’s portable, lightweight, and very easy to manage. However, polyester is only some people’s favorite since it’s not entirely eco-friendly.
Cotton Canvas
The primary advantages of this material are mold and mildew resistance. But it’s more likely to degrade over time, and it’s not that durable.
To sum it up, according to experts, Acrylic awning fabric serves the best. It certainly strikes a balance between all the good features.
Factors To Consider When Choosing An RV Awning
An RV awning does more for your RV than just protecting it from the sun. So, it’s crucial to keep standard criteria in mind while you single out an RV awning among the numerous brands in the market.
Size Of Your RV
Before you head out to get the awning, measure the area of your RV where you are going to install the awning. Make sure the awning you’re choosing fits your RV while covering it appropriately.
Awning Type
The type would depend on your budget. If you are on a strict budget, manual awnings are less expensive. But they’re quite difficult to handle and need to be operated with your hands.
Conversely, if the budget is fine, consider getting a power awning with your customized size and design. They’ll be more convenient, easy to handle, efficient, and durable.
Climate Considerations
Don’t pick any awnings by relying only on high ratings; consider your requirements. Climate should be your primary concern.
Get an awning with good UV protection to protect you and your surroundings from sun heat. But if you live in a cold area, consider getting a winter-friendly awning that can withstand snow and heavy winds.
These considerations are quite crucial if you want the awning to last longer.
Brand
Before visiting a nearby shop, research trendy brands and look deeply into their ratings and feedback from customers. You can also take suggestions from an expert and decide accordingly. However, no matter what brand you choose, it must come with a reliable warranty.
Ease Of Functionality
Before selecting the awning, check if it functions appropriately or not. It must be easy to extend and retract. Without a tight budget, you can even go for button ones that operate automatically.
Lifespan
Depending on the brand and quality, your awning should last for 5-15 years. So, pick an awning with high-quality fabric, a sturdy frame, and mold and mildew resistance.
Color And Design
Choose the color according to your RV’s color, and make sure they complement each other. But don’t compromise with functionality to get a specific color or design. Other than that, getting an aesthetic awning will enhance the outlook of your RV.
Are RV Awnings Worth It?
An RV awning would be very convenient for someone who travels a lot. They offer a shaded or sheltered outdoor area wherein users can rest, eat, or even work.
Picture this – a sunny day, and you want to enjoy an ice-cold lemonade, but it can get a little too hot if you don’t have an awning over you. This one satisfaction makes the awning a worthwhile feature in an RV.
But such awnings do much more than afford comfort. In essence, they keep you sheltered and dry even forty above melting temperatures. Be it a shade from the scorching heat or a cover from a surprise rainstorm, an awning comes in handy. One can breathe in the fresh air without the fear of rain or heat. It’s like adding an extra floor, and it is particularly good for its usage.
An RV awning is an extra utility when one is out driving. It provides warmth, protection, and comfort, as well as providing cooling.
When you are taking a drink, enjoying the outdoors, or just simply indoors, when the news is turned on, or even cooling your RV, an awning is cheap and quite beneficial. However, to keep it good for a long time, you need to prioritize to clean an RV awning frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to put an awning on an RV?
The price of an RV awning ranges from $500 to $2,000 on average. This certainly improves your enjoyment of camping; however, it can be expensive. In order to cut down on this cost, you may want to choose to learn how to put it up yourself.
What does an RV awning do?
RV awning is very important as it helps to provide shade and a source of protection from the sun as one is sitting outside. Though it is designed to withstand light rain and wind, it is good to roll away the awning in bad weather to avoid too much water or strong winds damaging it.
Are RV awnings waterproof?
Yes, RV awnings are generally waterproof, especially vinyl ones, which are ideal for rainy conditions. However, to prevent mildew, it’s essential to clean your awning after every trip and deep clean it once or twice a year.
Can you leave RV awning out in rain?
An RV awning can handle light rain but not heavy downpours. Battling rainfall overload can cause excess rain to gather on the awning, which can cause sagging and extend other forms of damage. In order to tackle this, it is more advisable to retract these awnings during torrential downpours in order to eliminate the chances of water building up on the structure’s awning.
Bottom Line
Now that you know how much is an awning for an RV, you also know that purchasing an RV awning is worth it as it comes with a lot of advantages that make life on the road easier.
Apart from the simple provision of a weather-sheltered outdoor space, an awning also provides energy savings by decreasing the load of air conditioning and increasing the worth of the RV.
So, consider everything and get your RV awning for the best time out there!
