6 Best Large RV Awnings For Extended Living That Full-Timers Swear By
Full-timers rely on large, durable awnings to expand their living space. We review 6 top models trusted for long-term comfort and reliability.
You’re parked in the perfect spot, the desert sunset is painting the sky, and you’ve just set up your camp chairs. Then, the relentless sun or a surprise drizzle forces you back inside your rig. A quality RV awning isn’t just a piece of fabric on a roller; for a full-timer, it’s the roof of your outdoor living room, your workshop, and your front porch. Choosing the right one is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for long-term comfort on the road.
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Key Factors for Full-Time RV Awning Selection
When you live in your RV, an awning is more than a weekend luxury—it’s a structural extension of your home. Your primary concern should be durability against the elements, especially sun and wind. Full-timers can’t always pack up and leave when the weather turns, so features like heavy-duty vinyl or acrylic fabric, robust arm construction, and reliable wind sensors are non-negotiable.
Think about your daily use. A powered awning offers incredible convenience, deploying with the push of a button. But what happens when a motor fails in a remote location? A manual override or a simpler, robust manual crank system might offer better peace of mind for off-grid adventurers. There’s a constant tradeoff between high-tech convenience and field-tested reliability.
Finally, consider how the awning integrates with your RV and lifestyle. Wall-mounted awnings are common, but if you have a slide-out in the way or a curved wall profile like an Airstream, a roof-mounted model might be your only option. Also, think about expandability. Do you want the future option of adding a screen room or sun blocker? Not all awnings are created equal in their ability to support these crucial add-ons.
Dometic 9100 Power Awning: A Reliable Classic
The Dometic 9100 is the workhorse of the RV world for a reason. You’ll find it on countless rigs straight from the factory, and its simple, rugged design has been proven over millions of miles. It uses a traditional vertical arm design that is straightforward to operate, service, and find parts for—a massive advantage when you’re in the middle of nowhere and need a fix.
This isn’t the fanciest awning on the market. Its wind tolerance is decent but not exceptional, and it lacks the high-tech features of newer models. But its strength lies in its predictability. The heavy-duty vinyl fabric holds up well to UV exposure, and the electric motor is a time-tested component. For the full-timer who values reliability and easy maintenance over the latest bells and whistles, the 9100 is a rock-solid choice that won’t let you down.
Carefree Apex Awning: Wind-Resistant Design
Wind is the number one enemy of any RV awning. The Carefree Apex directly addresses this threat with a unique lateral arm, truss-style support system. Unlike traditional awnings with vertical arms that attach to the side of the RV, the Apex’s arms are self-supporting, which provides superior stability in windy conditions without needing vertical support legs.
This design has two major benefits for full-timers. First, it offers a clean, unobstructed patio space, as there are no vertical arms to walk around. Second, and more importantly, it’s designed to handle wind gusts that would shred a lesser awning. While you should still retract it in heavy weather, the Apex provides a much wider margin of safety. The tradeoff is a higher price point and a more complex mechanism, but for those who spend time in windy locales like the desert or coast, that’s a price worth paying for peace of mind.
Solera Smart Arm Awning: High-Tech Convenience
Lippert’s Solera Smart Arm awning is for the RVer who embraces technology to simplify life on the road. Its standout feature is the integrated control panel right on the awning arm, which allows you to extend, retract, and control the LED lighting without going inside the rig. It even includes a one-touch safety lock that prevents it from accidentally extending while you’re driving.
The "smart" aspect goes further with optional Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to control everything from your phone. Some models even have speakers built into the awning heads. The convenience is undeniable, especially for quick stops or setting up in the dark. The downside, of course, is that more electronics mean more potential points of failure. If a control board fries, you could be stuck until you can get a replacement, making it a choice that balances cutting-edge features with potential repair complexity.
Girard Vision Awning: The Premium Cassette Choice
When you see a high-end Class A motorhome with an awning that seems to disappear into the roofline, you’re likely looking at a Girard. These are premium, cassette-style awnings where the entire fabric roller and arm assembly retracts into a sleek metal case. This provides total protection from UV rays, dirt, and weather when closed, dramatically extending the life of the fabric.
Girard awnings are engineered for performance, featuring lateral arms and highly sensitive wind sensors that automatically retract the awning in dangerous conditions. They offer massive coverage and a completely open patio space, creating a truly luxurious outdoor environment. This level of engineering and protection comes at a significant cost, placing it firmly in the premium category. For the full-timer with a high-end rig who demands the best in durability, aesthetics, and automated protection, the Girard is the top-tier choice.
Fiamma F80s Awning: Versatile Roof-Mount Option
Not every RV has a long, flat, unobstructed wall for a traditional awning. This is where the Fiamma F80s shines. As a roof-mounted cassette awning, it’s the go-to solution for camper vans, truck campers, and RVs with slide-outs or irregular wall shapes. Its lightweight but strong aluminum case and compact design make it ideal for smaller rigs where every pound and inch matters.
Fiamma is known for its quality Italian engineering and offers a wide range of sizes and adapter kits to fit almost any vehicle. While many models are manual crank—a feature many full-timers prefer for its bulletproof reliability—motorized versions are also available. The F80s proves that you don’t need a massive fifth wheel to create a comfortable and spacious outdoor living area. It’s a versatile problem-solver for a huge segment of the nomadic community.
Solera Family Room: Maximize Your Outdoor Space
This isn’t an awning itself, but it’s an accessory so transformative for full-timers that it deserves a spot on this list. The Solera Family Room is an add-on that attaches to most 12V power or manual awnings, converting your covered patio into a fully enclosed screen room. For anyone staying in one spot for more than a few days, this is a complete game-changer.
The lightweight panels create a bug-free zone, provide extra privacy, and offer significant protection from wind and rain. In essence, you are doubling your usable living space. Imagine having a separate area for dining, working, or just relaxing without being swarmed by mosquitoes. It’s one of the single best investments a full-timer can make to combat the feeling of being cooped up and truly maximize their mobile footprint.
Awning Care for Long-Term Durability on the Road
Your awning is a significant investment, and its lifespan depends entirely on how you treat it. The number one rule of awning ownership is simple: when in doubt, retract it. Wind sensors are a great safety net, but they are not foolproof. If you’re leaving your rig for the day and the forecast looks even slightly questionable, bring the awning in.
Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent mildew, which can permanently stain and weaken the fabric. Use a dedicated RV awning cleaner and a soft brush, and never, ever roll up an awning when it’s wet. Allow it to dry completely. Periodically, inspect all the hardware—check for loose bolts on the mounting brackets, listen for squeaking in the arms that may need silicone lubricant, and ensure the fabric is securely attached to the roller tube. A few minutes of preventative maintenance can save you from a catastrophic failure on the road.
Ultimately, the best awning is the one that fits your travel style, your rig, and your tolerance for risk versus convenience. Whether you choose a simple manual crank or a fully automated smart awning, view it as an essential piece of your home on wheels. It’s the component that turns a simple parking spot into a comfortable and functional living space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is considered a large RV awning size for full-time living?
Large RV awnings for extended living typically measure between 18 and 25 feet in length and extend outward approximately 8 feet from the RV sidewall. This span provides roughly 140 to 200 square feet of covered exterior living space. Full-time campers prefer models 18 feet and longer on fifth wheels and Class A rigs because they provide enough clearance for patio furniture, outdoor cooking gear, and dry exterior storage.
What does an RV awning wind sensor do on an electric awning?
Wind sensors on an electric RV awning detect excessive shaking or motion and automatically retract the canopy to prevent structural frame damage. Most built-in accelerometers trigger retraction when sustained wind gusts hit 18 to 25 miles per hour. Although these sensors protect against sudden rogue gusts, RVers should still retract motorized awnings manually before heavy storms arrive.
How do I measure an RV awning to get the right replacement fabric size?
Measuring an RV awning correctly requires taking the center-of-arm to center-of-arm distance across the roller tube using a rigid tape measure. Never measure the fabric itself when ordering a replacement canopy, because standard fabric is intentionally manufactured 9 to 10 inches narrower than the hardware measurement. For example, a 20-foot awning measurement will use fabric cut to roughly 19 feet 2 inches wide.
How do you secure a large RV awning in high winds during extended stays?
Securing a large RV awning during extended stays requires heavy-duty ratchet straps, ground spiral stakes, and fabric deflapper clamps on each arm. Angle spiral steel stakes into firm soil at 45 degrees, hook ratchet straps over the roller tube corners, and tighten until snug without bending the arms. Clamping deflappers to the fabric prevents edge tearing caused by persistent breeze vibrations.
Which is better for full-time RV living: vinyl or acrylic awnings?
Acrylic RV awnings work best for hot, arid environments, whereas vinyl RV awnings are superior for wet, rainy climates prone to mildew. Breathable woven acrylic lets trapped heat escape upward, which keeps patio areas noticeably cooler under relentless desert sun. Vinyl is completely waterproof and cleans easily with soap and water, making it the top choice for extended stays in rainy forests.
How much does a large RV awning replacement cost on average?
Replacing a complete large RV awning typically costs between $1,200 and $3,500 for the hardware, fabric, and professional installation. Fabric-only replacements for an existing 18-to-21-foot frame cost roughly $200 to $600 for DIY kits. Manual spring-tensioned awnings sit at the lower end of pricing, whereas premium 12-volt motorized systems with metal weather guards and integrated lights approach $4,000 installed.
Why is my RV awning sagging on one side?
Uneven torsion spring tension, a bent roller tube, or mismatched pitch arm settings will cause an RV awning to sag on one side. Water pooling from a sudden downpour can also permanently stretch vinyl fabric in a single afternoon. Check the roller tube with a four-foot level to identify bows, inspect the fabric for even rolling, and verify arm pitch locks are set to matching notches.
Are RV awning tie-down straps safe to use in heavy windstorms?
Tie-down straps are not safe to use on an RV awning in severe windstorms with gusts exceeding 25 to 30 miles per hour. While straps add stability in gentle 15-mile-per-hour breezes, strong gale gusts generate hundreds of pounds of uplift on broad fabric canopies. That force can rip mounting brackets out of the RV sidewall or bend metal support arms. Always roll the awning in before high winds arrive.
