Best Camper Van Awnings – 2024 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
What is the best awning for a camper van or RV?
The best camper van awnings are the Fiamma F65s, Thule HideAway, ARB 2500, and RoamBuilt Shadowrack. These awnings mount directly to the body or the rack system of the camper van and are meant to retract and remain attached to the vehicle when it is moving. Awnings provide shade from the sun and shelter from the rain. Some allow for the attachment of sidewalls or inset netting to give added privacy or shelter from the sun or insects.
If you are heading out on an adventure in a camper van, chances are, one of the main reasons you are doing so is to enjoy beautiful landscapes, meet interesting people, and spend quality time outdoors. Otherwise, hanging out alone inside a relatively small living space full-time isn’t much of an adventure.
One of the best ways to instantly increase your camper van’s livable area and get yourself outside breathing fresh air and mingling with other van lifers is to add an awning to your van.
An awning provides extra shade to lounge around in, but it can also be used as a huge umbrella and create a dry place to organize gear or cook in the rain.
When the sun dips down for the night, an awning is a great place to hang LED lights to set the evening ambiance or even bug netting to make sure you aren’t dinner while you are making dinner.
If you happen to have an unexpected friend stop by and don’t really want to share your master suite with them, an awning can make a great guest bedroom for the night. Be sure to attach that mosquito net too
There are a lot of cool and innovative awnings on the market this year, and we have really enjoyed researching all of them to build our buyer’s guide list.
We know your time is valuable, so thank you for taking a few minutes to stop by.
Now lets, get to that list!
Wall And Rack Mounted Awnings
Fiamma Awning
Fiamma is a well-established and very well-known brand for producing premium awnings for motorhomes, camper trailers, camper van conversions, and Overland vehicles. Fiamma makes awnings designed to install directly on the outer wall and models designed to mount on a roof rack.
The two wall-mount options are the F45s and the F45 Eagle and the companion roof-mount options are the F80s and the F65 Eagle. Fiamma awnings are perhaps the most popular choice for DIY van conversion projects and Sprinter Vans and a standard with premium camper van conversion companies in addition to traditional RV installations.
The primary difference between the F45s/F80s and the F45/65 Eagle is how the awning support is designed. We have recently noticed an engineering trend to move from traditional side supports for awnings to over-head “rafter style” support systems. This trend is evident in some of the “batwing” 270 degree rack-mounted systems used in Overlanding and 4×4 builds like the Overland Vehicle System Awning 270.
The F45s and F80s use traditional leg support attached to the side of the vehicle, while the “Eagle” models use the overhead support system. Both versions can be extended and retracted with a 12v motor. The motorized option is standard on the Eagle version but requires an upgrade on the “S” models.
Something else to note between the two models is that the Eagle models are recommended on motorhomes and larger camper vans while the S models can work on more vehicles.
Although we didn’t confirm this, our suspicion is that the lack of side supports on the Eagle models creates additional strain on the wall of your camper van. For this reason, it is best to make sure the sidewall you are mounting it to can handle the extra load.
Thule HideAway Awning
Thule is perhaps most well known for producing roof racks and recreational accessories. Still, they also make a pretty sweet camper van awning in the HideAway.
The HideAway is sleek stylish and will bump up the overall aesthetic of your camper van. What we really like about Thule is the engineering, and they brought that with them when it was time to design their awning.
Everything needed to attach the awning to your camper van is stored within the mounting system. It doesn’t require extra poles attached to the side of your vehicle (just the two at the far end of the awning). The absence of loose poles frees up valuable space for other uses.
Once installed, you can deploy the Thule simply by turning the telescopic handwheel. You pull the rest of the awning out and flip down the two aluminum support legs.
We all know that awnings hate the wind, and sometimes they aren’t interested in keeping 100% of the water out. This is not the case with HideAway.
Thule took the extra steps to make their awning 100% waterproof and added an additional support system to keep everything in place when the winds kick up.
Thule brings brand recognition to their awning offering, which is great if you love Thule. Brand recognition is also a higher price tag than other awnings in the same class.
We still think the extra attention to aesthetics, engineering simplicity, and performance likely make the price not all that much of a value stretch.
Rhino Rack Batwing Awning
Rhino Rack Batwing awning has some pretty fantastic coverage. 270 degrees of shade and 11 square meters total, to be exact. The Batwing name makes sense when you look at how it swoops around the rear corner of your camper van, like a bat spreading its wings before flight.
Because the shade uses the corner of the vehicle as a primary feature, you will need to decide Either the right side or left side when you buy. This decision is probably the easiest one you’ll have to make when it comes to your camper van because he will probably choose the side of your van that has the sliding door.
Another nice thing about the Rhino Rack Batwing is that it mounts directly to a roof rack, much like the Thule rack. This makes it extremely simple for you to install yourself because everything you’ll need is contained right inside the body of the awning.
Using lightweight but solid ripstop material that is both water and mold resistant, this awning provides maximum protection from the Sun, wind, rain, and snow. The awning also comes with a magnetic locking system, perimeter poles, and tie-downs to make sure the awning stays where it goes where it is supposed to.
Like the to Lee rack system, the Rhino-Rack Batwing is a little pricey, but given the extreme amount of shade it produces, we think the price is still well worth it.
ARB Retractable Awning
If you have a smaller camper van, the ARB Retractable Awning might be something worth taking a second look at. In addition to fitting well on smaller vehicles with lower roofs, one of the cool things this comes with this awning is a built-in, dimmable LED light strip. This is a great bonus feature that can add some extra light and Ambience to your evening.
With an ultra-convenient quick-release bracket, ARB Retractable Awning is probably one of the easiest to install and is compatible with any dual-cab roof rack.
Boasting 100% waterproof with UV protection overhead, the love doesn’t stop there. The awning also comes with easily attachable side panels. They are perfect additions when you need to block that extra bit of sun or require more privacy to your camp area.
Before you purchase, make sure you’re getting the right size, as this awning comes in multiple sizes.
OVS Nomadic Awning 270
One of the most noticeable features about the Overland Vehicle System Awning is its free-standing 270-degree awning supported by overhead aluminum rafters. No poles!
To deploy the awning, simply remove the cover and swing it around for a full 270 degrees of coverage. In addition to the roof covering, the awning has a full sweep of attachable side paneling to completely enclose the 270-degree area.
The OVS awning is made of poly-cotton ripstop material with sealed seams to ensure durability and is completely leakproof. With the side panels down, this is a sturdy shelter from harsh elements and can create an extensive living area when combined with the living space of your camper van.
It is immediately apparent this signing is very well-made and sturdy. A lot of time and Engineering have been put in to make it a fantastic product. If casual observation isn’t enough, OVS further backs up confidence with a 4-year warranty which is probably the best.
If you can spare the cash, his awning is definitely something you should have on your camper van bucket list.
MoonShade Portable Awning
The MoonShade is a portable awning that provides reliable day and night coverage for an outdoor living area that compliments the inside living space of your camper van.
It installs quickly and attaches to almost any solid structure with multiple anchoring systems included.
The MoonShade has a 9×7 coverage area that folds up tightly. The total weight is around 8 lbs, making sorting and storage super easy.
Rhino Rack Sunseeker
The Rhino Rack Sunseeker is reasonably straightforward to set up and take down with everything you need already included. It is a great way to boost your outdoor living comfort.
Unlike the more expensive options above, the Sunseeker will require a little more hands-on fiddling with stakes, ropes, dowels, and the mounting kit to attach the awning to your roof rack.
Just attach the Sunseeker awning to your roof rack and extend the awning 2.5m / 8.2ft to create a lovely decent size shade area.
Rhino includes a nice storage bag for the awning to help keep track of those pieces when the awning is not installed on your van.
Danchel Retractable Vehicle Awning
This retractable awning is perfect for camper vans or off-road vehicles. Designed well and easy to set up, the Danchell Retractable Awning offers a modest 10×8 feet coverage area. Connect the additional side panel, and you have a perfect little extension to your living area.
All-Top Vehicle Awning
Don’t let the minimalist profile for you. The All-Top Vehicle Awning is perfectly capable of keeping the sun and the elements away while at the same time providing a much-needed extension to your camper van living space.
When evening rolls around, switch on the integrated LED light system to add to your evening mood. All-Top provides universal mounts to make it super easy to do the installation on your camper van.
Two sizes are available, so be sure to check you are getting the right one when you purchase. Specifically, the awning comes in both 30 ft and 67 ft giving you two choices that complement either large or small vehicles.
Yescom Car Side Awning
If you are looking for something more on the budget side with many of the same features as other models like the Rhino Rack, Danchel, or All-Top, check out the Yescom Car Side Awning.
Although it is on the lower end of the price spectrum, it is still plenty sturdy to take that first step in expanding your camper van into an outdoor living space. With aluminum supports, stainless steel hardware, telescoping poles, and velcro straps, the Yescom has enough going to make the proper list of recommendations.
While the canopy does boast being water-resistant, it is assumed you may not stay 100% dry if you attempt to take shelter during a downpour. This shouldn’t be a concern if you plan to travel to relatively dry places.
Tailgate Awnings
Hasika Versatility Teardrop Awning
The Versatility Teardrop Awning is perfect for extending the outdoor living area from the back of your camper van. Combine it with one of the extendable side awnings, and you can really increase the versatility of your living environment.
Although the awning is better suited for smaller vans, it will work with mid-sized to larger vans. A telescoping step ladder might come in handy to reach the top when you set things up.
The versatile teardrop awning offers large shade areas that can be adjusted from 60 square feet to 76 square feet, depending on how you want to use it.
Thanks to the highly durable ripstop 210T polyester material, the versatile Water Drop awning is sturdy and water-resistant. In addition, there are also vents around the top of the canopy, ensuring some good airflow.
The installation of this valve awning is a quick and easy process. All you have to do is attach the awning to the rear of the van and, if desired, use steel stakes to support it for more coverage.
Fair warning, the instructions provided are not all that clear. The awning does come with all of the extras needed to anchor things down. This includes ropes, stakes, and sandbags.
Redcamp Waterproof Car Awning
This Redcamp awning “brings it” in a surprisingly satisfying budget-friendly way. It is perfect for just about any vehicle, including your camper van!
As a budget awning, it won’t match the quality of high-end alternatives. Still, it is large enough to cover a whole vehicle if needed to keep the sun off on a hot day.
Assuming it is set up correctly with all lines securely tightened, the awning should hold fast through light to moderate wind. Beyond that, don’t count on it because it is probably not sturdy enough for powerful gusts.
We think you will be as happy as your pocketbook with this one.
G4Free Car Awning
Napier Sportz Cove Awning
Slumberjack SJK Roadhouse Tarp
Camper Van Awning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The biggest benefit of a van awning is that it can easily double your living space by giving you a whole new room to enjoy. Awnings also encourage you to spend more time outside of the camper van enjoying the fresh air, friends, and amazing views.
There are 3 main types of awnings you can use with your camper van. They are pop-up awnings, canopy awnings, and drive-away awnings.
Pop-up awnings are meant to attach to your vehicle but are temporary and completely disassemble when you are ready to travel.
Canopy awnings are prominently attached to your vehicles and can be extended and retracted.
Drive-away awnings are free-standing structures and like pop-up awnings, are meant to be taken down and packed away when you are ready to start traveling again.
Depending on which awning you choose. Canopy awnings can be anywhere between 8 and 15 feet side or only a few feet wide for smaller pop-up awnings.
Most definitely, even some of the larger canopy awnings are easy to install. Most manufacturers provide good instructions and universal mount kits to help make the job easier. If you get stuck, you can always look for help on YouTube where a lot of installation videos exist.
To clean the fabric, carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. The following are typical recommendations, although the procedures may be different for some brands:
Periodically (as the need demands) loosen hardened dirt with a dry, soft brush.
Hose off dirt, both top and bottom.
Using a mixture of 1/4 cup of dish soap and 1/4 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of warm water, wash both the top and bottom sides of the fabric
Caution: The bleach must be diluted or it will damage the awning fabric.
Roll up the awning for anywhere between five minutes to two hours (depending upon the stubbornness of the dirt) to allow the cleaning solution time to work on both sides of the fabric.
1. Unroll the awning and rinse thoroughly.
2. Allow the fabric to air-dry completely before rolling it back up.
3. Caution: Never use a strong detergent or stain remover on the awning because it will destroy the fabric’s water repellency. Avoid the use of hard-bristle brushes, petroleum-based chemicals, and abrasive or caustic household cleaners on the awning fabric.
4. To remove stubborn mildew, wipe the affected areas with white vinegar, which will kill the mildew. Rinse the fabric with clear water. The fabric may require a second washing and rinsing after this cleaning procedure.
For the cost of the ARB, I’d say it is well worth it. The Fiamma is much more difficult to justify, based on the cost of units with comparable functions. Late and early in the day, when the sun is at low angles, the awning is much less effective, it is best for overhead sun, during the hot part of the day.
The fundamental difference between these two models is that F45 is suitable for installation on the wall of the vehicle while the F65 is on the roof of the vehicle.
From our experience of all things Thule, they’re really well designed and of very good quality. Their awnings are no exception.
We also bought the Thule Quickfit awning tent as we thought it looked smarter than the boxier Easylink tent. We’ve only used the Quickfit a couple of times; it’s relatively easy to put up and doesn’t take too long. From our experience of all things Thule, they’re really well made and of very good quality.
