RV Awnings and Slidetoppers | California RV Specialists

THE FIVE TYPES OF RV AWNINGS

There are five types of awning available: patio, cassette, window, door and slide topper. Below we explain the features and purpose of each.

RV PATIO AWNING

A patio awning extends from the side of your vehicle to provide a shaded area and extend the vehicle’s living space. The use of a support arm means patio awnings have limited head space at the sides. The awning’s hardware and rolling tube remain visible which some people consider less attractive than the enclosed cassette design. The length can be adapted in 1 inch increments to exactly match the RV’s length – maximizing the shade available! Maximum length: 21 ft (motor) or 25 ft (crank).

RV CASSETTE AWNING

Like the patio awning, it provides extensive cover across the length of your vehicle. One key advantage is that the hardware of a cassette awning is hidden from view giving a neater appearance. Unlike the patio awning, there’s no support arm limiting headspace at the sides; support instead runs along the underside of the awning, almost forming part of the fabric itself. However, cassette awnings are less flexible when it comes to length: 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft, 14 ft, 15 ft and 16 ft set lengths for both motor and crank operated awnings.

RV WINDOW AWNING

The window awning covers individual windows or multiple windows which are located next to each other. They are ideal for warmer climates as the shading of the vehicle’s interior helps to cool the temperature; plus it allows windows to be left open in the rain.

RV DOOR AWNING

Primarily used for larger vehicles when a primary awning is not wide enough to cover the door or if there’s insufficient space above the door for mounting a wider awning. Useful for providing weather protection when exiting the vehicle or searching for keys to unlock the door!

RV SLIDE TOPPER

Does your vehicle have a slide-out room? A slide topper awning protects the roof of your extendable room from collecting leaves and other debris. Without a slide topper awning, when the room retracts inside your vehicle, so too will any debris! Use a slide topper and avoid creating a mess.