Compare the benefits and drawbacks of electric and manual retractable RV awnings to help you choose the best option for your RVing lifestyle.
Picture this: you're lounging outside your RV, putting those new camping chairs to good use, basking in the calm outdoors and just starting to wonder why you haven't quit your job and become a permanent nomad. Suddenly, nature throws a curveball. The wind kicks up, blowing dirt and leaves at you, while thunder rumbles ominously in the distance. Cue the frantic scramble for cover.
If this scene feels all too familiar, it's time to talk about the ultimate game-changer: RV awnings.
More than mere shade providers, these versatile accessories offer reliable shelter during unpredictable weather. But their value extends beyond protection, too. Adding an awning to your RV can virtually double your usable living space, making your cozy home-on-wheels feel practically palatial.
So, now that you’re onboard the RV awning train, how do you wade through all the options? From fabric to accessories, you have a lot of decisions to make – but first, you need to narrow down the method of operation: electric or manual.
Join us as we dive into the pros and cons of retractable awnings to help you make an informed choice.
Manual RV Awnings
Let’s start off with the original shade-providers, manual RV awnings. These trusty old-school accessories are almost as reliable as Old Faithful, hence the reason they’ve been around for so long.
Pros of Manual RV Awnings:
- Cost-Effective: One of the biggest advantages of manual awnings is their affordability. With cheaper upfront costs compared to their electric counterparts, they remain an ever-popular choice for budget-conscious campers.
- Reliability and Longevity: Thanks to fewer moving parts, there's less chance of mechanical failure with manual RV awnings. This means you can count on them to provide shade and shelter trip after trip.
- Control: With a manual awning, you have full control over the extension and retraction process, allowing you to adjust the angle and height to suit your specific needs.
- No Power Dependency: Manual awnings are powered by good old-fashioned elbow grease. This means you can set up a comfortable camp, even in remote locations, without the need for electricity.
Cons of Manual RV Awnings:
- Labor-Intensive: Let's face it – cranking a manual awning can be a workout, especially if you're dealing with a large or heavy-duty model. This required physical effort can be cumbersome for some campers, particularly those with mobility issues.
- Time-Consuming: Setting up a manual awning takes time and patience. You need to manually extend and retract the awning, which can be a bit of a chore, especially if you're in a hurry or dealing with inclement weather.
- Limited Feature: Manual awnings typically don’t offer a ton of high-tech bells and whistles. You won't find fancy extras like built-in LED lights or wind sensors, which may be important considerations for some campers.
Electric RV Awnings
Now, let's shift gears and turn our attention to electric RV awnings. Sleek and sophisticated, these options are all about convenience, offering several hassle-free selling points.
Pros of Electric RV Awnings:
- Ease of Use: Practically every camper can agree that the most obvious advantage of electric retractable RV awnings is their ease of use. With just the push of a button, you can operate your awning effortlessly, saving time and energy during setup and teardown.
- Convenience: An electric RV awning is the epitome of convenience. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice explorer, you'll appreciate the simplicity and efficiency of automated operation, especially if you're tired or in a hurry.
- Integrated Features: Many electric RV awnings come equipped with a fun array of integrated features designed to enhance your camping experience. From built-in LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, and remote controls to wind sensors and automatic retraction mechanisms, these awnings offer a host of handy extras that can make life on the road a breeze.
- Smooth Operation: Electric RV awnings feature powerful motors and sophisticated mechanisms to ensure smooth and reliable operation. Say goodbye to sweating, straining, huffing, and puffing when setting up your RV awning. Electric RV awnings glide effortlessly into position, providing instant shade and shelter with minimal effort.
Cons of Electric RV Awnings:
- Higher Cost: When it comes to convenience, you have to pay to play. High-tech electric RV awnings are obviously more expensive upfront compared to manual awnings, which may put them out of reach for some budget-conscious campers. Keep in mind, the initial cash outlay also doesn’t include the cost for future maintenance
- Potential for Mechanical Issues: With more moving parts and complex systems, electric RV awnings are inherently more prone to mechanical issues compared to their manual counterparts. From motor malfunctions to electrical glitches, there's a greater risk for something to go wrong, which could leave you stranded without shade or shelter.
- Dependency on Power: Since electric-powered retractable RV awnings rely on a power source to operate, the need for access to electricity to use them is unavoidable. While this isn't usually a problem at established campgrounds with hookups, it can be a limiting factor when boondocking or camping off-grid.
Retractable RV Awning Options at Parts Via
Now that you have a good idea of what type of RV awning might suit you best, it’s time to shop!
You can find some reliable, durable, and budget-appropriate options right here on Parts Via from manufacturers like Carefree, Lippert, and Dometic. These brands not only make attractive manual or electric RV awnings, but also fun accessories, like LED lights, awning enclosures, replacement parts, and more.
RV awnings are also fast becoming popular accessories for overlanding and compact camping enthusiasts. No matter how rugged you want your camping experience to be, it’s tough not to appreciate a little shade and protection from the elements after a long day of exploring.
If that sounds like something you’re interested in, then check out companies like ARB, Thule, TrailFX, and Overland Vehicle Systems. They’re all jumping on the awning bandwagon in order to provide great accessories to smaller camping setups. There really is something for everyone!