Learn how to harness the power of your RV awning to beat the heat, protect your RV, and indulge in ultimate relaxation.
RV awnings are not some new, revolutionary accessory. Folks have been using them to provide much-needed shade and weather protection on their rigs for years. What is new, however, are the clever ways in which campers are using these awnings to create unique spaces that stand out at the campground.
RV awnings have come a long way, as have their accessories. Whether you’re looking to maximize practicality or fun, these conversion ideas are sure to get your creative wheels turning.
Utility Room or Lean-To
When it comes to camping, no matter how big your RV is, you can always use more storage space. Why not press your awning into service?
In addition to offering covered protection from the elements, RV awnings can be equipped with custom-fit screens or side panels that roll up or down in seconds to create a temporary lean-to structure or, better yet, an entire four-walled extra “room”. In minutes, you gain additional shade, a welcome respite from bugs, some effective wind-blocking, and a little extra privacy from nosy campground neighbors.
If you’re rocking a permanent campsite, where your RV stays parked year-round, you can set up outdoor cabinets, shelving, and patio storage to really make the most of the extra space. But even on shorter stays, throw down an area rug or some outdoor mats and you have the perfect little mudroom for campground adventures.
Converting your RV awning into an entryway or utility room can practically double your usable space – and cut down on dirt being tracked into the camper. Check out brands like Carefree RV, Lippert, and Dometic for awning accessories that will perfectly fit your camper.
Outdoor Living Room
Sure, you can set up a small side table and some folding chairs under an RV awning for a cute little spot to unwind. But why not get really creative and turn that space into one worthy of resort-level R&R?
RV awning enclosures allow you to really make the most of that outdoor space, with a one-piece design that simply attaches to your existing roll-up awning – no drilling necessary. Made of the same material used for camping tents, they can stand up to bad weather, which is great for rainy days when the camper starts feeling really crowded. (Plus, they set up fast and pack down small when it’s time to leave.)
To transform the space beyond a mere patio, throw down a funky, weatherproof rug – or get really serious and install some decking for a more permanent base. Add some outdoor bookshelves and side tables to hold favorite accessories like games, Bluetooth speakers, and barware. Situate it all around some swanky patio seating or even just some cushy camp chairs, and you’ll find the living room-like ambiance upping the ante on your outdoor comfort in no time.
Don’t forget the décor! Everyone loves a good twinkle light, but there are also string lanterns, rope lights, and even whimsically-shaped party lights to choose from. Check out Camco for a long list of funny options, like tiny light-up pineapples or chili peppers. And if convenience is more your thing, look at Jasco; their premium café LED lights come with a remote control and selectable color modes. Simply put: find something that reflects your camping persona, and let it shine (literally).
Another clever idea is to invest in a temporary screen that you can quickly set up to project movies onto for a fun family movie night. These screens can be freestanding or hung on the wall of your RV under your awning. Go as large or as small as you want to suit your needs and space availability.
Grill Master Kitchen
One of the best parts of camping in an RV is being able to spend as much time enjoying the great outdoors as possible. One of the least fun parts of camping in an RV is the minimal kitchen and food-prep space when it comes time to make a meal.
Using your RV awning as the basis for an outdoor kitchen is an excellent way to solve this problem. Start with a weatherproof and water-resistant patio mat or some outdoor interlocking patio tiles to create a stable and level area for your kitchen. Then, add in that quintessential of all camping accessories: the grill.
Whether you are a loyal gas grill lover or a die-hard charcoal user, there are some pretty sweet grill setups that will blow your indoor RV stove out of the water. Choose from some well-appointed tabletop models or freestanding full-on barbecue grills. And, don’t forget about all the fun BBQ accessories! Camp Chef, Coleman, Magma, and Mr. Bar-B-Que can help you outfit an unforgettable setup.
Create the ultimate prep station by configuring waterproof and rust-resistant tables, shelves, and cabinets that mimic your ideal indoor kitchen setup. Want a temporary sink for washing dishes and vegetables or a stainless-steel counter? There are so many different styles and sizes of outdoor camp kitchen systems on the market right now, you can create almost anything your heart desires.
House everything in a durable 3-sided awning enclosure or use side shades to block out some sun and create a cooler workspace. Just be sure to add in enough outdoor lighting options so that you can see your food and cook with confidence.
Al Fresco Dining
If you’re not much for cooking, or you just prefer to make the most of your onboard kitchen, then consider turning that awning space into an outdoor dining room. Again, RV sun shades, screens, and awning enclosures can help minimize the heat, bugs, and wind while also providing a little privacy. But even without them, you can create a really enjoyable dining experience just outside your camper door. Simply string up some party lights, lay down an outdoor rug, and place some chairs around a welcoming table.
Worried about how you’ll store extra plateware and utensils? Check out brands like Camco and Camp Casual, who design durable and attractive dinnerware that can just as easily be used to prep food or store leftovers. And remember, cutting boards make excellent rustic-looking platters, metal pots double as warming bowls, and a self-serve cooler full of cold drinks is not only carefree and fun, but also downright practical.
Think outside the box (or well, the RV awning) and you might just be amazed what you come up with!