We know it’s rather challenging finding good awnings online… let alone RV ones! Last fitting we did on ours, we had to purchase and return quite a few (I know, lame). For that reason, we’ve prepared this article to help you find the best rv slide out awnings that you can buy online. 

As always, proper measurement and planning goes a long way. But hey, that’s your job, mine is just to help you find the slide topper that’s worth your money 😉

Enter the list!

COMPARISON CHART

IMAGE	PRODUCT
	1. Lippert RV Solera Awning 13.5′ Slider Black Great value for the money All necessary hardware included Shipping container is sturdy and easy to open Only standard power tools and hand tools needed for installation	LEARN MORE ►
	2. Lippert Components V000168106 Solera Black 8′ Slider Easy to install for most experienced DIY RV project hobbyists Spring tension pre-calibrated Extends nearly a foot beyond competing awning manufacturers Moving parts sealed in hardware for superior durability and protection	LEARN MORE ►
	3. Carefree UP1570025 SideOut Kover III White 157″ Can be fitted to virtually any RV slide out Multiple hardware and awning fabric color options for optimal thermal management and aesthetic coordination Easily integrates with existing patio and window awnings on your RV Full extensions to 42-inches	LEARN MORE ►

OUR TOP 5 PICKS

#1 Lippert RV Solera Awning 13.5′ Slider Black

Specifications

Features

• Excellent value to cost ratio
• Self-extending and retracting with integrated, fully enclosed spring mechanism
• Black-on-black Solera Awning fabric helps regulate the internal temperature of your slide out module
• Keeps debris and water clear of your slide topper mechanism and components
• Permanent installation for added stability and security
• Sealed moving hardware to prevent corrosion or debris damage

RV owners looking to protect their slide out against wind and weather when not on the go definitely want to invest in a good quality self-extending and retracting awning. What no one wants to do is overpay for an awning that doesn’t deliver the goods, or try to pinch pennies and get a sub-par quality awning. Fortunately, the Lippert RV Solera Awning V000168109 offers both quality and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for owners who want the most for their money.

• WHAT WE LIKE
• WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
• PROS/CONS OVERVIEW

Despite what it says in the product description online, everything you need to install this awning is in the box (or rather the tube) in which it ships to your home. Provided you can follow simple visual directions and operate basic power and hand tools, installing this yourself without professional experience or assistance should be fairly easy.

Long term quality in terms of wear and tear are also reported to be excellent, even after three years of use. The Solera awning material is a lot tougher than most standard awnings, and the black-on-black coating helps prevent the sun from heating up your slide out module even when you aren’t parked in the shade.

Moreover, the spring-loaded retractor functions flawlessly, and all you have to do is attach the extension end to the edge of your slide topper with the included bracket and screws. There’s no need to tune the spring or mess around with the tension to get the extending and retracting function just right.

Best of all, the awning fully protects your slide out from falling tree debris and keeps dust, dirt and grit from fouling the slide out mechanism from above.

You need to make sure you have sealant tape or other sealant material ready to use as part of installation. You need to drill holes and set screws in the skin of your RV to mount this awning, and if you don’t seal up those screws and brackets properly you will be dealing with water damage before you can say black mold and mildew.

It’s also advisable to fully inspect the awning before taking delivery if possible, as you should not accept an awning damaged in transit.

Some customers who are less familiar with following illustrated directions and using tools for hardware installations may also find installing this themselves may be a bit of a stretch if you’re not particularly handy at DIY jobs.

Pros

• Great value for the money
• All necessary hardware included
• Shipping container is sturdy and easy to open
• Only standard power tools and hand tools needed for installation
• Provides exceptional slide out protection

Cons

• Sealant tape or compound is not included
• Inexperienced DIY customers may find instructions difficult to follow
• Requires tapping and drilling into the skin of your RV

Video

#2 Lippert Components V000168106 Solera Black

Specifications

Features

• Easy DIY installation with all mounting hardware included
• Black-on-black awning fabric helps with internal temperature regulation
• Prevents water and debris from fouling your slide out rails and mechanical parts
• Self-extending and retracting (no electrical hookup required
• Pre-configured for 8-foot wide awnings with no need for retractor calibration
• Can be installed with simple power tools and hand tools.

Lippert Components Solera comes in several sizes, but the 8-foot model is perfect for smaller 5th-wheel and Class C RVs that have small slide topper for additional storage or living space while parked and connected to RV hookups. Not only are your slide topper safe from wear and tear, but it also extends the time between slide out maintenance cycles. In short, spend more time with the slide outs in place and less time fixing them.

• WHAT WE LIKE
• WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
• PROS/CONS OVERVIEW

It’s tough to get protection this reliable in such a well-designed, compact package. All moving parts are sealed against dust and debris, and the fabric used  in the awning itself is easy to clean and maintain. It’s rare for an RV owner to have to patch or replace a Solera awning, and thanks to their smart design and tough-as-nails material you shouldn’t have to worry about maintenance for a long time.

This model is only intended for use with small slideouts. If you drive a Class C or Class A this is probably not going to fit your slide out well at all, and most end up going to the 13-foot model or even larger depending on their needs.

Before purchasing, make sure that the width of the awning reaches 2-inches beyond the edge of your slide out on either side. Otherwise, your awning is going to do more harm than good trapping dirt and moisture underneath the awning and on top of your slide out.

Pros

• Easy to install for most experienced DIY RV project hobbyists
• Spring tension pre-calibrated
• Extends nearly a foot beyond competing awning manufacturers
• Moving parts sealed in hardware for superior durability and protection
• All hardware included

Cons

• Not a great fit for larger RVs and trailers
• Black on black can heat up your module if you aren’t parked in the shade
• No sealant included and you have to drill into the skin of your RV to install this permanent awning properly.

#3 Carefree UP1570025 SideOut Kover III White 157″

Specifications

Features

• Can be fitted to virtually any RV slide out awning
• Multiple hardware and awning fabric color options for optimal thermal management and aesthetic coordination
• Easily integrates with existing patio and window awnings on your RV
• Full extensions to 42-inches
• All hardware and roller tube constructed of high-quality extruded aluminum
• Hardware can be color coordinated with awning fabric with black or white color options

Not every RV owner is all that choosy about color coordination or integrated design when it comes to RV accessories. In general, so long as it works it is good enough.

Carefree is designed to offer both premium functionality and more aesthetically coordinated designs. They might command a higher price than many similar slide out awnings, but for those who value customization and coordination, Carefree is the natural first choice.

• WHAT WE LIKE
• WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
• PROS/CONS OVERVIEW

I like having options when it comes to RV accessories. In so many cases, you have to take whatever limited color and hardware designs are offered by the manufacturer. In the case of Carefree, customization and options are never a problem.

I love being able to select a specific awning color and both white or black mounting hardware so that my slide out awning looks like it was part of the original design rather than an aftermarket modification.

Furthermore, if you tend to significant time in hot weather climates, a black awning is going to draw serious heat, but a light colored reflective awning material is going to dissipate all that heat nicely.

Best of all, you can add an aluminum wind guard to the retractor box to prevent damage from flying debris, dirt, and grit that tends to blow around more in dry areas.

So let’s start with the bad news first: the price point. Carefree offers the best options out of any RV slide out manufacturer.

Unfortunately, that means you are going to pay for that higher quality and more flexible customization.

Additionally, the warranty isn’t all that great, and not having your carefree installed by a licensed professional authorized by Carefree can actually void your warranty. These are great awnings that add a great deal to the look of your RV while providing premium slide out protection.

Just don’t be surprised if you end up spending more than similar featured and designed models.

Pros

• Fully customizable awning color
• Easy-match black or white hardware
• Automatic extension and retraction
• High-quality materials
• Excellent reputation for quality and durability

Cons

• More costly than awnings with similar specifications
• A professional installation is recommended
• Limited manufacturer warranty doesn’t cover much at all

CONCLUSION

For my money, the Lippert RV 13.5-foot Solera Awning is the best buy. It fits nearly any slide topper you will find on a fifth wheel or Class C RV, it’s easy to install if you are familiar with power tools and hand tools, and it has an excellent reputation for durability and longevity. Definitely consider a Lippert RV Solera Awning to protect your RV slide out modules from the wind and weather. This slide out work well, they’re easy on the eyes, and their easy on the budget. Check one out for yourself. I guarantee you’ll love what you see.