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 | |
|---|---|---|
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1. Lippert RV Solera Awning 13.5' Slider Black
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2. Lippert Components V000168106 Solera Black 8' Slider
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3. Carefree UP1570025 SideOut Kover III White 157"
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Lippert RV Solera Awning 13.5' Slider Black
Specifications
13.5-feet wide |
Extends up to 50-inches |
Direct mount to slide out module and primary frame of your RV |
Available in multiple widths and extension lengths to fit any RV slide out awning |
Features
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 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.
Video
#2 Lippert Components V000168106 Solera Black
Specifications
8 foot wide slide out awning |
Durable black-on-black Solera material |
Extends up to 50-inches (nearly 8-inches more than the competition) |
Features
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 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.
#3 Carefree UP1570025 SideOut Kover III White 157"
Specifications
13-foot width |
Fabric and hardware available in a variety of colors |
Spring loaded mechanism |
Limited warranty |
Available aluminum cover/wind deflector to protect awning fabric |
Features
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 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.
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.