My little brother suggests replacing the awnings on the curb side with a full size extendable one. Other than liking the "eyelid" type and wanting to keep it original I am trying to find a reasonabe answer that I can blame on someone else. Failing that I will just say "because". Any suggestions?
Thanks
Tom

Pro's of the big patio style awnings. They provide a lot of shade and you can still be out side in some rain storms. Con's, They are about a 10-12 step process to put up or down. If not the automatic type ($$$$$) and a gust of wind come up they can do a lot of damage ($$$$$) very quickly.

If the wind comes up they are a lot harder to take down. I talked to a rv park owner one time about them and he said that about 95% of the injuries in the park were because of the awning. Broken fingers, hands, head injuries etc. The other 5% were usually falls. I got rid of the patio awning on our bus and don't miss it a bit. Improved my vision in the right side mirror as a result. If it is hot out we just move from on side of the bus to the other as it gets shady if we want to be outside. So go ahead and blame it on me! And if you decide to get one anyway what kind is the window awning that you have now? and how long? I may be interested in buying it.

You are a man after my own heart! I have the ones on my picture - black and silver stripes over each window set. The are encased in an aluminum rollup shield and they shade the windows perfectly. When I am parked and want to spend more time outside I use an Ez Up tent (10x 10) and set up the barbeque. Just as many people comment about the awnings as they do the Barth.
Tom

I'm totally on the other side of the road on this. Our 18' A&E awning sets up in under a minute, and I can't imagine being anywhere without it. It provides shade, rain protection, keeps the area outside the door clean and dry, and the screen room gives us a whole extra living area. [That takes about 5 minutes to set up]. Furling the awning back up takes maybe 20 seconds in a hurry, and I roll it up at the first sign of wind, although it has gone through some pretty strong gusts with no damage. Just my opinion.

I read somewhere that damages to, and from, awnings made up the majority of insurance claims on rv's.

With that said, each to his/her own preference. What works best for one is not necessarily the best for someone else.

I've had coaches with and without. In summary I will not have them without again. This means window awnings, plus a patio awning.

I saw one coach equiped with both window and patio awning on the curb side. Could use either one.

As a legal side note to those with 102" coaches. With the awnings you are illegal in all states except Missouri and Wyoming. Only mirrors can extend beyound the 102" limit. That being said I know of no known occurances of anyone being ticketed for this.

Thanks to all - I had not considered it would extend over the door because I have a front door and there is little clearance. On my old SOB the door did not extend as high and they had a little roller wheel set that pushed the awning up so it would not rip. On the Regency there is about 6 inches between the top of the door and the curve between the roof and side. I was only considering the area behind the door to about the back of the wheel well. If I had a mid door I would agree with Danny.
Tom

I'm with Danny. A coach without an awning seems incomplete. We even put an over the door OVD awning on ours and that has been a blessing in keeping the steps dry and me dry when unlocking. Our OVD awning has a wind sensor that will retract it in high winds. These can be had for the high end full side electric awnings too.

Awnings let you have a picnic when the weather is iffy, keep you from frying in the sun, birds don't poop on you unless extremely talented, leaves don't accumulate in your porridge pot, no pine needles in your beer. Awnings add space, color and texture to your camping experience.

Awnings don't last forever, they are sacrificial. They give up their life for your added pleasure. Honor thy awning, it is like your faithful hound and will gladly give it's meager life for so little. Give an awning a hug, it loves you very much!!

OMG ! No Awning???

We love our full awning. Either of us can erect it or roll it up single-handedly. In high winds, we have a technique that is better than the usual. Pictures or description on request.

In addition, we have a full front shade curtain that slides into the groove in the roller. It is the 90% shade cloth, so it really breaks the wind, as well. We also have one fitted side curtain that can be used on either side of the extended awning. Again, great for wind or shade.

Being desert campers, we use the curtains more for wind than shade,since we don't sit much until campfire time.

We might put a like a full awning on the driver's side, as well, since the sun and wind seem to move around a lot, and our solar panels like to be pointed a certain way.

quote:

We love our full awning. Either of us can erect it or roll it up single-handedly. In high winds, we have a technique that is better than the usual. Pictures or description on request.

I'll bite, love to see your wind defeater.

When we attended the DC gathering, we parked next to a newer rig that had a large electric main awning. When the wind blew too hard, it dumped the air out by folding like an accordion. This was all mechanical and automatic.

For me, I would never own an RV without a full awning. My coach came without an awning and I added one.

The setup and removal time is minimal. I can do either in under 2 minutes by myself.

With a full awning I can hang out under it in the high heat or the drizzle of a passing shower. My awning has been out in severe rain and high winds too.

Chairs and tables stay drier with a full awning. It is also cooler inside of your coach too.

The trick is to understand the way an awning works for you to feel comfortable setting it up. Too many times I see rookies unwinding an awning and not locking in the bars before hoisting it up. This will guarantee you have damage in higher winds.

I took mine off of the bus and sold it for $300. As far as i am concerned it was one of the best things i have done. We have window awnings and like those just fine.

There is some irony to your screen name and the fact that you reduced your shadow by 30%. What's up with that Shadow Man?