Any Thoughts on the Awning option?

[barrettjl]

Hi All,

We recently ordered our 2012 25FB Flying Cloud. At the time I did NOT get the Awning option. However, recently I read a few posts that make me think I should add it.

What do folks think about the awning option? Have and never use it? Use it all the time? Don't have it, wish you did?

Price (in the grand scheme of the overall cost) is not really a consideration.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

[c_lewis77]

I use my awning all the time!
I would imagine that having it addded after the fact would be a PITA and is another possible opportunity for scratches/damage to the aluminum (depending on the installers, of course)
I have found that the more awning the better in the South GA summer heat. My vote is to add the awning package!
Wow, a brand spankin new AS! Sounds exciting! You must post pics when you take delivery!

[Wayne&Sam]

The awning certainly helps keep the AS cooler, but we rarely use it. No matter when we extend it, it suddenly gets very windy and it has to be put away. We learned early with an old SOB not to leave it up over night to avoid having to jump out of bed and rush out to put it away in the middle of the night. We tend to be out doing things during the day so we don't want it up all day either. We might use it more if it was one of those electric models I've seen.

[MrUKToad]

We opted for the the awning package when we ordered new and are pleased that we did. The two additional awnings were most useful in the heat of the southern states last year and, as we encountered a lot of bad weather, we were pleased that they were very simple to retract, too. As to the cost, we thought it was worth it but that's obviously a personal issue.

Additional awnings deployed in Georgia last summer:

[sandlapper]

I would also say YES, get the awnings. All of them if you can. Makes a big difference on cooling, especially if you dry camp in sunny, hot locations. The main one extends the living area, keeps sun & rain off the "porch". Probably would help with resale value if / when that day comes. Most, but not all, folks really like them. John

[Landshark]

You'll be sorry if you DON'T get it. Really, it helps keep the sun off your trailer and thus keeps it cooler; also gives you a shady place to sit, set up your BBQ, etc. The only time we don't use it is if the wind gets too strong, alas too often in Idaho, but we have added awnings all the way around just for the sunbreak. In Texas you must surely need the sunbreak?

Congratulations and enjoy your new trailer!

Vivian

[leopattie]

And don't forget that awnings give you a place to hang some twinkle lights...

[Steve & Susan]

We drove the AS back to JC a year after we bought it ti have the rear and street-side awnings installed - and have never regretted it. The additional shade makes an amazing difference in keeping the interior cool in the noon-day sun. We also bought the sun-shade add-on to the main awning from Zip-Dee for when the sun dips below the awning and is still warm enough to heat the trailer and the patio area - easy install and easy use. Also, with all awnings deployed, the interior of the AS seems to be a bit more 'private' and enclosed.

Best of luck with YOUR new AS - be sure to post pictures of whatever configuration you decide on!

[WineStream]

We wouldn't be without our awnings. Our trailer had them when we bought it. The Argosy motor home that we bought last year had no awnings. But, we don't want to camp without them so we're dropping the money on zip-dees all-around before we start camping in the motor home this year.

[noreen&sal]

The street side helps the refrigerator run better. Sal.

[Skater]

It's not a camper without an awning.

That doesn't mean I use them all the time every trip, but I do put them out as much as I can.

[ROBERT CROSS]

IMHO....Two necessities.

See 'em?

Bob

[casa3805]

Awning and Hawk bait?

[dkottum]

Full awnings all around should be standard on Airstream. We use them all the time for the many practical reasons stated above. They also look really good on the Airstream.
The roadside and rear awning can take a lot more wind than the big curbside sail.

doug k

[perryg114]

When they put the awning rails on make sure they use sealer like the Tempro-635 and not gum tape. On mine the main awning rail is buck riveted in from the inside. The smaller awnings are pop or olympic riveted. Any non-bucked rivet is a potential leak and even buck rivets can leak in high stress areas like awnings. Make sure it is done right if you do it.

Perry

[fmr.capt.evi]

This is my first one with the awning package, and I'm so glad I sprung for it. As dkottum posted, they really should make it standard.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Just occurred to me....what do you think a complete package weighs?

Our Classic is a heavyweight right from the 'git go with a very limited CCC.
Any added options subtract from that spec.
If awnings were standard equipment they would have to fudge the numbers somewhere else.
That may not be something we would be comfortable with.

Bob

[fmr.capt.evi]

If memory serves, the order form for this one showed about 100 lbs.

[Aviator]

We have awnings all the way around and wouldn't have it any other way. They are great for keeping the temps down in the summer.

[desertair27]

A must have!
I'm thinking about installing ZipDee window awnings front and rear on top of the Patio awning and side window awnings I already have.