Awning Package – How’s Your View?

[McStreamy_]

We’re seriously considering having the street side and rear awnings added to our 2015 Flying Cloud 25FB. We only have a single A/C and the Arizona sun can make our trailer pretty warm year-round. This is especially true in the summer! Adding the awnings after the initial build is more expensive - ~2300 plus tax and freight – and we want to make sure it’s the right move for us before pulling the trigger. If you have the awning package would you mind sharing a photo or two of what your view is from inside the trailer with the awnings out? I know the view will be reduced but I’m trying to get a feel for how much.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[DoubleR]

The rear and driver’s side awnings are much shorter awnings and don’t block the views out the windows that bad and are a big plus trying to keep the trailer and refrigerator cooler.

[BayouBiker]

^x2 looking straight out the windows there is no obstruction. With your head close to the window looking up there is of course. I have a photo on my phone looking straight out taken standing just below eye level maybe 5 feet from the window and you cannot see the awning. I was not able to figure out how to get it to my computer.

[Landrum]

Curious.....is $2,300 the cost direct from ZipDee or is that from a local dealer? We’ve been thinking about adding the rear and street side awnings to our 25FB as well.

[McStreamy_]

Landrum - we were quoted $1100 for the street side awning and $500 for the rear. The labor is the spendy bit as they say it's a six hour job. I'm shopping around other dealers for quotes as well to make sure I'm not getting taken for a ride.

[sparkymark]

I’ve wanted to do this for a long time also. Can’t seem to get any of the local dealers to give me a quote over the phone. They all want me to bring trailer in...

[BayouBiker]

It's not a particularly difficult install, consider doing it your self we can help guide you.

[Cyclist]

Ours came with the awning package and I'm glad it did. It really helps keeping the trailer cooler and, because they are much smaller than the main awning, they can be left out in stronger winds without damage. You can also leave a window under the awning cracked open in a rain.

[JonDNC]

Outs came with the package, really doesn’t impact the view and as the others have said helps keep the heat down. Much smaller than main and I don’t pull in unless really big storm is rolling through

[jaybauman]

Originally Posted by JonDNC

Outs came with the package, really doesn’t impact the view and as the others have said helps keep the heat down. Much smaller than main and I don’t pull in unless really big storm is rolling through

This is one of the greatest features of the side/rear awnings. Since there are not posts or struts or supporting hardware involved, these things are pretty robust in the wind. I would normally deploy them when we were setting up camp and not take them down until we break camp.

And, like everyone else has said, they don't really block any view--unless you're trying to look straight up at the sky!

[McStreamy_]

Thanks to everyone who has provided input! I'd still love a photo if someone has one handy, but it's good to know the impact on visibility is minimal.

[VT Wanderer]

We installed a driver side, and rear side awning to our 2014, 27ft. Flying Cloud after one year without it. There was a marked difference in temp.

[kdfulsome54]

We have the rear and street side awnings on our 28ft. No hindrances to the view and in the heat here in Arizona you can feel the difference immediately after opening those awnings. I am so glad I have them. They are also very easy to open and close. We open ours when we set up and close them when we break camp.

[Doc Foster]

We have street side and rear awnings on our 30'. What little view you lose is more than compensated for helping to keep your trailer cool in the desert sun. I am so glad we had Colonial Airstream install them with our purchase.

[Captn.Ken]

We have them on our 2018 26U. It really adds to the enjoyment when in the bright sun. It seems expensive, but you won't regret it. It would seem since they attach directly the trailer that it could be done cheaper, labor-wise, that is. But, you want to make sure it's done right and no problems later.

[demijac]

We use these awnings more than the big awning. They absolutely do not interfere with your views. We also like them because they are quick to deploy and they allow us to keep more windows open when raining. Sorry I don't have any pics for you.

[Landrum]

Originally Posted by McStreamy_

Landrum - we were quoted $1100 for the street side awning and $500 for the rear. The labor is the spendy bit as they say it's a six hour job. I'm shopping around other dealers for quotes as well to make sure I'm not getting taken for a ride.

Thanks for the info. I may bite the bullet only I’ll probably install them myself.

[1StreamDream]

I have a 2015 RB twin 25' FC, only has the patio awning, and I also am very seriously considering the addition. To the OP, or anyone that has done this after the fact (not from the factory), is there anything to be aware of for the do-it-yourself type ? I would consider doing it, or paying someone to help me do it, my #1 paranoia is how do I SECURELY attach the awnings to the trailer. I have never seen the framing without the aluminum skin, I am sure that I need to secure to some major rib, but I don't know how to make that happen.

I have all kinds of tools, and general handyman skills, but I don't know what the mechanical framing looks like and how the factory installed awnings are secured, I am guessing they are bolted from the inside ??

[Doc Foster]

I had Colonial Airstream install my streetside and rear awnings at purchase time and use them often. They do not bolt from the inside. https://www.doityourselfrv.com/zip-dee-awning-install/

[1StreamDream]

thanks for posting that link, I had not come across that in my searching. At least now I have a much better visualization of how the awnings get secured to the trailer. I wasn't thinking it all the way through, I will be challenged to do this myself (alone), I now also realize this is at least a 2 man job, maybe 3 ... thanks for sharing your experience and solution