Awning or no Awning

I am about a day or two away from placing my order for a 2013 2619. One last feature that I need to decide on is wether or not to get an awning. At $1300 it's probably the most expensive option on the unit. Is it worth it? Most of the time I see awnings on RV's and trailers and there are no shades under them. The ones on the TM are very small covering only the front section. Will I get a lot of use out of it? $1300 will buy a lot of canopies. Should I be spending the $1300 on other options?

[MudDog]

We bought our TM from dealer inventory and it already had the awning, so the price of the awning wasn't broken out. $1,300 does seem pretty steep, but we use ours a lot. It is small compared to what you see on upright trailers or motorhomes, but it gives shade on that side of the TM and shelters the door area from rain. We also have a dog that likes to hang out under the awning.

We use it on most of our camp-outs unless it is too windy.

As you mention, you could buy a lot of easy up's for that price, but that's an extra thing to carry and store somewhere and takes longer to setup/breakdown than the awning.

If you take care of the awning and don't leave it open when it gets too windy, it should last for many years.

We spend a lot of time in Florida with our Elkmont in the winter, and the only way to do that in such a small space is to live outside as much as possible.

The awning really helps doing that. You can live (cook, eat, read, do computer stuff, store stuff) outside in the rain or when the sun is broiling. It's also useful for stringing up laundry lines.

The only thing is doesn't help with is the bugs or cold.

We would recommend it.

EDIT: Canopies are ok, but hard to connect directly to the trailer, so do not really extend the living space as well.

[TexasCamper]

My awning came with my TM, so I didn't have the choice like you do.

I use the awning about half the time I go camping. I usually let the awning out to shade the one side of the camper and reduce the radiant heat.

Usually when we eat outside, either we are too far away from the awning, or the shade from the awning isn't completely on us.

I've camped with a pop-up shade tent, and found it more susceptible to wind. I really like the ease of taking the awning in and out when I need it. Really can't do that with the shade tent.

I think I'd miss the awning if I didn't have it, even if I saved a boatload of money.

John

Ours came with no awning but we really enjoyed our two other trailers that had them. However, we now use an "EZ Up" style and it's preferable in some ways, especially being able to set up anywhere. If a freak wind came in, it's $100 to replace rather than the prices you mention!

However, it is just one more item of "stuff".

[rvcycleguy]

I appreciate the awing that was on the unit when I purchased it. Not sure if I would spend $1300 for it. I use mine almost every camping trip. Also carry a shade pop up as well.

Hi -

We love our awning, I have a 3 inch wide strap that goes across the whole top of the awning that is made for RV awnings staked to the ground on each side for wind, NEVER had a problem at all in the mountains. I would never be with out our awning. Sit out side and enjoy with no sun/rain on you.

I also have one on the big window the best move I ever made, keeps the sun out and when it rains we can leave the window open. Don't cheat yourself enjoy. We camp 4 months straight in Show Low AZ and other places.

Dave

What's the cost of having it added aftermarket after you purchase the TM? You may be able to get the awning and save some $$$$
No different than the solar panels...

[hhoenig]

used the awning everytime we camped. it always came in handy, wether for shade, shelter, or storage. would never consider an extra pop up canopy, too heavy and too bulky to store.

[Dave99gst]

After loosing mine in a storm and replacing it.. im sort of gun shy to open it up anymore. I dont see why you couldnt just buy a less expensive one like "carefree of Colorado " or somthing those are prob only like 300 bucks.