Awnings over the windows - Yes or No?

On our last motorhome we did not have awnings over the windows and I wondered if it would be a good thing to have. When it got warm in the afternoon I wondered if it would be worth the extra cost? I wondered if it would really make that much difference on the west side of the RV when the sun was setting and shining directly on us?

Well! Our 2008 Monaco Cayman has window awnings over the 2 large streetside windows (over the couch and dinette), over the big streetside bedroom window and over the curbside bedroom window. We also have an awning over the entry door and a large awning over the patio area.

Well let me tell you that they make a world of difference! When we extend the awnings over the windows it is such a difference! Where it was sunny and warming the couch, table, and floor, with the awnings extended it is now cool and shady. You can feel the interior temperature immediately cooling off. When we are in cooler climates (like Oregon) we don't use the awnings as much, but instead enjoy the warm sun that streams in. When it rains we are able to leave the windows open because the awnings keep the rain from blowing in. For now, this summer, we are facing north and the setting sun can be very hot. Even in Montana we'll get into the 90's.

There's a long metal rod, about 4 feet long, that you attach to the loop on the awning pull-strap to extend the awning. There's a small hook bracket attached to the motorhome that the loop on the strap secures to. I've found that it's also easy to extend the awnings from inside the motorhome. We're able to open the window and screen and pull the strap by hand. When the wind picks up and it starts raining we've been able to quickly work the awnings from the inside and not get wet. I'm able to extend and retract the awnings myself and don't have to rely on Rick's height to get it done.

So, if you were wondering if awnings would make a difference on your RV - yes they do. I'm not sure what the additional cost would be to add them, but I'm glad they came with our Cayman. We love them!