Best Camper Van Awnings Compared

When I built my camper, I wasn’t convinced I needed a van awning. However, after one summer on the road I quickly realized a camper van awning was a necessity for me.

Even in mild weather, direct sunlight can quickly spike temperatures inside my van. It only took one heat wave for me to decide an awning was a non-negotiable.

After a ton of research, considering both portable and retractable awnings for vans, I settled on a MoonShade awning. It’s a great budget option, but if I were to build another camper van I’d consider installing a retractable awning for my van instead (simply because they’re easier to use.)

However, what works for me isn’t necessarily what’s best for you! The choice of best camper van awning truly comes down to how you plan to use it. There isn’t a one size fits all solution.

This guide outlines what to consider, and how to pick the best van awning based on your van model and preferences.

In this article:

• Deciding which type of van awning is best for your vehicle
• Camper van awning comparison (style, size, price)
• Compatible awnings for Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and Ram ProMaster + More

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A quick note about this Van Awning guide…

The options for awnings are endless. Weeding through compatibility, mounting hardware, model numbers, etc. can feel overwhelming.

My goal is to break it down simply so your choice is easy and straight forward.

First step, we’ve got to figure out how you’ll attach the awning to your van. This will quickly narrow down your options to a manageable list. (The chart below will help you with this.)

Next, read through the overviews of each van awning option on your list. There are detailed sections for each option below. These will help you find the best van awning for your needs!

Best Camper Van Awning Comparison

The quick overview below shows the best camper van awning options, as well as their important features to help you quickly narrow in on your top options.

Choosing A Van Awning

There are a few key decisions you need to make before you begin searching for the best awning for your van.

Mounting

First, how will you attach the awning to your camper van? Most van awnings are specifically designed to mount on the roof (horizontal install) or directly to the side wall or a roof rack (vertical install.)

Things to consider:

• Roof mounted awnings may not be compatible with roof racks or solar panels.
• Wall mounted awnings free up roof space. Typically, they are best for RVs and trailers with a flat vertical surface and may not be ideal for camper vans.
• Mounting to a roof rack is typically best for camper vans. Install is easy, and does not require drilling additional holes.

Length

Second, how long does your awning need to be. This is typically constrained by how long your camper roof is. Figure out your maximum length and eliminate any models that are too long to be properly installed on your van.

Other Features

You may also want to consider a few of these questions to help you narrow down the choices:

• Portable or retractable van awning?
• What’s your budget? Van awnings range from $400 to nearly $4,000.
• Manual (hand-crank) or electric operation?

Fiamma F45S Camper Van Awning

The Fiamma F45S is one of the most popular camper van awnings on the market.

Not only is Fiamma a well established and highly reputable brand, but the F45S comes in a variety of sizes to fit most vans.

While it’s on the pricier end for van awnings, the UV resistant and waterproof material hold up well over time so you can count on this awning lasting for years.

Fiamma F45S Motorized Retractable Awning For Vans

It’s also worth noting that all Fiamma F45S models outlined above are also available with a fully electric, motorized option.

Fiamma F45S Motorized upgrades are $700+ more than the non-motorized (hand crank) models.

Fiamma F65 Eagle Retractable Awning For Vans

Fiamma F65 Eagle is one of the fanciest camper van awnings money can buy. It’s self-supported (no telescoping poles to trip over!) and deploys with the flip of a switch.

One of its coolest features is a wind sensor that will automatically retract the awning to prevent damage. I’ve been surprised by a few wind storms in my van, so I imagine this feature could pay for itself by preventing issues before they begin.

Like the other Fiamma van awnings on this list, you can expect top notch quality from a trusted brand with the F65 Eagle.

Fiamma awnings come with plenty of additional add-ons, including screens and privacy walls. My personal favorite is the rain guard which covers the gap between your van and the awning so raindrops don’t drip down your back!

NOTE: Fiamma F65 Eagle does not come with mounting hardware. You’ll need to order hardware specific to your vehicle model.

Fiamma F80S Camper Van Awning

As a roof mounted van awning, Fiamma F80S is an ideal choice for specific use cases. Primarily, vans without a roof rack and minimal roof mounted accessories, like solar panels.

In addition to the awning, you’ll need to purchase mounting hardware that is specific to your vehicle. Most mounting hardware will make use of your vans factory roof mounting locations, so you won’t need to drill additional holes in your roof.

NOTE: The F80S is very comparable to the F45S, with the primary difference being how it mounts to your vehicle.

Thule Hideaway Camper Van Awning

Thule Hideaway is a great awning option for smaller vans, minivans, and SUVs, especially if you’re looking for an easy installation and a more affordable price.

While it comes with fewer options for customization, upgrades or accessories than Fiamma awnings, it’s one of the best budget van awnings available.

NOTE: The 8’6″ model has a max installation height of 6.6 ft, and the 10′ model has a max installation height of 8.5 ft.

Thule Hideaway Roof & Wall Mount

There are also options to mount the Thule Hideaway van awning to a roof or a wall, instead of a roof rack. These models dimensions vary slightly from the roof rack model.

Thule OverCast Vehicle & Van Awning

While Thule OverCast looks very similar to its big sister, Thule Hideaway, it has a few key differences.

First, it’s available for less than half the cost. But is only available with a max length of 6.5 feet, which may not work for larger vans.

Finally, Thule OverCast is a rollaway van awning. While most awnings have a crank arm, this one skips that option and requires you to manually role the awning back into it’s soft-shell cover for storage.

MoonShade Awning For Vans

MoonShade is a portable, lightweight option for camper van awnings. This is the awning I have, and overall I really like it!

I added an awning for my Ford Transit after I had completed my DIY build. One thing I liked about the MoonShade awning is the ability to easily install it without requiring a ton of tools or time (especially while on the road!)

Receiving the shipment while traveling was incredibly easy, too, as it comes in a standard box and doesn’t require oversized or freight delivery.

Two MoonShade models are available; original and XL. The primary difference between models is their dimensions.

MoonShade original is 9 ft x 7 ft, and MoonShade XL is nearly double the size at 12 ft x 9 ft. You can install the long or short side against your van.

There are a variety of installation methods, as well, depending on your vehicle’s setup.

Each corner of the awning has a carabiner which can be clipped into an eyebolt. Or, magnetic mounts or suction cups can be used instead.

When compared to installed awning alternatives (which typically weigh 50+ pounds), the MoonShade is a super lightweight option at only 8 lbs.

Even better, it packs down to the size of a yoga mat for easy storage! Namaste 🧘‍♀️

Additionally, MoonShade has a unique reflective coating on the underside of the shade that reflects light for better visibility at night. I’ve found this feature especially useful at night.

One of the bigger drawbacks to the MoonShade van awning is the setup. While I can set my MoonShade awning up solo in under 5 minutes, it’s notably more complex than simply rolling out an installed awning (or flipping the switch on the Fiamma F65 Eagle.)

The trickiest part of the MoonShade set up is reaching the anchor points on my high-roof Ford Transit. I need a step ladder for this… which is just one more thing to carry around.

The opposite side of the coin is that it’s portability allows me to use it in a ton of different scenarios. Recently, I used it as a makeshift picnic shelter while camping in some rainy weather.

OVS Nomadic Batwing Awning For Vans

OVS Nomadic Batwing van awnings come in a variety of configurations. The 180° awning will cover one side of your vehicle, while the 270° awning will provide shade on two sides (side + rear).

NOTE: For the 270° batwing awning, you’ll need to order for either the drivers or passengers side configuration.

While the OVS Nomadic Batwing awning is self-supported, it does come with telescoping legs which can be installed to prevent water pooling on top of the awning during storms.

NOTE: The telescoping legs extend to a maximum of 8.5 ft, which may not be tall enough for most high-roof vans (specifically, this excludes Mercedes Sprinter high roof, Ram ProMaster high and super high roofs and Ford Transit mid and high roof models.)

All models fold into a soft-shell case that’s 7’4″ in length and attaches to your roof rack.

ARB Touring Camper Awning

ARB Touring is one of the cheapest van awnings on the market, starting at just $400.

It easily attaches to your factory or aftermarket roof rack and can quickly be set up or put away by one person.

Similar to the Thule OverCast awning, ARB Touring is also a rollaway awning. This seems like a minor inconvenience compared to the cost savings, though.

While telescoping poles, pegs and guy ropes are included, you’ll need to purchase mounting brackets separately.

NOTE: The telescoping poles are compatible with a maximum mounting height of 6.9 ft. While this works for all SUVs, this awning is not compatible with Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter vans, or Ram ProMasters.

Best Ford Transit Awning

These are the best awnings for Ford Transit vans based on vehicle model.

Best Sprinter Van Awning

These are the best awnings for Mercedes Sprinter vans based on vehicle model.

Best Ram ProMaster Awning

These are the best van awnings for Ram ProMaster based on vehicle model.

Camper Van Awning FAQs