The 8 Best Campervan Awnings In 2024
After a 3 summers living full-time on the road, I can tell you that a campervan awning will drastically change your van life experience.
My first year on the road I did not have an awning. It wasn’t until I experienced my MoonShade awning that I realized what I’d been missing – especially on hot summer days.
A campervan awning is a great way to extend your “living space”, and it also provides a great deal of shade, which means your van won’t get nearly as hot.
In this article, I’ll cover the best campervan awnings available on the market, as well as what to consider when deciding which one is best for you!
The Best Campervan Awning For Vanlife – Overall
The best campervan awning across all categories is the Fiamma F80. Fiamma is a very well established and highly reputable brand in campervan awnings and they come in many different models to fit your needs.
1. Fiamma F80
Operation: Manual crank (motorized upgrade available)
Mounting: Roof (try Fiamma F45 if you’re looking to wall/vertical mount your awning)
Coverage: Extends 8’2”
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster
Available Add-ons: Screened rooms, sun blockers, privacy blockers, rain guard
Price: $1200+
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Pros:
✅ Well-known high-quality manufacturer
✅ UV Resistant
✅ Waterproof
Cons:
❌ Mounting brackets not included
❌ Expensive
When it comes to Fiamma awnings there are many choices – manual vs motorized operation, leg support or self supported, color choices, and wall (vertical) vs roof (horizontal) mounting to name a few.
The leading Fiamma awnings for vans are F80, F65 Eagle, F45 and F 45 Eagle.
Because most vans do not have a flat vertical surface, the only true option for wall mounting is attaching to the vertical surface of your roof rack. Otherwise, a roof mounted awning is your best bet.
Fiamma awnings are extremely high quality, and that also lands them on the higher end of the price range.
Length Options: Fiamma 80 is available in 10’ 6”, 12’ 2” and 13’1” lengths – all of which extend 8’2”.
Color Options: The Fiamma F80 is available in Polar White, Titanium and Deep Black case colors.
Mounting Options: The Fiamma F80 model attaches to the roof. If you need a wall mount option the Fiamma F45 is the model for you.
With plenty of available add-ons, like screen and privacy walls, the Fiamma van awning system is extremely versatile.
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The Best Campervan Awning For Vanlife – Budget
2. MoonShade
Operation: Manual
Mounting: Roof, Wall
Coverage: 9 ft x 7 ft
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster, SUV’s, Minivans
Available Add-ons: Walls
Price: $400
Pros:
✅ Portable
✅ Light weight
✅ Affordable
✅ Variety of anchoring systems for versatility
✅ Durable construction with 420D ripstop polyester
✅ UV Protection
✅ Includes suction cup anchors, stakes, and guy lines
Cons:
❌ Can’t be permanently installed, must be set up and taken down with each use
MoonShade is quickly becoming a fan favorite in the van community. There’s a lot of versatility in these portable awnings!
When compared to installed alternatives which 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 bounces back light for better visibility at night. This feature was great during my trip to Baja, Mexico when my friends and I would gather under the awning for camp dinners together.
Read my full MoonShade awning review here
Because it’s not permanently installed it’s a bit more work to set up and tear down each time you use it.
Alternatively, it’s portable, so it can be set up anywhere- not just adjacent to your van- which greatly expands the possibilities for how you can use this neat awning! I’ve used it to cover picnic tables during rainy days and to attach to the sides of palapas in Mexico for additional covered space.
The Best Campervan Awning For Vanlife – Runners Up
3. Fiamma F65 Eagle
Operation: Power
Mounting: Roof
Coverage: Extends 8’2”
Support: Self-supported
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster
Available Add-ons: Screened rooms, sun blockers, privacy blockers, rain guard
Price: $2800+
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
Pros:
✅ Well-known high-quality manufacturer
✅ UV Resistant
✅ Waterproof
✅ Self-supported, no legs
✅ Automatically close in wind
✅ Powered setup
Cons:
❌ Expensive
Fiamma F65 Eagle comes with all the bells and whistles! Similar to the Fiamma F80, the F65 Eagle also extends 8’ 2” and has similar length and color options.
The primary difference is that the F65 Eagle is a powered awning and even includes a wind sensor which automatically retracts the awning to prevent damage.
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!
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
4. Fiamma F45
Operation: Manual (motorized upgrade available)
Mounting: Wall
Coverage: Extends 8’2”
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster
Available Add-ons: Screened rooms, sun blockers, privacy blockers, rain guard
Price: $900+
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
Pros:
✅ Well-known high-quality manufacturer
✅ UV Resistant
✅ Waterproof
✅ More affordable option
Cons:
❌ Manual operation
❌ Leg supported
If you’re looking for a high quality campervan awning but don’t require the bells and whistles the Fiamma F45 is a great option! It has a lower price point, which is nice if you’re looking to find a durable awning without breaking the bank.
The F45 Fiamma model is manually operated and requires legs to stabilize. Additionally, the F45 is a wall mounted model, which differs from the roof mounted F65 and F80 options (detailed previously).
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5. Thule Hide away Awning
Operation: Manual hand crank
Mounting: Rack, roof or wall (based on model)
Coverage: Extends 6’ 5” or 8’ (based on model)
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster, SUV’s, Minivans
Available Add-ons: Rain blocker, sun blocker, awning tent
Price: $1000+
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
Pros:
✅ Easy one-person setup
✅ Telescoping legs
✅ Easy to install
✅ Wind resistant design
✅ Less expensive than Fiamma
✅ Lighter weight than Fiamma
Cons:
❌ Mounting bracket sold separately
❌ Water repellent but not completely resistant
❌ Expensive
❌ Manual setup
The Thule Hideaway awning line comes in a variety of options. Models for roof, roof rack or wall mounting are available as well as a variety of lengths and extensions.
Extensions come in 6’ 5” and 8’ based on model.
Lengths are available in 8’ 6”, 10”, 10’ 8” or 12’ 4”.
The versatility doesn’t stop there! Thule Hideaway legs can be set up on the ground or against the sidewall of the van (with added wall brackets). Be sure to triple check the length of the poles before purchasing to ensure they’ll work with your setup – especially if you have a high-roof van.
use code “everywhere5” for 5% off your purchase at Unaka
6. ARB 2500
Operation: Manual
Mounting: Roof rack
Coverage: 8’ 2” x 8’ 2”
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster, SUVs, Minivans
Available Add-ons: Wall panels
Price: $400-$500
Pros:
✅ Easy to install
✅ Easy manual setup
✅ High quality design and materials
✅ Telescoping poles allow for height adjustments
✅ Light bar included
✅ Waterproof
✅ UVP 50+ rating
Cons:
❌ Mounting brackets sold separately
❌ No power option
The ARB 2500 van awning is available in different exterior case options. The most cost effective, but least durable, is the heavy duty nylon reinforced pvc bag. If you’re looking for more durability try the upgraded aluminum case, available in white or black
Another nice feature of the ARB 2500 campervan awning is its easy and quick set-up. The awning can be set up in minutes, and it comes with pegs, and guy ropes. However, mounting brackets must be purchased separately.
High-quality materials are used for the ARB 2500 awning, including waterproof ripstop fabric that provides a UVP of over 50.
My favorite feature is the LED lightbar that is included, and can be rolled up with the awning when stored. The lightbar plugs into a 12v cigarette lighter and runs off your vans battery power.
An optional wind break side wall can be purchased.
7. Dragon Fly Tarp Haku Awning
Operation: Manual
Mounting: Rack, roof
Coverage: 18’ x 10’
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster
Available Add-ons: Wall panels
Price: $1000
Pros:
✅ Highly adjustable
✅ Lightweight
✅ Constructed with quality 300D polyester ripstop
Cons:
❌ Must be set up each time
❌ Expensive for a portable awning
Dragon Fly Tarp’s Haku awning is an excellent option if you’re looking for versatility and don’t want to DIY your van awning.
The hexagon tarp shape lets you adjust the tarp depending on sun angle or rainshed. It’s lightweight, weighing less than 15 pounds, and can be set up in under 5 minutes.
However, if you’re open to a little DIY, you could accomplish something similar for a fraction of the price with a tarp and some adjustable telescoping tent poles.
8. OVS Nomadic 180 Batwing
Operation: Manual
Mounting: Roof rack
Coverage: 88 square feet
Support: Leg support
Fits: Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster
Available Add-ons: Side wall
Price: $500
Pros:
✅ Waterproof
✅ Durable construction with 420D poly cotton ripstop fabric
✅ Can be set up by one person
✅ Self supporting, no legs required
✅ UV protection
Cons:
❌ Manual setup
❌ Requires a large rooftop storage area
The Overland Vehicle System Nomadic Awning 180 is one of the best batwing awnings on the market. It covers 88 square feet of space and is easily deployed by one person in under 5 minutes!
When it’s not deployed, the nomadic 180 awning is neatly contained in a 1000g PVC cover. It is self-standing, but comes with two telescoping legs to help with stability in adverse weather conditions.
Types of Campervan Awnings (Mounting Type + Operation)
There are several types of awnings for campervans. With variations in size, color, material, and also in mounting location (wall, roof rack, or roof) as well as whether they’re leg supported or self supported and if they’re motorized it can be overwhelming to decide which is the best campervan awning for you.
Below is a breakdown on the common variations in campervan awnings so you can determine which setup will work for your van.
Roof Mounted Camper Van Awnings
Roof-mounted awnings are attached to the roof of the van. Typically, these use a mounting kit specific to your vehicle so they can be installed in the factory mounting options.
There are two primary things to consider when looking at roof-mounted awnings. 1. Will they work with your roof rack, or will they be in the way? 2. Will you still have space for any additional roof-mounted items, like solar panels and your vent fans?
Pros:
✅ Easy to use
✅ Easy to store
✅ Easy to install
Cons:
❌ Requires special mounting hardware
❌ Expensive
Wall Mounted Camper Van Awnings
Wall mounted awnings are attached to the side of the van. They’re typically bolted through the sheet metal of your van with mounting hardware and work best if you have a flat surface to mount against.
These are great for RVs with flat sides, but they can be trickier for campervans which tend to be more rounded. Be sure to research whether the campervan awning you’re interested in will work with your specific vehicle.
Pros:
✅ Easy to use
✅ Easy to store
✅ Maximizes roof space
Cons:
❌ More difficult installation
❌ Requires holes in van
❌ Expensive
Roof Rack Awning For A Van
This category is where a majority of awnings fall into. By installing onto your existing roof rack with the correct mounting kit it’s a lot easier to get the perfect fit. Of course, if you don’t have a roof rack, then considering either a wall or roof install is for you.
What I love about the roof rack installation for campervan awnings is that it’s adjustable – you can decide to swap out your awning for something else down the line, or remove it entirely. And there’s no permanent holes left after you make the change!
The downside to roof rack installations is that the mounting kit is typically not included in the initial price of the awning, so it’s an additional expense to consider.
Pros:
✅ Easy to install
✅ Easy to use
✅ Easy to store
✅ Semi-permanent install allows for future changes
Cons:
❌ Added cost of mounting hardware
❌ Expensive
Retractable Campervan Awnings (Permanent Install)
Retractable awnings are installed on the wall, roof, or roof rack of your vehicle. They can be quickly and easily opened and closed, allowing you to adjust the amount of shade you want. Because these are permanently installed, they retract into themselves when not in use.
Retractable awnings come in various sizes and can be motorized or manually operated. Popular models include Fiamma F80, Fiamma F65 and Fiamma F45.
Pros:
✅ Easy to set up and put away
✅ Some are electric and can be deployed with the touch of a button
Cons:
❌ Can be damaged by sudden wind
❌ Expensive
❌ More complicated install
Pop-up Awnings For Campervans (Temporary Install)
Pop-up awnings are portable and can be easily set up and put away. They are typically made of lightweight materials and are ideal for those who want a portable solution that they can take with them on their outdoor adventures. These awnings are also more affordable than permanently installed models.
While portable awnings for vans can take more time to set up, they can often be set up in various ways, or even as a standalone shelter, which gives them greater versatility than awnings permanently mounted onto a van.
The most common type of temporary setup awning for vans is the MoonShade awning.
Pros:
✅ Inexpensive
✅ Easy to store
✅ Less complicated install
✅ More versatile
Cons:
❌ Must be set up for every use as it’s not permanently installed
❌ Must be stored inside van
Overall, the type of awning you choose will depend on your specific needs, budget and preferences. Consider the size of your van, the activities you plan on doing, and the weather conditions in your area before selecting an awning for your camper van.
FAQs About Awnings For A Van
Can you put an awning on a van?
Absolutely! Depending on the van you may need specific mounting hardware. Roof-rack mounted awnings are the most common for vans. Wall-mounted awnings may be difficult to install due to the curve of the van and roof-mounted awnings may limit your ability to install a roof rack or solar panels.
Can you attach an awning to a van without roof racks?
Yes – you can install with a wall-mount (like the Fiamma F45 model) or with roof-mounted awnings. Depending on your specific vehicle you may also need to buy mounting hardware specific for your model.
Do I need an awning for my van?
No! You don’t need an awning for a van, but it can come in handy! My first year on the road I did not have an awning and I survived. In my second year traveling full-time I had an awning and it was a big improvement, especially in the hotter months!
