As usual, it all depends on individual lifestyles.
We find the most interesting use of an awning is to extend the living area. It defines the boundaries of the exterior area. The van becomes a house. It is also a ritual of establishing the camp area, much like lifting the top of a Westfalia.
It is not only useful for protecting from sun rays but also for cooking and eating outside when it rains. Sometimes we extend it just enough to protect the sliding door opening from the rain (see photo). We would love to install a sturdier setup (like class Cs) when using it in windy areas or a legless with a wind sensor but they would require an important structural retrofit of our small camper.
Slight extension of the awning to protect the sliding door opening.
Stopping for an hour in a rest area by the river.
Very useful when it rains!
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Threaded Mode
