What Is a Camper Slide Out Awning and Why You Need One
A camper slide out awning is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your RV lifestyle. Whether you’re cruising California’s Highway 1 or settling into the peaceful woods of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this simple enhancement protects your rig while making life on the road more enjoyable.
Also known as slide toppers, these awnings are mounted directly above your RV’s slide out—the lateral extensions that increase your living space. The awning extends and retracts along with the slide, shielding it from rain, snow, branches, and debris. This protective barrier prevents costly water damage, lowers maintenance needs, and safeguards your investment long-term. For full-timers and weekend road trippers alike, preparing your camper with a properly installed slide out awning is a smart, practical move.
Think of it as gear that works quietly in the background—keeping your RV cleaner, drier, and adventure-ready from Moab’s red rocks to Maine’s forested coastline.
How to Choose the Right Camper Slide Out Awning
Choosing the right camper slide out awning ensures maximum effectiveness and durability for your travel needs. Begin by accurately measuring your slide out’s width from edge to edge on the roof. Your awning should extend at least two inches beyond each side for full coverage.
Reputable brands trusted by seasoned RVers include Dometic, Carefree of Colorado, and Lippert Components. They offer awnings built with weather-tested, UV-resistant materials designed to last thousands of miles.
You’ll typically pick between two styles:
- Manual Awnings: Simple to use and highly reliable—perfect for off-grid campsites and remote areas like Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.
- Automatic Awnings: These retract in sync with your slide out, offering convenience and speed in regions with sudden weather shifts like Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Before buying, consider these key factors:
- Fabric Quality: Look for heavy-duty vinyl or acrylic that resists UV rays and moisture.
- Mounting Hardware: Wind-resistant mounting kits are ideal for breezy regions like Wyoming’s high plains.
- Warranty Coverage: Prioritize brands offering warranties of at least one year, with options to extend for frequent travelers.
- Color Options: Choose a shade that blends with your RV for a polished, cohesive look.
Installing a Camper Slide Out Awning: Step-by-Step Guide
You don’t need advanced mechanical skills to install a camper slide out awning—just basic tools and a bit of patience. While RV dealerships like Camping World or Arizona’s La Mesa RV Center offer professional installations, many travelers take the DIY route without issue.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the installation process:
- Mark and drill bracket holes above the slide out’s upper frame.
- Mount the awning’s rail onto your camper’s wall securely.
- Insert the awning fabric into the rail’s channel section.
- Attach the roller tube and safely tension the spring system.
- Tighten the end caps and confirm that all locks function under tension.
With two people and the right gear—including a drill, sealant, and screwdriver—it typically takes 1–2 hours. You can easily handle the project from a scenic overlook or forested site at Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park. Enjoy the process while outfitting your camper for its next journey.
Pro tip: In sandy, windy regions like Baja California, consider adding marine-grade edge guards and weather sealing tape. These small upgrades reduce wear and help minimize future maintenance issues.
Using Your Camper Slide Out Awning Like a Pro
After installation, your camper slide out awning becomes a key part of your daily RV routine. Whether you’re using a manual or automatic model, a few smart habits will help extend its lifespan.
Start by inspecting for tree branches or overhead obstructions before deploying the slide. As the slide extends, the awning should smoothly unroll and shield the top. If deployment seems off, check for debris or tension issues immediately.
Routine maintenance is essential—especially when camping in high pollen environments like Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp or Vermont’s Green Mountains. Wash the awning weekly with water and mild soap, letting it dry completely before rolling it back in to prevent mildew.
In windy areas like central Kansas or the Mojave Desert, use deflappers or hold-down arms to reduce strain on the material. If gusts exceed 20 mph, retract the awning as a precautionary measure.
For long-term durability, inspect your awning every 3,000 miles. Look for thread fraying, bracket looseness, and hardware corrosion. It helps to keep a repair kit on board with sealant, spare screws, and basic tools—especially for remote travel through wild backcountry.
Top Travel Spots to Enjoy a Camper Slide Out Awning
The benefits of a camper slide out awning truly shine when you’re parked in nature. Whether it’s sheltering you from coastal drizzle or blocking scorching summer rays, it enhances every destination.
Imagine setting up lakeside at Flathead Lake State Park in Montana—your awning casts cooling shade as you sip coffee before hitting the trails. Or enjoying a misty midday meal under its protection in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with family.
In Oregon’s Fort Stevens State Park, where ocean wind and drizzle are routine, an awning keeps your slide dry and functional. On the flip side, when solo-traveling through California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, it shields against abrasive pine debris and volcanic dust.
Adventure seekers exploring the rugged wilderness of Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs or Colorado’s San Juan Mountains appreciate the dust protection slide out awnings provide. For those exploring cultural sites like Bandelier National Monument or Utah’s Newspaper Rock, they serve as essential rest areas, providing instant shade and protection on long, hot days.
Upgrade Your RV Comfort with a Slide Out Awning
Seasoned or new to the lifestyle, every RVer wants comfort, protection, and efficiency. A camper slide out awning delivers all three—while also protecting your rig and easing maintenance down the road.
With the right awning installed and well-maintained, your adventures will feel smoother. Rain or shine, coast to canyon, you’ll enjoy cleaner equipment, better temperature control, and faster setup and takedown at each stop.
Equip your RV with a high-quality slide out awning and experience the full potential of mobile living—from the peaks of the Rockies to the pine-lined back roads of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country.
Embrace every mile with confidence. Your camper—and your future road trips—will thank you.
