Recreational Vans
An awning for camper van living turns open space into usable living room. The right setup adds shade, keeps rain off the door, and makes cooking or relaxing outside simple. The wrong choice sags in a storm, flaps in the wind, or stresses your roof. Getting this right starts with understanding types, sizing, mounting, and real world use.
Most van awnings fall into a few categories. Cassette awnings mount to roof rails or the upper wall and store in a slim aluminum case. Legged roll out styles deploy quickly and are stable on a variety of surfaces. Freestanding 270 degree wings wrap around the side and rear for large coverage, popular with overland rigs that need room to move gear. There are also compact bag awnings for minimal setups, though they offer less weather resistance.
Fabric matters. Solution dyed acrylic resists fading and breathes well on hot days. Polyester blends are light and strong with solid water resistance when coated. PVC coated fabrics are extremely waterproof but run warmer in full sun. Look for UV protection ratings and seam quality. Heavier fabric often flaps less in wind and drains better if you maintain proper pitch.
Frames and hardware deserve attention. Powder coated aluminum projects are the norm for low weight and corrosion resistance. Stainless fasteners and reinforced brackets keep everything tight over miles of washboard or winter road salt. A smooth gear train or motor with a clutch protects the mechanism when you hit the stop. Simple is often best on a long trip where reliability beats novelty.
Wall mount units bolt into reinforced points near the roofline. Roof mount systems use factory rails or aftermarket rack crossbars and brackets. Either way, the load must transfer into structure, not thin sheet metal. Measure for door clearance so the slider opens freely and confirm the cassette sits below any roof solar or vents that could block rollout. Consider the height of a high roof chassis, since more height means longer legs and more leverage in wind.
Manual crank awnings are light, easy to service, and do not depend on batteries. Electric options add convenience, a clean switch inside the cabin, and sometimes wind sensors. If you choose power, plan dedicated fused wiring, an interior switch location, and emergency manual override in case of a dead battery.
A 270 degree awning spans side and rear doors, creating a big dry zone for cooking, gear staging, and bike maintenance. It is fantastic in rain but heavier and more complex to mount. Freestanding variants save time during setup but still need tie downs in gusts. Always verify that the van structure can handle the cantilevered loads.
Size is a function of door layout and campsite behavior. Width should cover the slider opening with a bit of margin, and projection should reach past the cooking area. Common widths range from about eight to thirteen feet with projections near six to eight feet. Bigger shade is great until wind picks up or site pads get tight, so choose what you will actually deploy often.
Wind is the nemesis of any awning. As a rule of thumb, retract above moderate gusts around fifteen to twenty miles per hour unless your manufacturer states otherwise. Use guy lines at forty five degrees to each leg, stake into firm ground, and add leg sandbags on rock or hardpack. Anti flap kits or rafter poles reduce fabric chatter and protect seams.
Rain calls for pitch and drainage. Set one leg shorter to create a consistent fall. Watch for water pooling in the middle of wide projections, since standing water stretches fabric and can damage arms. On gravel pads, place legs on stable pucks so they do not sink. Keep doors clear of the main drip line or add a rain guard to prevent wet floors when you slide the door open.
Lighting and privacy add real comfort. Warm white LED strips inside the cassette or under the arms give even light that does not attract as many bugs as blue light. Removable side walls or screens create a wind break, bug protection, and a quiet coffee corner on a chilly morning. Make sure any add on room has vents and tension points to keep panels taut.
An installed awning can weigh forty to eighty pounds. Mounted high, that weight raises the center of gravity. It is rarely a problem if you drive within limits, but you may feel slightly more body roll in fast transitions. Check total roof load including solar, boxes, and racks. Confirm overall height for garages and ferries after installation.
Let the fabric dry before stowing to prevent mildew. Brush off dust and rinse occasionally with fresh water, then use a gentle cleaner as needed. Lubricate moving joints lightly, check bracket torque after the first few trips, and inspect fabric edges for wear where they contact arms. Replace worn guy lines and stakes before they fail at the worst moment.
Set the legs inside your site boundary, not into the neighbor’s space. Keep guy lines visible with reflective cord at ankle height. Park so the awning faces away from prevailing rain when possible. Douse open flames well away from the fabric and avoid cooking directly under the canopy if grease is splattering.
Think about how you camp. If you move daily, quick deploy and stow will matter more than a giant footprint. If you stay three nights in a row, a large wing with walls may be perfect. If you work from the van, lighting and drip control over the slider help keep gear dry and screens bug free. For electric awnings, plan wire runs that avoid roof penetrations when possible, and include a dedicated switch near the door you use most.
A clean install integrates with roof rails or a rack system, keeps the cassette parallel to the body lines, and avoids interference with solar panels, vents, ladders, or rear doors. Aim for a mounting line that preserves visibility and cargo box access. Inside the van, pair the awning area with a floor mat, a folding table, and a simple light switch so the space becomes an extension of the cabin.
A professional installer evaluates structure, chooses brackets that spread load, seals fasteners correctly, aligns the cassette, and wires any power accessories with proper protection. That attention prevents roof leaks and keeps the awning square so it deploys smoothly for years.
When you are ready to move from research to a finished van, our team builds complete adventure rigs and performs precise upfits that make outdoor living effortless. We mount and align awnings to proper structure, add warm LED scene lighting, route clean wiring with protected circuits, and dial in pitch and drip control so you can cook, work, and relax under cover without fuss. Explore our recreational vans, see the path to a custom build van, or browse mainstream vans if you want a ready to finance platform.
Tell us how you camp and what shade you need. We will spec the right awning for your camper van, install it with factory grade fit, integrate lighting and controls, and hand you a simple plan for everyday use. Submit your build details and we will schedule a consult to get your van dialed in.
Ready for a seamless awning installation and a clean factory grade finish? Tell us about your van, shade goals, and power needs. OZK Customs designs and installs integrated awning systems with proper structure, wiring, and weather management so you can arrive, deploy, and relax. Start your build plan today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com