Roll-out manual RV awning application & market and brand comparison

What is a roll-out manual RV awning?

Roll-out manual RV awning is a shading device that enables the awning fabric to be automatically rolled up or unfolded through manual operation, using built-in springs or mechanical structures.

The main features of Roll-out manual cravan RV awnings

`Self-rolling type: The awning fabric is wound on the roller tube. With the built-in spring or mechanical structure, it has an automatic rewinding function. When folded up, the fabric is neatly rolled up, making it convenient for storage.

`Manual operation: Control the opening and retracting of the awning by using the crank, pulling the rope or manually rotating the roller. No power support is required.

`Wide range of uses: It is often used in recreational vehicles and courtyards, etc. , to provide shade and protection from the rain.

Advantages

1. Simple structure, low failure rate and strong wind resistance;

2. Easy to use and low maintenance cost;

3. Suitable for environments without power supply or where power conservation is desired.

4. The price is relatively economical and affordable

5. It can be made in large sizes, with the maximum size reaching 21ft

 

The main application scenarios of Roll out manual RV awnings: 

1. Camping and outdoor activities

It provides a space for shade and shelter from the rain, especially suitable for summer, enhancing the outdoor leisure experience.

2. Commercial use

It is suitable for food trucks, stalls, etc. , providing customers with a good shelter and display environment.

3. Family courtyard

It can be used in family courtyards and has the functions of shading and rain protection, creating a comfortable resting environment.

Application market of roll-out manual RV awnings

Roll-out manual RV awnings are widely used in specific RVs and price-sensitive or complex-environmentally markets due to their simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance.

The applicable vehicle models for roll-out manual awnings

1.Travel Trailers

Highly adaptable and suitable for users who need flexible space and are price-sensitive, roll-out manual RV awnings are commonly paired.

2. Truck Campers

Truck campers are relatively small in size and highly maneuverable. roll-out manual RV awnings, being lightweight and easy to install, are suitable for use in various terrains and reduce reliance on electrical power.

3.Pop-up Camper / Tent Trailer

Preferred choice due to its lightweight design, typically lacking electrical components and heavily relying on manual mechanisms.

4. DIY Conversions

Many self-modified recreational vehicles, due to budget constraints and practical needs, tend to opt for simple and cost-effective manual sunshades, which are easy to install and maintain in the future.

4.Off-road RV
With the high adaptability in complex road conditions and wild environments, off-road camping is often far from power supply. Manual off road trailer awning is more reliable and can avoid inconvenience caused by faults in the electronic control system.

 

Countries suitable for roll-out manual trailer awnings

The United States

The American market is vast and diverse: A large number of users, especially those in the mid-low budget segment, prefer manual RV awnings for their camper trailers, as they are more practical and less prone to breakdowns.

The road culture is well-developed: Long-distance travelers prefer mechanical structures that do not rely on power sources and have a low failure rate.

Data support: According to the RVIA, over 60% of users trust the reliability of manual systems.

Australia

Due to harsh climate, strong ultraviolet rays, and frequent sandstorms, electronic equipment is prone to damage, while manual systems are more stable and durable.

Complex terrain: Often far from urban power grids, campers in remote areas rely on manual devices that do not require power.

 

Comparison between different brands, and the future design direction of roll-out RV awnings

1.Comparison of different brands

Brands	Model	Types	Control system	Retractable structure	Target Market	Available widths	Stability	Price range
Carfree	Freedom,Patio	Roll-out/ in	Manual	Fabric exposed or with a simple fabric cover, no cassette	North America / Australia	8-21 ft	Strong	$450-$750
Lippert	Solera Classic Manual Awning	No cassette, the roller is located between the arms	Medium	$450-$800
Dometic	8500 Manual / 8300 Manual	No cassette, fabric roll exposed, roller & bracket structure	Weak	$500-$900
Aussietraveller	Sunburst Classic / Extreme	No cassette, fabric roll is exposed and fixed by the support arm	Strong	$900-$1300
Awnlux	W5600	No cassette, roller located between the arms	Strong	$200-$400

 

2.Future Direction

1)Integrated Solar panels

With the rise of the outdoor leisure lifestyle, RV awnings are developing from a single shading function to a multifunctional integrated function. Among these, RV roll-out/in awnings with integrated flexible thin film solar are becoming a key trend in the next generation of products. Such products can not only provide shade and comfort for users, but also supply clean energy to RVs, camping equipment and mobile electronic devices, achieving true energy independence. As a pioneer of new flexible solar RV awnings, Awnlux was the first to successfully integrate solar technology into the RV roll-out awning, which not only achieved innovation in design and craftsmanship, but also demonstrated excellent power generation performance in actual use. The power generation data is shown in the figure below.

With the continuous maturity of new energy technologies, rollable thin film solar awnings are breaking through traditional usage scenarios, gradually extending from traditional RV exterior accessories to daily living spaces such as home courtyards, balconies and terraces, and moving towards the trend of green energy life in the future.

2)Various caravan awning annexes

The RV awning body could be combined with a variety of detachable / interchangeable accessory modules, such as sun blockers, porches, tents, etc. , which upgrades the camping life experience, realizes the integration of "vehicle & home", enabling flexible adaptation to different weather conditions and activity scenarios. If you have the budget, you can also upgrade the solar sun blocker, which not only expands usable outdoor space but also provides power for low-consumption outdoor devices, offering a more complete and energy-efficient outdoor living solution.

3)Smart operation

RV roll-out/in awnings are not only manually controlled, upgraded motorized control models are also available, which can be selected according to your needs,

4)Lightweight design

The aluminum alloy frame is lightweight, which reduces the weight of the vehicle and reduces fuel consumption.

5)Modular type design

The connected roller tube design shortens the packaging length to less than 2m, reducing transportation costs.  This controls the overall cost. At the meantime, the installation of it is also very simple. Please refer to Installation video:

6)Personalized customization

As a manufacturer, Awnlux supports customized production, including customized fabrics, logos, colors, etc.

 

Summary

Driven by the increasingly personalized, lightweight and smart technology trends in the global RV and outdoor camping market, rollable thin film solar awnings are gradually evolving from traditional shading functions to multi-functional integration, eco-friendly materials, smart control, and personalized customization.

In the future,  camper RV awnings will not only be "extensions of the outside space of the car", but also an important part of the user's personalized experience and energy independence. As an emerging brand with manufacturing and cost advantages, Awnlux has rapidly risen by combining solar energy integration and intelligence to launch new rollable RV solar energy-integrated products.