RV awning fabric comparison: sun protection, rain protection, and durability

1.Comparison of sun protection performance of RV awning fabric

Polyester Fabric

It offers some sun protection and also provide shade for short periods of daily use. However, under prolonged exposure to strong UV rays, polyester is susceptible to fading and degradation, resulting in a relatively short RV lifespan. For occasional travelers on a budget, polyester is a cost-effective option, but it is not recommended for long-term RV traveling use in strong sunlight.

Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic is typically yarn-dyed, it provides excellent UV protection and color retention, making it resistant to fading. Compared to other materials, acrylic offers the best sun protection and is the preferred material for high-end RV awnings. Its breathability reduces the feeling of stuffiness during summer use, enhancing the RV life experience. Even if it is expensive, but for long-term RV users, acrylic's durability and comfort more than offset its price disadvantage.

PVC-coated Fabric

PVC is primarily known for its waterproof and stain-resistant properties, making it a key advantage in rainy and humid regions, effectively resisting both rain and stains. However, the sun protection is only average. While it offers some protection, it's poor breathability makes it susceptible to heat buildup under long time exposure, reducing the RV user experience. So, it's more suitable for those who require high-quality rain protection in areas with heavy rainfall, but less so for hot or dry climates.

If you're looking for long-lasting durability and optimal sun protection, acrylic is the best. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness, opt for polyester fabric. In areas with frequent rainfall, PVC coated fabric is more suitable.

And we know that some brands, such as Fiamma they use PVC, Awnlux uses 16 oz PVC, lippert mainly uses Vinyl and carefree with more options, they vinyl and acrylic

2.Comparison of rainproof performance

In addition to sun protection, the rain resistance of a RV awning is also one of the most important indicators that users pay attention to when making a decision. There are significant differences among various trailer awning fabrics in terms of water resistance, breathability and user experience.

Polyester Fabric

Polyester Fabric is a choice with relatively high cost performance. Polyester fabric itself is lightweight and flexible. After adding a PU (polyurethane) coating on its surface, it can effectively resist light to moderate rain and has a good water-repellent effect. It dries quickly and is suitable for frequent use in changeable weather. However, in heavy rainfall conditions, the water resistance of polyester fabric is slightly insufficient. It is prone to water seepage when exposed to heavy rain for a long time. Therefore, it is more suitable for use in scenarios with a mild climate or occasional light rain. For users who pursue lightweight and economic practicality, polyester fabric is a good compromise choice.

Acrylic Fabric

The water resistance of Acrylic Fabric (Acrylic fabric) mainly depends on surface treatment. Generally, water-repellent coatings are used to deal with light rain or short-term rainfall. Although it cannot completely block rainwater like PVC, its advantage lies in its breathability. Acrylic fiber itself has good air circulation, which can reduce the risk of condensation and mold even in a humid environment, making it more comfortable to use. For users who travel frequently and need to protect themselves from the sun while also dealing with various climatic conditions, the overall performance of acrylic fabric is often more satisfactory.

PVC-coated Fabric

The waterproof performance of PVC-Coated Fabric is the most outstanding. Its surface is treated with a thick PVC coating, which can 100% prevent rainwater from penetrating and keep the sheltered area dry even during continuous heavy rain. Therefore, PVC fabric is highly suitable for humid and rainy regions, such as the southeastern United States or northern Europe and other climatic conditions. Its disadvantages are poor breathability, which makes it prone to condensation when used for a long time. Moreover, the fabric is relatively heavy, making it not very convenient for storage and transportation. For users with extremely high requirements for waterproofing, PVC is undoubtedly the first choice.

Overall, PVC-coated fabric is suitable for rainy environments that require strong waterproof performance, polyester fabric (PU-coated) is more appropriate for users with limited budgets or light rain protection needs, while acrylic fabric has more advantages in breathability and comfort, making it suitable for users who need multiple functions. When choosing a caravan awning fabric, users should take into account the climatic characteristics of the camping area and the frequency of use to make a decision. 

3.Durability Comparison

Polyester Fabric

Polyester fabric is an economical option and represents the entry-level RV awning fabric. It is relatively inexpensive and suitable for users with limited budgets or those who only camp occasionally. Polyester fabric performs moderately well in terms of sun protection and rain resistance, but it is prone to aging and fading under long-term exposure to sunlight, with a lifespan of approximately 3 to 5 years. For families who only occasionally use RV awnings during summer or short trips, this material is sufficient to meet basic needs.

Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic fabric is renowned for its excellent resistance to sunlight and weathering, and is a common choice in high-end RV awning fabrics. This fabric can maintain stable performance even when exposed to sunlight, rain, and wind for a long time, and is not prone to fading or developing mold due to moisture. Its typical lifespan is between 7 and 10 years, making it an ideal choice for car owners seeking durability and low maintenance costs. For RV users who frequently undertake long trips and need to use the RV awning throughout the year, acrylic fabric undoubtedly offers the best value for money.

PVC-Coated Fabric

If you prioritize rain protection, wind resistance, and physical damage resistance, PVC-coated fabric might be the best choice. As one of the strongest types of RV awning fabrics, it has extremely strong tear resistance and wear resistance. Even in windy or harsh environments, PVC-coated fabric can maintain good protective effects. However, its drawback is that it is relatively heavy, and its folding requires more effort or relies on electric devices. Generally, its lifespan is 5 to 7 years, which is very practical for car owners who frequently use RV awnings in extreme weather conditions.

In conclusion

Choosing the appropriate RV awning fabric depends on the actual usage scenario. If you prioritize long-lasting durability and a comfortable experience, acrylic fabric is the best choice; if you often encounter harsh weather conditions, PVC-coated fabric can provide the best protection; if you are on a short-term trip or have a limited budget, polyester fabric is a practical option. Regardless of the type of fabric, proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of the RV awning and enhance the comfort and convenience of camping.

For more about RV awning fabrics, please visit the Awnlux awning fabric link for more details or more advice. https://awnluxpro.com/collections/rv-awning-fabric-for-replacement