After decades spent helping fellow RVers outfit their rigs for maximum comfort and utility, I’ve learned that a great awning is only the beginning. The right accessories can transform your patio space from a simple patch of shade into a true outdoor living room, ready for anything from a breezy afternoon to a full-blown campsite cookout. An unprotected awning is vulnerable to wind damage, offers limited functionality after dark, and fails to provide a complete barrier from insects or intense sun.
I’ve installed and tested hundreds of awning accessories over the years, from simple tie-downs that provide peace of mind in a surprise gust of wind to complete screen rooms that add a whole new living area to your RV. The difference between a basic, underutilized awning and a fully optimized one comes down to a few key upgrades. These aren’t just frivolous add-ons; they are essential pieces of gear that protect your investment, expand your usable living space, and make RV life more enjoyable.
Today, I’m sharing my comprehensive review of the best RV awning accessories for 2025. These aren’t just theoretical recommendations—they’re proven, road-tested products that I’ve personally installed and relied on in real-world RV situations across all types of rigs and climates
Best for: Illuminating your patio space with integrated LED lighting for nighttime use.
Your RV patio shouldn’t become unusable after the sun goes down. The Lippert Solera 17’ Awning Light Tube is one of the most elegant lighting solutions I’ve encountered in my years of RV upgrades. Unlike aftermarket light strips that can look tacked-on, this system integrates directly into the awning roller tube, providing beautiful, even illumination across your entire patio area.
The soft blue-white LED lighting creates an inviting ambiance that’s perfect for evening relaxation or entertaining. I’ve installed dozens of these units, and the feedback is always the same: it completely transforms the outdoor space. The LEDs are energy-efficient, drawing minimal power from your 12V system, which means you can enjoy hours of lighting without worrying about battery drain. The lights are controlled by a simple switch, making operation straightforward even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
What I particularly appreciate about the Lippert Solera lighting system is its durability. The LEDs are sealed inside the roller tube, protecting them from weather and physical damage. I’ve seen these systems continue to perform flawlessly after years of use, through rain, wind, and intense sun exposure. For RVers who love to spend evenings outside, this is an upgrade that pays dividends every single night you’re camping.
Installation is relatively straightforward if you’re replacing an existing Solera awning roller or upgrading to a Solera system. The light tube comes pre-wired and ready to connect to your RV’s 12V system. For those with existing Lippert awnings, it’s often a direct replacement that can be completed in an afternoon.
Buy Lippert Solera Awning Light Tube
Best for: Blocking intense sun from the front or back of your awning.
One of the most common complaints I hear from RVers is that their awning provides great shade at midday, but when the sun is low in the sky—early morning or late afternoon—it shines directly under the awning, making the space uncomfortably hot. The Carefree SunBlocker Panel solves this problem elegantly and effectively.
This 6’ x 15’ black panel attaches to the front or rear of your awning, creating a vertical sun barrier that blocks those low-angle rays. I’ve installed these panels on countless RVs, and they make an immediate, noticeable difference in comfort. The black fabric is made from durable, weather-resistant material that holds up well to wind and sun exposure. It’s designed specifically for Carefree awnings but can be adapted to work with other brands with some creativity.
What makes the Carefree SunBlocker particularly practical is how easy it is to deploy and stow. The panel rolls up compactly when not in use and can be quickly deployed when needed. The attachment system is simple but secure, using bungee cords and hooks that connect to your awning’s roller bar and support arms. I always recommend having at least one SunBlocker panel, and many of my clients end up getting two so they can block sun from both directions depending on their site orientation.
The panel also provides an additional benefit: privacy. When you’re camping in crowded campgrounds, the SunBlocker creates a visual barrier that makes your outdoor space feel more private and secluded. It’s one of those accessories that serves multiple purposes and quickly becomes indispensable.
Buy Carefree of Colorado SunBlocker Panel
Best for: Protecting from low-angle sun in mornings and evenings.
While the SunBlocker handles the front and rear, the Carefree SideBlocker addresses sun coming from the sides of your awning. This 6’ x 8’ shade panel is specifically designed to attach to the side of your Carefree awning, extending your shade coverage significantly. In my experience, the combination of a SunBlocker and SideBlocker creates a nearly complete sun protection system that keeps your patio comfortable all day long.
The SideBlocker uses a similar attachment system to the SunBlocker, with bungee cords and hooks that make deployment quick and easy. The black fabric matches the SunBlocker perfectly, creating a cohesive look. I’ve found that the 6’ x 8’ size is ideal for most applications, providing substantial coverage without being so large that it becomes unwieldy in windy conditions.
One of the things I appreciate most about Carefree’s shade products is their attention to wind management. The panels are designed with enough flexibility to move with the wind rather than fighting against it, which reduces stress on your awning and the panels themselves. That said, I always recommend taking down shade panels if winds exceed 15-20 mph, just to be safe.
The SideBlocker is particularly valuable for RVers who spend extended time in one location. If you’re set up for a week or more, you can really dial in your shade coverage to match the sun’s path throughout the day. Many of my clients who initially bought just one SideBlocker end up purchasing a second one for the opposite side, creating a nearly enclosed patio space.
Buy Carefree of Colorado SideBlocker Awning Sun Shade
Best for: Creating a fully enclosed, bug-free outdoor living space.
For those who want to truly maximize their outdoor living space, the Carefree Vacation’r Room is the ultimate awning accessory. This complete enclosure system transforms your awning into a fully screened room that provides protection from insects, wind, and light rain. I’ve set up dozens of these rooms for customers, and they are always amazed at how much it expands their usable living space.
The Vacation’r Room is designed specifically for Carefree awnings in the 10’-11’ size range, ensuring a perfect fit. The room consists of multiple panels made from durable, no-see-um mesh that keeps even the smallest insects out while still allowing excellent airflow. The panels zip together to create a complete enclosure, and there’s a full-size zippered door for easy entry and exit.
Setup is surprisingly straightforward, though it does take a bit of practice to get quick at it. The panels attach to your awning using a combination of zippers, hooks, and bungees. Once you’ve done it a few times, you can have the room up in about 15-20 minutes. The system includes ground stakes to secure the bottom of the panels, which is essential for keeping the room taut and stable.
What I love about the Vacation’r Room is how it changes the way you can use your RV. Suddenly, you have a comfortable, protected space to enjoy the outdoors even when the bugs are bad or there’s a light drizzle. It’s perfect for dining, relaxing, or even as a play area for kids. For families or anyone who loves to entertain, this is an accessory that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. The room stores relatively compactly in its included bag, making it practical to bring along even if you don’t use it on every trip.
Buy Carefree of Colorado Vacation’r Room
Best for: Automatic wind protection and convenient remote operation.
Even with tie-downs and careful monitoring, a strong gust of wind can cause serious damage to an RV awning. The Carefree Wireless RV Awning Control System provides an extra layer of protection that can save you from costly repairs. This system includes a wind sensor that constantly monitors wind speed and automatically retracts your awning when it detects dangerous conditions.
The wireless control system is designed for Carefree power awnings and includes both the wind sensor and a handheld remote control. The wind sensor mounts on the roof of your RV and communicates wirelessly with your awning motor. You can set the wind speed threshold that triggers automatic retraction, giving you control over how sensitive the system is. Most RVers set it somewhere between 15-20 mph, which provides good protection without being overly cautious.
The remote control is a fantastic convenience feature. Instead of having to go inside your RV to operate the awning switch, you can extend and retract your awning from anywhere within range. This is particularly handy when you’re outside setting up camp and want to adjust the awning without interrupting your workflow. The remote has a good range—I’ve tested it at over 50 feet with reliable operation.
Installation requires some electrical work, as the system needs to integrate with your existing awning motor and 12V power system. For those comfortable with basic RV electrical systems, it’s a manageable DIY project. Otherwise, I recommend having it professionally installed. The peace of mind this system provides is invaluable, especially for RVers who camp in windy areas or who sometimes leave their rig unattended with the awning out.
Buy Carefree of Colorado Wireless RV Awning Control System With Auto-Retraction
Best for: Safely extending and retracting manual awnings without ladders.
For RVers with manual awnings, the Camco Easy Reach Extendable RV Awning Opener is an inexpensive tool that makes awning operation much safer and easier. This telescoping pole extends from 11" to 47", allowing you to reach your awning’s pull strap without climbing on a ladder or stool. I recommend this tool to every RVer with a manual awning—it’s one of those simple accessories that you’ll use on every trip.
The Easy Reach opener features a hook on the end that grabs your awning’s pull strap securely. The telescoping design means it stores compactly but extends to the length you need for your specific RV height. The pole is made from lightweight but sturdy aluminum, so it’s easy to handle but won’t bend or break with normal use.
What I appreciate most about this tool is the safety aspect. I’ve seen too many RVers take tumbles while trying to reach their awning straps from precarious positions. The Easy Reach opener eliminates that risk entirely. It’s also much faster than setting up a ladder—you simply extend the pole, hook the strap, and pull. The whole process takes seconds.
The tool is also useful for other tasks around your RV. I’ve used mine to reach roof vents, clean high windows, and even retrieve items that have blown onto the roof. At its modest price point, it’s one of the best value accessories you can buy for your RV. It’s the kind of tool that once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Buy Camco Easy Reach Extendable RV Awning Opener
Your RV’s awning is one of the most important features for outdoor enjoyment, but it’s only as good as the accessories you pair it with. By investing in quality lighting, sun protection, screen rooms, and protective devices, you’re not just enhancing your camping experience—you’re protecting a significant investment and ensuring that your awning will serve you well for many years to come.
I’ve seen too many RVers neglect their awnings, only to face expensive repairs or replacements down the road. The accessories I’ve recommended here are not luxuries; they’re essential tools for anyone who wants to get the most out of their outdoor living space. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, these upgrades will pay for themselves many times over in increased comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
The beauty of awning accessories is that you don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with the essentials—perhaps the Lippert Solera lighting for evening enjoyment and a Carefree SunBlocker for sun protection—and then add to your setup as your budget allows. Before long, you’ll have created an outdoor oasis that rivals any backyard patio, all from the comfort of wherever your travels take you.
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I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.
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