RV awning brands: Dometic, Carefree of Colorado, Lippert Solera and others, and how to choose replacements
The main RV awning brands in North America are Dometic (a Swedish company whose range includes the former A&E awning line), Carefree of Colorado, and Lippert, which sells awnings under its Solera name. Girard, and European makers such as Fiamma and Thule for vans and campers, round out the field. Most RV owners do not choose a brand freely: the rig came with one, and the practical question is whether to repair, re-cover or replace it with a compatible system.
Key takeaways
- Identify the brand and model on your existing awning before buying anything. Arm geometry, mounting rails and fabric attachment differ between brands and generations.
- Replacement fabric is the most common purchase. Size it from the brand's measuring method, usually based on the arm center-to-center distance, not the old fabric.
- Power RV awnings use 12 V DC motors from the awning maker or its suppliers. Parts are brand specific, so motor availability for your model matters.
- Some power awnings offer automatic retraction triggered by wind, motion or ignition. Learn exactly what yours does and does not do.
- Choose a brand with a dealer or RV service network on the routes you actually travel.
Who are the main RV awning brands?
This table is a general orientation, not a ranking. Model names, features and warranties change, and RV manufacturers often specify custom variants, so check the specific product.
| Brand | Based in | Product families | Where you will see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dometic | Sweden (global RV and marine supplier) | Manual and power patio awnings, window and slide-out awnings; includes the A&E heritage line | Factory-fitted on many towables and motorhomes; broad aftermarket |
| Carefree of Colorado | US (Colorado) | Manual and power patio awnings, slide-out toppers, window awnings | Factory-fitted and aftermarket, widely on motorhomes |
| Lippert (Solera) | US (Indiana) | Power and manual patio awnings, slide-out and window awnings, wider RV component range | Factory-fitted on many newer towables |
| Girard | US | Power awnings, especially on higher-end motorhomes | Premium motorhomes and aftermarket |
| Fiamma | Italy | Compact cassette awnings for vans and campers | Camper vans, European-style motorhomes |
| Thule (Omnistor line) | Sweden | Cassette awnings for vans and caravans | Camper vans and caravans |
Overlanding and vehicle-mounted side awnings (from brands such as ARB) are a separate category: freestanding-style fabric that rolls out from a bag on a roof rack. For the RV use case in general, see our RV awnings guide.
How do RV awnings differ from home awnings?
RV patio awnings travel at highway speed, so they must lock down securely and survive vibration. Many traditional RV awnings use vertical arms that brace against the side of the coach and fold flat for travel; newer power designs and van cassettes often use lateral-style arms closer to home awnings. Fabric is commonly vinyl (laminated or coated polyester) for its water resistance and easy cleaning, with acrylic offered on some models for breathability. Power awnings run on the coach's 12 V system.
The fabric usually slides into a channel or rail on the coach wall with a keder-type bead, and wraps on a roller that holds a spring (manual awnings) or a motor (power awnings). Our keder and rail guide covers attachment systems.
What differentiates RV awning brands?
- Arm design and travel lock: how the arms lock for travel, and whether arm parts can be replaced individually.
- Roller and motor: where the motor sits (in the roller or at an arm head), and whether there is a manual override for a failed motor or dead battery.
- Controls: wall switch only, or remote and app, and whether there is wind or motion-triggered auto-retract.
- Fabric options: vinyl colors and weights, acrylic availability, and whether LED light strips are integrated.
- Service network: how many RV dealers and mobile techs stock parts for that brand where you travel.
- Parts continuity: whether parts for older models remain available, important because RVs often outlive their original awnings.
How do you identify the awning on your RV?
- Look for labels on the arm heads, the roller end caps, the motor housing and the inside of the arm channels.
- Check the RV paperwork. The owner's manual or component documentation often lists the awning brand and model.
- Measure the size the way the brand specifies. RV awnings are commonly sized by the distance between the arm centers, and the actual fabric width differs from that number.
- Photograph the arms and hardware top to bottom, including the travel locks and the fabric rail.
- Ask a dealer for that brand to confirm the model family before ordering parts.
Should you re-cover, repair or replace?
| Symptom | Usually | Check first |
|---|---|---|
| Torn, mildewed or delaminating fabric, hardware fine | Re-cover | Roller spring condition on manual units; brand fabric spec |
| Power awning will not move | Diagnose electrical before replacing motor | Battery voltage under load, fuses, switch, connections |
| Bent arm after wind or a low branch | Replace arm if available | Bracket and sidewall damage behind the bracket |
| Discontinued model, no parts | Replace system | Whether a current model fits existing rail and bracket positions |
| Awning sags or pools water | Adjust pitch and arms | One side lower than the other; arm adjustments |
For diagnostics, see awning motor troubleshooting, awning one side lower and water pooling. Fabric care for vinyl and acrylic is in how to clean awning fabric and mildew and mold.
How much should you trust auto-retract?
Some power awnings can retract automatically when a sensor detects wind or excessive motion, and some will retract or warn when the ignition is turned on. These features are valuable but limited: they need battery power, a working sensor and correct settings, and gusts can outrun them. RV campsites are often exposed, and an awning catching a sudden gust can bend arms or damage the sidewall. Retract when you leave the site, and when wind builds. Our awning wind safety guide and the wind classes table give practical thresholds.
Checklist before buying an RV awning or parts
- Brand, model family and size confirmed from labels or a dealer.
- Measured using the brand's method (often arm center to center).
- Power awning: 12 V motor model, manual override, auto-retract features.
- Fabric type (vinyl or acrylic), color and whether LED strips are integrated.
- Written warranty, and who honors it while you are traveling.
- Parts availability through dealers on your usual routes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a Dometic awning on an RV that came with a Carefree or Solera awning?
Sometimes, but arm brackets, rail positions and wiring differ, so it can require new sidewall holes and rewiring. Confirm fitment with a dealer and seal every penetration properly, or stay within the original brand.
Is vinyl or acrylic better for an RV awning?
Vinyl sheds water and wipes clean easily, which suits travel. Acrylic breathes, dries faster and resists mildew differently but lets more water through in heavy rain. See acrylic vs polyester vs vinyl.
Why does my power RV awning move slowly or stop partway?
Low battery voltage is a frequent cause, since motors draw significant current. Check voltage under load, fuses and connections before suspecting the motor.
Can I add a power motor to a manual RV awning?
Some brands offer conversion kits for specific manual models; many do not. Check with the brand for your exact model, and factor in 12 V wiring to a switch.
Do RV awning brands sell replacement arms separately?
Commonly yes for current models through RV dealers and parts suppliers. For older or discontinued models, availability varies, which is why identifying your exact model first matters.
Should I leave my RV awning out overnight?
Only in calm, settled weather and with one end lowered slightly so rain runs off. Wind often rises overnight, and an unattended awning is the most common source of damage.
Sources and standards consulted
- Brand product catalogs, published technical specifications and warranty documents (manufacturer documentation)
- Fabric mill technical data sheets (manufacturer documentation)
- EN 13561:2015 wind resistance classification (CEN)
See how we research for our sourcing and verification process.