Metal Awnings

[Lighthouse]

Hi everyone,

My wife and I have a 2020 Keystone Retreat 39FLFT Destination Trailer.
It's been parked in the same location at our campground since we bought it.

My question is if anyone has ever added a metal awning to your trailer.
I'm thinking like the ones you see on Park Model Trailers.

If anyone has ever done it, how did it work out ? Did you like it ?

The reason I ask is we're not totally happy with the fabric awning that came
with the trailer. It's not very sturdy and you have to make sure it's not out
during heavy rains or wind.

Thoughts ?

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Lighthouse

Hi everyone,

My wife and I have a 2020 Keystone Retreat 39FLFT Destination Trailer.
It's been parked in the same location at our campground since we bought it.

My question is if anyone has ever added a metal awning to your trailer.
I'm thinking like the ones you see on Park Model Trailers.

If anyone has ever done it, how did it work out ? Did you like it ?

The reason I ask is we're not totally happy with the fabric awning that came
with the trailer. It's not very sturdy and you have to make sure it's not out
during heavy rains or wind.

Thoughts ?

If you leave your fabric awning out in a windstorm, wind will yank it off and shred it. If you attach a metal awning and there is a windstorm, the siding on a camper may not be sufficiently thick to provide good anchor points and your will lose the side of your trailer to my thinking.

[flybouy]

Have you checked with the campground yet to see if they allow affixing "permanent structures" to the trailer? Many do not, as it becomes an obstacle to move the trailer if they evict.

[jsb5717]

With a park model I would probably consider building a stand-alone awning that isn’t attached to the trailer…and could stand the wind

[dutchmensport]

Many years ago we lived in a double-wide mobile home. It was on a 2 acre property, in the country. On the back side of the house was a small patio, about 12 feet deep and 15 feet wide.

I built a second tier level deck below that (it was on a slight hill) and put steps going down, and that was the deck for the above-ground swimming pool. It was a pretty cool set up when I got it all done.

However, there was no shade at all. I ended up getting an awning kit. However I had to install posts for the 4 corners. I used 4x4 treated lumber and then built the frame at the top for the aluminum roof.

In the process, there really was not enough clearance above the door and the eve troughs to attach the new cover. I ended up going over the roof the house about 2 extra feet with an overhang that did not tough the house at all. I did this so rain would not blow between the gap of the new cover and the roof of the house. Yet, this would allow rain water to continue draining into the eve troughs un-obstructed.

In other words, the awning cover was 100% free standing, anchored into 4x4 upright posts with cross members to screw all the aluminum down solid. We lived in that house for another 3 years. 15 years later we drove by that house. No one was living in it, it appeared to be abandoned. My wife and I got out and walked around the property. And I was delighted to see that the cover was still standing strong and tall. The house was a total mess, but that cover was still strong as an ox.

Bottom line. If you build it, do not attach to the trailer. You want the cover to be completely 100% free standing, yet come over the roof of the trailer enough rain with wind will not blow through the gap. You need to leave the trailer 100% mobile and nothing attached to it.

And yes, I agree with the above comment; you need to check with your campground management to make sure it is acceptable to make such a build. (Get it in writing).

Good luck!

[JRTJH]

Most campgrounds/seasonal resorts will have restrictions (or specific rules) about what you can erect on your rented site. No matter what you "want" to do, you must first assure that you "can" do it....

That done, if you can erect a "semi-permanent structure" on your site, have you considered a metal patio like the first photo? It is free standing, does not attach to or need support from your trailer.

Also, with the "history of "slide leaks and roof issues" (which result in water damage to the trailer) have you considered "killing two birds with one stone" and building a structure to cover both the trailer AND serve as a patio cover adjacent to the trailer? If you are permitted to build a "roof over structure" that may be a way to do both, obtain a patio cover AND protect the trailer from water leaks/damage.

[flybouy]

This company sells rv specific products, they aren't cheap but from what I've seen they are high quality.
https://silver-top.com/campingproducts

[Lighthouse]

Thanks everyone for the input.
I'll do some more investigation with the management as well as see what others have
done in our campground.

Thanks Again !