Best Awnings for Cargo Trailer Conversions (to Beat the Heat!)
We are firm believers that awnings are one of the best investments you can make for your cargo trailer conversion. Why? Well, they practically double your living area by creating a shaded outdoor living space.
When we first hit the road in our 7×16 cargo trailer camper, we had a janky DIY tarp shade that busted almost immediately. We knew we desperately needed an awning, so we decided to splurge on a mounted, manually retractable one.
And let me tell you, it was the best decision. Adding a 14-foot awning to our 16-foot cargo trailer was a huge upgrade. We went from flimsy to fortified real quick.
In this blog post, we’re sharing our top picks for the best awnings for cargo trailers. So if you’re just starting out and looking for a budget-friendly shade solution, or you’re ready to splurge on a motorized retractable awning with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout this awesome, helpful, and completely free content. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll absolutely blow on adult things like groceries and dog toys.
If you’re planning to convert a cargo trailer into a mobile living space, you might be wondering if adding an awning is actually possible. While most RVs come equipped with them, cargo trailer conversions are typically DIY projects.
But the good news is that adding an awning to your cargo trailer is easier than you might think. In fact, there are many options available that can be adapted to almost any cargo trailer build.
What to Consider when Choosing an Awning
Door clearance
Door clearance is probably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an awning (which we learned the hard way). You’ll need to make sure that whatever awning you choose, there is enough clearance above the door.
Excited about our newly installed awning, we pulled it out, only to be met with a dreadful ripping sound as the trailer door tore into the awning.
After some quick thinking and the help of some clear awning tape, we managed to prevent the tear from worsening.
To safeguard our brand-new awning from future tears, we attached a rolling wheel (similar to those used on sliding closet doors) on top of the door. This way, when the door and awning meet, the wheel glides along, protecting the awning from sharp edges.
Ease of installation
Some awnings are easier to install than others. Consider your level of experience and the tools you have available when choosing an awning.
To give you perspective, it took us around 4 hours and a team of 3 to install the awning because we truly had no idea what we were doing, and the awning we ordered came with pretty much zero instructions. Luckily we found a video on YouTube University of someone installing the exact awning we had, which saved us a lot of headache and time.
Manual Vs. Electric
Motorized retractable awnings are convenient and easy to operate with just the touch of a button. They are typically powered by a small motor that extends and retracts the awning with ease. Some even come with an LED strip for the added convenience of having an outdoor light. However, they can be more expensive than manual options, and they require a power source to operate.
Manual retractable awnings, on the other hand, are operated by hand using a crank, lever, or string. They are a more affordable option, and they don’t require a power source to operate. However, they can be more difficult to open and close, especially if they are large or heavy.
Double Check Your Measurements
After measuring where we wanted the awning on our cargo trailer, we knew we had enough room for a 14ft awning with maybe an inch to spare, but not much more.
However, upon installing it, we discovered a horrible problem… the final length of the awning measured out to 14 feet & 5 inches, which was WAY too big, and we weren’t going to have any room to install the arms.
We were both freaking out, trying to work out a solution. We had a crazy yet bright idea to cut the awning tube by 2.5 inches on each side. Luckily, our idea worked, even though I think we voided the warranty by doing that. The support arm barely, and I mean barely fit on the trailer, but hey, it worked.
So, note to self, if they say you’re receiving a 14ft or any type of length awning, realize that it may come longer than what they claim it is.
Budget
Awnings can range in price from budget-friendly to quite expensive. Consider your budget when choosing an awning, but also keep in mind that a higher-quality awning may save you money and time in the long run by lasting longer and being easier to operate (if it’s electric).
Best Awnings for Cargo Trailer Conversions
We selected these awnings based on extensive research, customer feedback, and our own personal experience. Our goal was to identify the most reliable, user-friendly, and compatible retractable awnings for cargo trailer conversions. The models we recommended are known for their durability, ease of use, and widespread use among cargo trailer owners.
ALEKO Automatic Retractable LED Awning
The ALEKO motorized awning frame boasts a durable, powder-coated steel construction with anti-chip paint and a stylish dark gray aluminum frame. It comes complete with all the materials needed for DIY assembly and features a universal wall mount for compatibility with a variety of exteriors.
Our cargo trailer build had a manual retractable awning from Aleko. But if we were to do it all over again, we would definitely opt for this motorized version instead. The convenience and added features would be well worth the investment.
However, reviews have noted that the instructions may be lacking, which we found to be true with our manual awning. At the time of writing this, the price for the ALEKO motorized awning is $849
ARB Manual Retractable Awning with Led Light Strip Included
The ARB self-standing retractable awning is the perfect addition to any cargo trailer conversion. With its tough poly/cotton ripstop canvas, the awning is fully waterproof and offers ample protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The awning storage cover is made from PVC-lined polyester and is secured in a heavy-duty nylon-reinforced PVC bag, ensuring that your awning stays protected when not in use.
The self-standing awning takes just 30 seconds to deploy, making it quick and easy to set up when you arrive at your destination. The awning height is adjustable with telescopic legs, allowing you to easily customize the height to suit your needs. The awning is also wind-resistant, with spring steel tension arms that keep the canvas taut and secure.
In addition, the ARB self-standing retractable awning comes with an LED light strip included, providing additional lighting for your outdoor activities. And with a price of just $436.00, this awning is an affordable and practical addition to any outdoor adventure.
Awnlux Motorized Modular Retractable Awning
This is a great awning from Awnlux that comes with a built-in motor, so you can open or close it in less than a minute. It’s as easy as pushing a button to extend or retract it, and you can stop it at any point if you don’t need full coverage. And it comes with a hand crank in case you’re ever without electricity.
The RV awning fabric is top-notch—made of high-quality 16oz vinyl material that’s not only waterproof but also thermally insulated. It’s going last you a long time, for sure!
The best part is, you’ve got multiple sizing options from 10′ to 20′, and they come in 8 different color fabrics to match your style and your trailer’s personality. Installing it is a breeze too! They’ve got all the parts you need, and if you ever get stuck, there’s a detailed installation video on their website.
For a motorized awning, it’s a fantastic deal at just $789.99
Suncode Manual Retractable Awning
The awning fabric is made with high-quality 16oz vinyl, making it incredibly durable and capable of withstanding various weather conditions. It’s designed to hold up well against sunlight, rain, and cleaning agents, ensuring it lasts for a long time.
The Suncode Manual Awning is available in a wide selection of colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit for your cargo trailer. With a total of fourteen different sizes available, you can find the perfect awning frame assembly to meet your needs.
The awning frame assembly is pre-tensioned for your convenience, so you can be sure that your awning will be securely in place. And with a price of only $759, the Suncode Manual Cargo Trailer Awning is an affordable upgrade that will enhance the look and functionality of your cargo trailer.
Can Cargo Trailer Awnings be Used in windy conditions?
Cargo trailer awnings can be used in moderate wind conditions, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe use. In general, it is not recommended to use the awning in strong or gusty wind conditions, as this can damage the awning.
Are Cargo Trailer Awnings Easy to Install?
The ease of installation for cargo trailer awnings depends on the type of awning you choose. From our experience, manual retractable awnings are more difficult to install than electric-powered ones.
Best Awning For A Cargo Trailer Final Thoughts
Investing in an awning is a significant upfront expense, but it brings daily enjoyment and essential benefits for off-grid living or summer camping in your trailer. From my personal experience, having a cool and shaded space has made me more productive and has been a total game changer.
We hope this guide has provided valuable insights in helping you choose the perfect awning for your cargo trailer conversion. Now that you have a better understanding of the factors to consider, we’d love to hear from you! Are you leaning towards a specific type or brand of awning? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
