
RV awning screen rooms are a great way to increase your living space and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to harsh weather conditions or bugs. There are several types of screen rooms available, including freestanding screen rooms, add-a-room screen rooms, and RV awning screen rooms. Each option has its own pros and cons, and the setup process may vary depending on the model. In this article, we will explore the different types of screen rooms, their advantages, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to build a screened-in room for your camper.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | Increase the usable size of an RV, allowing families to enjoy the outdoors without harsh weather conditions |
Installation | Comes with installation instructions; tutorials available online |
Setup requirements | May require a ladder; some products require permanent attachment of fasteners to the awning or temporary stakes to be hammered into the ground |
Pros | Insulates space against bugs, heat and rain; increases living space; improves ventilation; adds privacy |
Cons | May not have enough air circulation, trapping humidity; setup can be difficult; can be expensive |
Types | Freestanding screen rooms; add-a-room screen rooms; RV awning screen rooms; pop-up screen rooms; inflatable screen rooms; motorhome screen rooms; screen room tents |
What You'll Learn
Free-standing screen rooms
If your camper doesn't have an awning, a free-standing screen room can be a great option to provide shade and keep bugs at bay. This type of screen room is easy to set up and typically comes with an aluminium accordion frame. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you assemble a free-standing screen room:
- Unfold the aluminium accordion frame and lay it out flat on the ground.
- Slip the screen room fabric over the unfolded frame. Make sure it's aligned correctly and covers the entire frame.
- Raise the poles located at each corner of the frame to fully assemble the structure.
- Secure the screen room to the ground by staking it down.
- Attach the screen room to your camper using the provided attachments.
- Utilise the zippered doors located around the screen room for easy access to and from your camper.
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DIY screen rooms
If you're looking to create a DIY screen room for your camper, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a free-standing or attached screen room. Free-standing screen rooms are independent structures that can be set up next to your camper and typically have a frame and canvas walls. They are easy to assemble and disassemble and often come with their own compact carrying cases, making them versatile and convenient. On the other hand, attached screen rooms extend from your camper's awning, providing a seamless connection to your RV. This option offers protection from the elements while transporting items between the screen room and your camper.
Now, let's get into the details of how to create a DIY screen room:
Free-Standing Screen Rooms:
If you opt for a free-standing screen room, you'll need to start by creating a frame. You can use PVC pipe, which is lightweight and easy to set up and take down, especially with corner connectors. Decide on the size of your structure, keeping in mind the size of the screen roll you'll be using. A standard 96-inch by 50-foot roll of the screen is enough to make a structure that is 8 feet tall and 10 feet by 10 feet square.
Once you've determined the size and gathered your materials, follow these steps:
- Cut the PVC pipes to the appropriate lengths, or cut them in half or thirds to make storage more manageable, and use extension fittings to join them when setting up.
- Construct a basic cube structure using eight three-way corner fittings.
- For roof support, add one or two poles using two to four T-connectors along the top rails.
- Attach the screen to one pole using clamps, then wind it around the exterior of the frame until it overlaps, and clamp it in place.
- Secure the screen by adding pieces of hook and loop tape along the frame's top, bottom, and support poles.
- Cut off any excess screen material, and create slits in the screen where you want doors for entry and exit.
- Add hook and loop closures or magnetic strips to the edges of the slits to keep the doors closed and bugs out.
- Place a tarp slightly larger than your screen room's footprint over the top, and either clamp it to the poles or attach guy wires through the grommets to secure it to your camper and tent stakes.
Attached Screen Rooms:
If you prefer an attached screen room, you'll need to start by measuring the width of your camper's awning, as this will determine the size of the screen room you can accommodate. Most awning screen rooms fit both manual and automatic awnings. You can then follow these steps:
- Purchase a screen room that suits your needs, such as a freestanding or add-a-room model, considering factors like cost, ease of setup, and versatility.
- Attach the screen room to your awning by sliding attachment panels into the roller tube opening and zipping on the screen panels.
- Secure side panels by stretching an elastic band around the roller tube and rail, clipping, and clamping it to the awning.
- Use Velcro panels to hold the edges straight along the sides of your camper, and stake down the screen room for added security.
- For added protection, attach a skirt to your camper using pre-installed mounting hooks to prevent things from crawling underneath.
Remember to consider the pros and cons of each type of screen room and choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences. Enjoy crafting your DIY screen room and creating memorable camping experiences!
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Screen room pros and cons
Screen rooms are a great way to enhance your camping experience by providing a bug-free and comfortable space for relaxation, dining, or even sleeping. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a screen room is right for you:
Pros:
- Bug Protection: Screen rooms keep out mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other insects, allowing you to enjoy your camping trip without being bitten or bothered.
- Shade and Weather Protection: They provide shade from the sun and protection from light rain or wind, making them ideal for camping in warm weather.
- Versatility: Screen rooms can be attached to your RV's awning or set up as freestanding structures, offering flexibility in how you use them.
- Ease of Setup: Many screen rooms are designed for quick and easy setup, with instant tent designs, pop-up hubs, or pre-attached poles, making it convenient to assemble and disassemble.
- Spacious Interior: Screen rooms offer ample space to move around, accommodating tables, chairs, and other camping gear, making them perfect for families or larger groups.
- Affordability: There are budget-friendly options available that provide solid bug protection and interior space without breaking the bank.
Cons:
- Limited Weather Protection: While screen rooms offer shade and protection from light weather, they may not be suitable for heavy rain or strong winds. Additional accessories or separate rainflys may be needed for more comprehensive weather protection.
- Storage and Transport: Screen rooms can be bulky and heavy, taking up significant storage space and requiring a vehicle large enough to transport them.
- Time-Consuming Setup: Some screen rooms, especially those with more complex designs or requiring additional accessories, can take longer to set up and take down, cutting into your relaxation time.
- Limited Durability: The materials used in some budget-friendly screen rooms may be less durable, with potential issues such as thin-walled poles or prone-to-damage mesh.
- Limited Flexibility: Attached screen rooms limit you to the space alongside your RV, whereas freestanding structures offer more flexibility in terms of placement and usage.
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RV awning screen rooms
If you already have an RV awning, you can simply purchase screen room panels that attach to it. Basic rooms will keep the bugs out, while add-a-room models give you more living space with large screened windows that can be closed for privacy. The panels slide into the roller tube opening, and you can zip on the screen and side panels. An elastic band, rail clip, and clamp attach the panels to the awning, while Velcro panels keep the edges straight. Tent stakes and a skirt that attaches to your RV with mounting hooks will ensure your screen room is secure and protected from anything that might crawl underneath.
There are a variety of RV awning screen rooms available on the market, with prices ranging from $539.99 to $927.95. For example, the ShadePro Villa RV Awning Screen Room is a free-standing screen room that fits over an aluminum accordion frame. It offers both shade and protection from bugs and can be staked to the ground and attached to your RV. The Carefree 291800 Vacation'r Screen Room is another option, designed for 18' to 19' awnings and available for $599.64.
If you're handy, you can also build your own screen room for a fraction of the cost. All you need is PVC pipe, screen roll, and some basic tools. Decide on the size of your structure, taking into account the screen roll size available in your area. Cut the pipes to the desired length and use corner connectors and extension fittings to assemble a cube frame. Attach the screen to the poles with clamps, and use hook and loop tape to keep it secure. Don't forget to cut out doors and add closures to keep bugs out!
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Types of screen rooms
There are several types of screen rooms available for your camper, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common types:
- Freestanding screen rooms: These are independent structures that can be set up next to your camper. They typically have a frame and canvas walls, making them easy to assemble and disassemble. They are convenient and versatile, especially if you don't travel with a car. However, they may be challenging to place in small or uneven campsites, and there is a risk of tracking mud and debris into the screen room and your camper.
- Add-a-room screen rooms: These attach directly to the side of your camper, creating additional living space. They can be permanent or removable, and often feature a hard roof and zippered walls. Add-a-room models offer more living space and large screened windows that can be closed for privacy. However, they need to be stowed away when you move your camper.
- RV awning screen rooms: These also attach to the side of your camper and are usually made of mesh or canvas. They can be extended out from the camper to create a shaded area. They are perfect for increasing the usable size of your camper and allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without being exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Pop-up screen rooms: These are compact and lightweight and can be easily set up on the side of your camper.
- Inflatable screen rooms: Similar to pop-up rooms, but they are inflated using an air pump.
- Motorhome screen rooms: Some motorhomes come with built-in screen rooms as part of their design.
- Screen room tents: These have screens on all sides to allow for cross-ventilation and protection from bugs.
The best option for you will depend on your camper, personal preferences, and specific needs. Factors to consider include the size of the camper, the desired level of privacy, ventilation, and protection from the elements.
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Frequently asked questions
A screened-in room for a camper can increase your living area, protect you from bugs and harsh weather conditions, and provide privacy.
There are several types of screened-in rooms available for campers, including freestanding screen rooms, add-a-room screen rooms, RV awning screen rooms, pop-up screen rooms, inflatable screen rooms, and motorhome screen rooms.
Before buying a screened-in room for your camper, consider the size of your awning, the ease of setup and disassembly, the price, and the durability and quality of the screen room.
The setup process may vary depending on the type of screened-in room you have. For RV awning screen rooms, you will typically need to attach the screen room to your RV's existing awning. This may require fasteners, stakes, or poles. Freestanding screen rooms usually involve setting up a frame and then fitting the screen room fabric over it.