After 7 years of RV life and barely using my factory RV awning, I discovered why the Moonshade portable awning is taking the camping world by storm. Here’s my brutally honest review.
If you’re like most small camper owners, your factory RV awning is probably collecting dust. In my seven years of RV camping life, I used my original 5′ x 6′ awning exactly three times. Why? Because that tiny strip of shade was basically useless – providing zero real outdoor living space when the sun was beating down or rain started falling.
That all changed when I discovered the Moonshade awning. This portable, lightweight, and easy-to-set-up solution has completely transformed how I use my outdoor space. After extensive testing, I’m sharing everything you need to know in this comprehensive Moonshade awning review.
What Makes the Moonshade Awnings Different?
The Moonshade portable awning isn’t just another camping accessory – it’s a complete game-changer for RV outdoor living. Unlike traditional factory awnings that leave you cramped and seeking better shelter, the Moonshade creates actual usable space where you can relax, entertain, and truly enjoy the outdoors.
Two Size Options: The Moonshade Original vs XL
Moonshade Original Portable Awning
- Dimensions: 9′ x 7′ (63 square feet of coverage)
- Weight: Only 8 pounds
- Perfect for couples or small families
- Doubles the space of most factory small camper awnings
Moonshade XL
- Dimensions: 12′ x 9′ (108 square feet of coverage)
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Ideal for larger groups or parties
- Can comfortably fit four chairs with room to walk around
To put this in perspective, my camper’s factory-attached awning provided just 30 square feet of coverage. The original Moonshade awning for my camper provides 63 square feet of outdoor space– more than double the area!
I love my MoonShade awning because it gives me the shade I need wherever I set up camp—without the hassle. It’s super portable, lightweight, and ridiculously easy to use, making it one of my favorite small camper camping upgrades!
Moonshade Awning Camper Setup: Surprisingly Simple
One of my biggest concerns was setup complexity. I’ve dealt with enough finicky camping gear to be skeptical of anything claiming to be “easy.” But the Moonshade canopy genuinely lives up to the hype.
Mounting Options That Actually Work
The Moonshade system provides various anchoring solutions:
- Suction Cup Mounts: Perfect for smooth RV surfaces
- Permanent Mounting Options: For frequent use
- Magnetic Attachments: The Moonshade magnets provide secure mounting on metal surfaces
- Versatile Positioning: Mount to your RV’s side or roof
During my testing, I used the suction cup mounts on the side of my camper (my solar panels blocked the ideal roof mounting spots). The suction cups are incredibly secure – you press the lever down and they’re locked in place. To remove them, you simply lift the bottom tab.
One-Person Setup (Really!)
I was honestly skeptical about the “easy setup” claims – we’ve all been burned by camping gear that promises simplicity but delivers frustration. But after setting up both models multiple times, I can confirm that one person can absolutely handle both awnings.
I successfully set up the Moonshade original portable awning completely by myself on several occasions. The 8-pound weight and intuitive design make it genuinely manageable for solo setup. The process flows naturally, and I never felt like I was fighting with the awning or wishing I had help.
The Moonshade XL is where things get interesting. Yes, I can set it up by myself – and I have done it solo multiple times. However, I’ll be honest: having a second person definitely makes the XL setup smoother and faster. The larger 12′ x 9′ size means more fabric to manage, and those extra hands help with positioning and securing the corners.
That said, don’t let the size intimidate you. If you’re camping solo or your partner isn’t interested in setup duties, you can absolutely handle the Moonshade XL on your own. Just plan for a few extra minutes and bring that step ladder I mentioned earlier.
The lightweight design of both models is what makes solo setup possible – even the larger XL weighs just 12.6 pounds, so you’re never wrestling with heavy, unwieldy materials.
Real-World Performance: The Deal-Breaker Test
Here’s the ultimate question: Will I actually use these Moonshade awnings? After months of testing, I can confidently say that the answer is absolutely yes.
What Works Exceptionally Well
Massive Coverage: The original Moonshade comfortably fits two chairs and a table, leaving extra space for movement. The XL version could easily handle a camping party with four or more people.
True Sun Protection: Both awnings feature reflective coating that effectively blocks and reflects sun rays, creating a genuinely cool, comfortable outdoor space.
Weather Resistance: While not waterproof, the fabric is water-resistant and sheds rain like an umbrella – perfect for those unexpected camping showers.
Portability: Despite their large coverage area, both models pack down to approximately the size of a yoga mat. This compact storage is essential for small camper owners who deal with limited storage space.
Build Quality: After extensive use, the materials and construction feel durable and built to last for a long time.
Honest Cons to Consider
Storage Space: Unlike your attached factory awning, the Moonshade awning for a camper requires dedicated storage space in your RV. However, the trade-off for actual usable outdoor space makes this worthwhile.
Setup Space Requirements: The Moonshade XL needs adequate clearance for its 12-foot length. Make sure your campsite can accommodate the full extension.
Height Requirements: Depending on your mounting location, you may need a step ladder for installation – not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
Moonshade Awning Review: Final Verdict
After extensive real-world testing, I’m giving both the original Moonshade portable awning and the Moonshade XL a solid 9 out of 10 rating. These awnings deliver on their promises and solve the fundamental problem most small camper owners face: a lack of usable outdoor space.
Who Should Buy the Moonshade Awning?
- Small travel trailer owners with inadequate factory awnings
- Teardrop camper owners seeking outdoor coverage
- RV owners who want flexible, portable shade solutions
- Campers who value easy setup and compact storage
- Anyone frustrated with their current awning’s limited coverage
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose the Moonshade original portable awning if you:
- Camp primarily as a couple
- Have limited setup space
- Want maximum portability
Choose the Moonshade XL if you:
- Frequently camp with larger groups
- Have ample campsite space
- Want maximum coverage area
Bottom Line
The Moonshade canopy has transformed my RV camping experience from being stuck inside our small camper to having a genuine outdoor living space. After barely using my factory awning in seven years, I now look forward to setting up my outdoor area at every campsite.
If you’re tired of inadequate RV awning coverage and want a solution that actually works, the Moonshade awning deserves serious consideration. The combination of easy setup, massive coverage, and compact storage makes it one of the best camping investments I’ve made.
Moonshade Awning Discount Code
Ready to upgrade your outdoor camping experience? Check out my exclusive affiliate discount code for both Moonshade models. Your cramped camping days are about to be over.
Get your MoonShade Original or XL awning here and save $50:
https://randisadventures.com/moonfab/ (Use my affiliate discount code at checkout: RANDI)
