In an earlier post (A3) I mentioned that we had not yet selected an awning – well there is BIG news on that topic but first – the back story.
I have learned that there are certain topics on Casita Facebook groups that bring out strong opinions – passionate views, often based on personal experiences. These topics include: recommended tire pressure, the dangers of rear hitch loads, the need (or not) for a weight distribution hitch and the often contentious, whether the black/gray tank discharge outlet should be rotated down/up as needed (truth be told, I fell on that hill early on). Another topic with cautionary tales – the optional awning available on Casita trailers. Some love it, some never use it. Some couldn’t live without it while others wish they never bought it. What it seems like EVERYONE can agree on is that you are going to want some form of shade.
I read many pros and cons surrounding the optional Fiamma awning before placing our order for the Casita. We processed the online opinions and tried to make a decision based on our anticipated needs. We also took into consideration alternative shade solutions that others had used. Short story, I am not throwing shade out there but we decided to not get the awning from the factory. We are pretty sure it was the right decision for us – it might be for you as well.
An awning provides shade from the sun – in fact, the Fiamma awning from Casita is promoted as just that – a sunshade. No more and no less. It is not to be left out in the rain (although people do). It is not to be left out on a windy day (although people do, often with disastrous results). The intended purpose is to offer a shaded spot next to your Casita. Set up a couple of chairs, a small table; add beverages and you have a comfortable outdoor space. Bonus – the shade can also ease the strain on your fridge by getting it out from direct sun.
The Casita factory awning is permanently mounted to the roof on the door side. It opens/closes with a metal handle and when fully deployed is about 10′ x 8′. It is a popular option with many opinions on its usefulness. Some never use it. Some opt instead for a separate pop-up screened gazebo (more on this option later) or a pop-up 10×10 canopy style tent. Some make their own awning or buy an after market awning system. Our conclusion after all the reviews was that there was a better solution out there for us.
By not purchasing the awning option when we placed our Casita order we saved about $1000. It also lightened our trailer by about 50 pounds. We were actually close to buying a 10 x 10 pop-up tent……..but by the time we spec’d a pop-up with upgraded rugged construction, durable fabric etc. the cost was over $500 and the whole package weighed over 70 pounds!!! Weight was a factor. The idea of grappling with a 70 pound canopy each time we wanted some shade was a non-starter. Besides, where were we going to put it? We would have to plan all our tow vehicle packing around our canopy decision. It just didn’t make sense for us.
We watched some YouTube videos of people making their own canopies – sewing awning material seemed like a mysterious craft beyond our ability – and the fabric was expensive especially if you figured that our first attempt would be trashed and we’d need to start again. I went down the ‘Keder rail’ rabbit hole and watched many SailRite videos. I wish I paid closer attention during my junior high school Home Economics sewing class.
A couple of years ago I became aware of a new company (MoonShade) that had started making canopies that attached to a variety of vehicles. It offered flexible mounting solutions that included vacuum mounts. The canopy has carabiners sewn into each corner so set up it is as easy as clipping onto your chosen mounting option. Some may want to permanently mount an eyebolt on their RV or van. For the Casita, with it’s waterproof fiberglass shell, we liked the option of NOT drilling into the roof. You could easily put the vacuum mounts on or take them off whenever you wanted. The holding ability of the vacuum is impressive which is not surprising considering that the mounts are made by Sea Sucker, a well established marine accessory manufacturer. It makes sense – fiberglass Casitas and boat hulls each benefit from vacuum suction mounts.
At the time I first saw this product it was only offered in the 9′ x 7′ size but they more recently introduced a 12′ x 9′ foot canopy. The beauty of the vacuum mounts is that we can set up on the Casita as a 12 x 9 and if the campsite or view would be better with a 9 x 12 we just move the mount. Check out our MoonShade XL
It looks like it was made for the Casita!!
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We moved the campsite picnic table to be under our shade and can completely cover the Casita door. The canopy extends a full 10 feet away from the Casita.
We added the lights – Sierra approves.
Look closely – we switched from 12 x 9 to 9 x12
All of the components of the MoonShade XL weigh 18 pounds. And we can set it up or take it down in less than 5 minutes. Serious game changer.
The first time we set up the MoonShade we had steady 14 mph winds and the gusts were 24mph. We used 2 guy lines for each support pole. The setup was rock solid. During a weekend in New Hampshire it rained every day and we never took the MoonShade down. Again, it was literally unmoved by the weather events.
The vacuum mounts have a built in pump to create the holding power. When I found a couple of good spots I used a china marker to draw a circle to identify the positions for the mounts.
Total weight including stakes, poles, canopy, vacuum mounts…..everything you might use – is about 16 pounds.
When it is time to hit the road, everything packs back up into it’s own compact carrying case and stores easily anywhere.
We are finding the MoonShade XL is the best accessory for our new Casita adventures.
If you are interested in getting your own MoonShade, please use our affiliate link and save yourself $30