If you’re seeking to expand outdoor living space for a travel trailer, a dedicated screen room is often the best solution. These enclosures create a bug-free, shaded porch area that works with most awnings. This guide highlights five top options that fit standard RV awnings, explaining who each is best for and why. The featured products emphasize durable materials, easy setup, and practical sizing for family trips, weekend camping, or full-time travel. Use the comparison table below to quickly compare size, fit, and key benefits before you buy.
Summary table of selected products
- ShadePro Base Camp 19ft — Best for larger travel trailers needing extra interior space under the awning.
- ShadePro Base Camp 16ft — Best for mid-sized trailers with standard awning rails.
- CAREFREE Vacation’r 16–17ft — Best for lightweight setups with easy extension and universal fit.
- CAREFREE Vacation’r 18–19ft — Best for longer awnings and roomy entrances with simple setup.
- DMH Outdoors Screen House 13x9ft — Best for extra shade and ventilation in family-friendly campsites.
ShadePro Base Camp RV Awning Screen Room 19 Feet
Best for large travel trailers needing extra enclosed space under the awning. This screen room fits most straight-sided trailers with awning rail to ground dimensions of 100″ to 124″, with side panels tailored to match your awning pitch. The structure uses heavy-duty vinyl and includes privacy panels and sturdy zippers. Front panel sizing is determined by measuring awning center-to-center of arms and awning rail to ground for pitch. Cautions include ensuring the front panel size matches your specific awning setup for a snug fit.
Why it’s selected: It offers a generous footprint for outdoor dining and lounging, with custom-made side panels to align with your awning’s slope. This makes it a strong option for families who want a dedicated, bug-free outdoor room that remains stable in variable wind conditions from a travel trailer canopy.
ShadePro Base Camp RV Awning Screen Room 16 Feet
Best for mid-sized trailers needing a compact, quick-to-setup add-on under the awning. This model mirrors the 19-foot version but in a 16-foot footprint, with heavy-duty vinyl, privacy panels, and custom side panels to match your awning pitch. Front panel sizing is determined by measuring arm-to-arm and pitch from rail to ground. Cautions include potential fit variance on non-standard awnings; verify your measurements before ordering.
Why it’s selected: It balances size and portability, making it ideal for smaller families or couples who still want a true outdoor room without overwhelming space under the RV’s canopy.
CAREfree Vacation’r Screen Room 16′ to 17′ Awning
Best for lightweight setups that are easy to install and remove. This model fits awning rail to ground measurements from 86″ to 150″, accommodating various traditional and 12-volt patio awnings with an 8-foot extension. Made from durable, lightweight materials, it offers quick access and straightforward setup. A limitation to consider is potential compatibility with very tall or unusually pitched awnings.
Why it’s selected: Its simplicity and flexibility suit weekend campers who frequently move sites or detach the room for travel days, while still delivering a comfortable, sun-protected outdoor space.
CAREfree Vacation’r Screen Room 18′ to 19′ Awning
Best for longer awnings requiring more interior space. This Vacation’r screen room fits awning rail to ground measurements of 86″ to 150″ and supports similar lightweight construction with an 8-foot extension. It’s designed for easy setup and is appropriate for families who want a larger sheltered area without a complex installation. Limitation: longer models may require more storage space when collapsed.
DMH Outdoors Screen House Tent 13x9ft
Best for substantial shade and airflow in family-oriented campsites. The DMH Outdoors screen house measures 13 ft by 9 ft with a 7.5 ft center height, providing nearly 120 square feet of enclosed shade. It features all-around mesh for ventilation and a top material that offers sun protection. A caveat is that this is a standalone tent-style shelter, not an RV-specific awning attachment, so installation may differ from dedicated RV screen rooms.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing an RV screen room?
- Check your awning rail-to-ground height (pitch) and measure arm-to-arm distances to ensure a proper front-panel size. Some models fit only specific awning brands or rail types.
- Heavy-duty vinyl and marine-grade fabrics resist weather and wear. Look for sturdy zippers and reinforced seams for long-term use.
- All-around mesh panels improve airflow, while top shade helps keep temperatures comfortable on sunny days.
- Magnetic or simple hook-and-loop closures speed assembly and breakdown, a key factor for frequent campsite changes.
- Lighter options are easier to transport and store in a trailer’s overhead or cargo area.
- Larger screen rooms provide more interior space but require more storage and setup time; smaller ones are quick to deploy but offer less room.
FAQ
- What is the best screen room for a large travel trailer? The ShadePro Base Camp 19 ft provides the most interior space and tailored side panels to match awning pitch, making it a strong choice for larger trailers.
- Can I use a screen room with any awning? Most models fit standard straight-sided RVs and a range of awning rails, but always verify rail-to-ground measurements and arm-to-arm dimensions before purchasing.
- Are magnetic entry options better for pets? Magnetic doors provide hands-free access, which can be convenient for pets and kids moving in and out of the space.
- Is a screen house a good alternative to a screen room? A screen house offers shade and ventilation but is typically a separate shelter rather than an RV-specific awning attachment, so it may require different anchoring and setup.
- How do I know which size to choose? Measure your awning’s center-to-center arm distance and the distance from awning rail to the ground to determine the correct front panel size and overall footprint.