Looking for extra living space for your fifth wheel? The right add-a-room can extend your camping comfort by creating a shaded, bug-free lounge or dining area that blends with your RV’s awning. This guide highlights five top add-a-room products, tailored for different trailer sizes and user needs. The selections are ideal for families, frequent campers, and long-haul travelers who want extra outdoor living space without compromising wind protection or privacy.
Here’s a quick summary of the featured products to help you compare at a glance. The table lists the product name, primary use, compatible awning range, and who it’s best for.
| Product | Best for | Compatible Awning Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solera Family Room RV Awning Screen Room | Families needing weatherproof screening | 10’–21′ manual or power awnings | Polyester fabric; compatible with Solera, Dometic, Carefree |
| ShadePro Base Camp RV Awning Screen Room | Travel trailers seeking quick install | 10′ outdoor space under RV awning | Designed for family use under standard awnings |
| Carefree Vacation’r Screen Room | Budget-conscious campers with 14’–15′ awnings | 14’–15′ awnings | Simple, lighter option for fair-weather camping |
| EQUUS LTD Add A Room 19′ | Owners needing larger enclosure | 19′ awning | White vinyl enclosure; designed for stable weather protection |
| Adco Polar White 5th Wheel Skirt | RVers seeking wind/insulation around whole rig | 5th wheel skirt for cold-weather use | Not an add-a-room, but complements room enclosures for winter use |
Solera Family Room RV Awning Screen Room
Best for families needing a durable, weatherproof screen room that can fit 10′ to 21′ awnings. The Solera design uses polyester fabric that resists wear and is suitable for frequent outdoor use. This product is chosen for its broad compatibility with common RV brands like Solera, Dometic, and Carefree, enabling straightforward integration with many fifth wheels. A potential limitation is fabric wear over time in harsh sun, so plan for occasional replacement or maintenance checks.
ShadePro Base Camp RV Awning Screen Room
Useful for travelers who want a quick-to-set-up space under their travel trailer’s awning. This option emphasizes portability and family-friendly design, making it a good choice for weekend trips or seasonal camping. Choose this if you need a more compact footprint that’s easy to deploy. A caveat: ensure your awning rail and furniture fit within the 10-foot space to avoid crowding or instability in windy conditions.
Carefree Vacation’r Screen Room
Best for campers with 14’–15′ awnings who want an affordable, straightforward enclosure. The Vacation’r Screen Room emphasizes ease of use and lightweight construction, making it a practical choice for seasonal sites or moderate weather. Note that larger families may find the 14’–15′ range a bit tight if you add multiple chairs or a dining setup; plan layout accordingly.
EQUUS LTD Add A Room 19′
Best for owners who want a larger enclosure. The 19′ Add-A-Room from EQUUS LTD provides extended coverage for bigger fifth wheels, offering more space for dining, lounging, or gear storage. It’s an appropriate pick when you need extra perimeter space to separate porch furniture or to create a dedicated play area for kids. A limitation to consider is the need for a longer mounting length and more secure anchoring in windy conditions.
Adco Polar White 5th Wheel Skirt
Best for RV owners who want wind protection and insulation around a fifth wheel, complementing any add-a-room setup. While not a traditional add-a-room, the Adco skirt helps reduce drafts under the vehicle and can contribute to a cleaner, more energy-efficient camping environment. Avoid this option if you only need immediate living-space expansion; it serves best as an ancillary accessory for climate control and aerodynamics.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 5th Wheel Add-A-Rooms
What size is right for your trailer? Measure your awning length and the available clearance beneath it. Look for rooms advertised as compatible with your awning size to ensure a snug fit and stable setup.
What fabric and build quality matter? Polyester fabrics are common for durability and weather resistance. Consider UV resistance, water shedding, and ease of cleaning. A sturdy frame and reinforced corners reduce sagging and wind drift.
How easy is installation and removal? Some models emphasize quick setup with minimal tools, while others require more hands-on assembly. If you camp solo or in adverse weather, a model with clear instructions and lighter components is preferable.
Is it compatible with your brand ecosystem? Many add-a-room products list compatibility with Solera, Dometic, Carefree, or generic rails. Ensure your existing hardware aligns with the product’s attachment method and rails.
How does wind and weather management work? Look for features like improved ventilation, integrated screens to reduce insects, and weatherproof seams. Consider storage solutions for off-season posts and fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of an add-a-room for a fifth wheel?
To create additional shaded, protected living space adjoining the awning area, extending outdoor comfort without adding a standalone structure.
Can I use any add-a-room with any fifth wheel?
No. Check the awning length, rail type, and attachment method of your RV before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Are these rooms weatherproof?
Most are designed for general weather protection and insect screening; check fabric specs, seams, and overlap areas for rain exposure or wind tolerance.
What should I consider for seasonal camping?
Consider larger enclosures for more living space, combined with a wind shield or skirt to improve climate control and energy efficiency around the RV.
Do I need professional installation?
Most add-a-room products are designed for DIY installation, but complex setups or larger rooms may benefit from professional assistance to ensure secure anchoring.