Moon Fabrications MoonShade

If you don't have one already attached, this is the one to get!

We recently downsized our travel trailer to an R-Pod 171. Lots to talk about there but the bonus was finding a MoonShade included with the new trailer. The 171 doesn't come with an awning but the dealer did add the MoonShade and what a pleasant surprise it's been! I think I like it better than the old roll-out awning we had. 

The MoonShade uses a more tent-like design with crossing poles on the top, suction cups for the vehicle, and adjustable poles on the outside. Each pole comes with two guy lines with line locks. It's proven very sturdy in the winds of southern Idaho. It has weathered a couple of very heavy rains and come through with flying colors. 

I thought the suction cups would be a weak point but they do their job securing the awning to the trailer and, once on, they don't come off. It takes about 5 minutes to put it on...longer than to roll out the awning but then again, once it's set up and staked out, I don't have to worry. I can go away for the day or go to sleep at night and not have to worry about the wind or weather.

We use this one on our trailer but they can be used on any vehicle. We have the 7' x 9' version and it's also available in an XL 9' x 12' if you have a larger vehicle or camper. There is a center pole included and it could be used as a standalone shelter with extra poles and guy lines. I don't see us having that need but it might work for some.

The retail cost of the small one is $500 and it might seem a bit spendy but the construction and materials are top shelf and I wouldn't have minded paying extra for it. Okay, well, I probably did anyway. The bottom line is this is a quality product that looks and feels like one will be all you ever need to buy.

PS: After spending some time on the company website, I discovered that they offer a variety of rail attachments, including one that is specific for a Sprinter van. There are other rail options as well as some more permanent fixtures. They do offer some very robust stakes as well. If your trailer or van has a rail, it'd be worth measuring to see if the rail attachment is a better option. Our R-Pod has no rail, so suction cups it is...and like I said, they work pretty dang well.

Background

First time with this kind of awning.