Every vehicle awning gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Awnings are grouped by shape, side and 180 or 270 degree, and the value and coverage scales are set for each shape.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per square foot of shade | 30% |
| Coverage | square feet of shade | 20% |
| Fabric | waterproof rating of the fabric | 15% |
| Weight | weight per square foot of shade | 10% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 25% |
Where the numbers come from
Coverage, size, fabric, waterproof rating, weight and warranty come from the maker’s product page, spec sheet, fitting instructions or manual. Metric figures are converted to feet, square feet and pounds. Prices are checked at Amazon and the maker’s own store, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the square feet of shade, on a log scale, so halving the price per square foot always counts the same. For side awnings $16 per sq ft scores zero and $2.50 full marks; for 180 and 270 degree awnings $25 per sq ft scores zero and $3 full marks.
Coverage is the maker’s published shaded area. For side awnings 20 sq ft scores zero and 70 sq ft full marks; for 180 and 270 degree awnings 50 sq ft scores zero and 150 sq ft full marks. When a maker gives only the length and depth of a side awning, the area is length times depth, and value, coverage and weight are marked estimated.
Fabric is the hydrostatic head of the fabric or its coating, the height of water column it holds back before leaking: 800 mm scores zero and 5000 mm full marks.
Weight is the awning’s weight divided by its square feet of shade, so a large awning isn’t marked down just for being large: 0.8 lb per sq ft scores zero and 0.3 lb full marks, for both shapes.
Warranty is the maker’s warranty: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks. Where the fabric and the frame are covered for different terms, the fabric warranty is used.
What isn’t scored
How far a wing awning sweeps (180 or 270 degrees), the length and depth of a side awning (apart from working out coverage), the fabric’s name and weight, the UPF rating, whether a wing stands without poles, whether walls or a room are sold for it and the release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. The exception is warranty: a maker that doesn’t publish one gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero, the same as the shortest warranty on the scale, and is marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.