For day rides, I rarey use the awning. If I'm packing in on the horses, I rarely use the awning.  But when I camp at the trailer I use the awning.  I primative camp with my trailer 8-10 times a summer.  I like the awnings to protect the area right outside the door.

I don't cook much inside the trailer ( except for microwave) So any cooking on a grills or stove I do outside under the awing. Just set up a folding table and thats my kitchen.

Chairs or even a cot are set up under the awning in the shade.  My wife doesn't ride. So if she comes with me and my daughters, She sits in a chair under the awning and reads. It's too crowded to get every body inside the trailer. The awning becomes our living space.

In the mountains we can always expect a storm to pass over. The awning keeps the area in front of the trailer door dry, So I don't track as much dirt inside. Gives me a dry place to put on or take off my boots. Shake off a rain slicker.

You will have to look at how you camp and decide if you would use it.

I agree with Flyingfarm. We use our awning every time we use the trailer, except when it might be damaged by wind. When it rains, it keeps the mud away from the trailer, when it's sunny, it creates a large, outdoor, shaded space. Any  outdoor activities end or begin under the awning.

When we trailer with company, often times we will match our awnings side to side, to create a larger covered space in which we congregate. Awnings greatly add to your comfort level, and are well worth their cost.

Gard

Don't know how we got along with out ours, use it every trip  you will be surprised how much you will use it

I have one on my stock combo and use it every time I go camping with it.  I have used it on day rides when the sun is beating down and we want to socialize afterwards.  Mine is a Fiesta and in 2 min. I am set up.  I got a LQ this year without an awning and I missed my awning alot.  I will have one installed this spring. It actually makes it cooler in the trailer with the breeze and keeps the rain and mud out.

You don't say where you are located.  If you are in an area with high daytime temps, it sure is nice to have the shade from the awning available to get out of the sun and to keep shade on your trailer, keeping the inside cooler. 

I am ultra-conservative and roll my awning up at the first sign of wind.   Had one torn once in the wind and they are spendy to replace.  That is the only downside.

Besides shade, they are great for keeping a dry area right outside your trailer door.   Everyone has shared some really good points.

You will appreciate it when you have it, but you sure don't have to use it if the weather is questionable. 

I have friends that have awnings. Seem to be a good deal of trouble and if you're parked between trees when camping, you can't always put it where you want it. And, it seems like sometimes they have to manuver to get the awning on the "correct" side - i.e., whichever way the sun is shining in the afternoon.

I have an old pop-up canopy that has been very handy. I can move it where I need it to be. Sometimes that means up close to the arena during 4H and high school events; other times in front of the truck/trailer, and sometimes right next to the trailer on the sunny side - whichever side that may be.

Since setting up booths at the big shows, I have become a pro at putting awnings in and out, so I use mine regular!!! I love it!! Just a note its good to put your awning out every few months and let it dry, and you can also apply a conditioner to it to keep it from dry rotting... If you use it at a show and it gets wet,, when you get home and the weather clears, pull that awning out and let it dry good... I learned the hard way! Dan

We use our awning all the time on our LQ trailer and consider it a mandatory option. 

But, I rarely use one on the run around  non LQ trailer that is hardly ever used for anything more than delivery, day riding or short trips.  Although, we never use the non LQ for camping, it is still an option we like to have on it in case we need it. In fact, I have not even thought to get one installed on it yet and we have had the trailer since May. I guess I need to get it on the to do list.

I use mine almost every time I go to an endurance ride... only exception is very windy weekends.  I think it's a 2-step... one of the cheaper models offered by Carefree.  What's different about the "older models" that make them resist wind better?   What product can I use to remove the mildew that has developed over time?

Don't forget to look for a light-weight piece of indoor-outdoor carpet (we stripped the back off ours).  An awning does add an entire room to the LQ.  But you do have to be ready to tear it down in an instant with high winds.  One good way to stabilize your awning is by tying full five- or seven-gallon jugs of water to each corner to anchor it.  Forget those goofy little stakes they provide.

Also, when camping with family or friends in the rainy season or in tight quarters, we pull just close enough together to put one awning slightly over the other and have a really big place for everyone to sit, eat, dry off tack or whatever!  And don't skimp on the size (although I might stop short of adding that middle post).