Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ Review

What Makes the Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ Click?

The Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ offers a practical and effective solution for enhancing outdoor living space, particularly for RV owners. Its primary function is to create a bug-free and shaded extension to your existing awning, turning a simple patio into a comfortable gathering area. This particular model, designed for a 20-foot awning, aims to maximize usable space and improve comfort through its material and design.

My need for this product arose from a growing frustration with biting insects during our extended camping trips. While the awning provided shade, it offered little protection from mosquitoes and no-see-ums, forcing us inside prematurely or requiring constant application of repellents. I was looking for a way to reclaim those pleasant evenings outdoors.

First impressions of the Solera screen room are quite positive, with a sturdy-looking material and straightforward construction that suggests durability. It feels like a well-thought-out accessory that aims to solve a common problem without unnecessary complexity. I briefly considered a full tent-like structure, but the desire to maintain the open-air feel of the RV site steered me toward a screen room.

The initial feeling upon seeing the packaged unit was one of anticipation, hoping it would finally deliver on the promise of peaceful evenings outdoors.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ to the Test

First Use Experience

I set up the Solera screen room for the first time at a local state park campground, on a site with a mature shade tree and a moderate mosquito population that typically emerges in the late afternoon. The setup process, while requiring a bit of coordination, was manageable for two people. It attached seamlessly to our RV’s existing awning rail, and the poles were intuitive to assemble.

Performance in the first few hours was excellent. The screen effectively kept out all but the smallest flying insects, allowing us to enjoy dinner and conversation without constant swatting. The neutral tan color did seem to help keep the interior cooler than I’d expected, especially compared to darker materials I’d seen on other RV accessories.

Ease of use was a pleasant surprise; while instructions were included, the design itself guided the setup process quite effectively. The only minor quirk was ensuring the bottom edge was properly anchored to prevent small critters from crawling underneath, which required a bit of careful positioning of our outdoor mats.

Overall, the initial experience was one of immediate relief and satisfaction, a significant improvement over our previous setups.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weekend trips and a two-week extended stay, the Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ has held up remarkably well. It’s become an indispensable part of our camping setup, and we rarely leave home without it now. The frequent setup and takedown have shown no significant signs of wear and tear on the fabric or the frame components.

Durability has been a strong suit. The polypropylene fabric has resisted snags from branches and the general rigors of campsite life, and I haven’t noticed any stiffness or degradation in the material. Critically, it continues to perform its core function of insect deterrence flawlessly.

Maintenance has been straightforward. After muddy campsite experiences, a simple hose-down and air-dry are usually sufficient. Storing it rolled up in its included bag is compact and keeps it protected until the next adventure. I haven’t encountered any specific issues requiring special care, which is a testament to its robust design.

Compared to some cheaper, generic screen enclosures I’ve seen friends use, this unit feels significantly more robust and better engineered. It’s a clear step up from budget options, and the investment feels justified by its longevity and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′

Specifications

The Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ is designed to fit most 10′-21′ manual and power awnings, offering flexibility for a wide range of RVs. It specifically accommodates awnings with an 8′ extension and is compatible with Solera, Carefree, and Dometic brands, provided the measurement from the center of one awning arm to the center of the other aligns with the room’s requirements. The room itself is constructed from a neutral tan material, which the manufacturer suggests aids in temperature regulation by absorbing less light than darker colors.

This specification is crucial because it directly dictates compatibility and the usable area provided. The neutral tan material is an interesting design choice; while it might not be as visually striking as vibrant colors, its purported thermal benefits for keeping the space cooler are a practical advantage for extended outdoor use. The fact that it doesn’t interfere with the rain dump feature of a 12V DC Powered Awning is a significant detail for those with powered systems, preventing water backup.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ is to keep bugs out while allowing airflow, and it excels at both. The fine mesh provides an effective barrier against mosquitoes, flies, and other common biting insects, transforming our RV patio into a true outdoor living room. Airflow is generally very good, creating a pleasant breeze through the enclosure, especially when the RV door is open.

A notable strength is the ease with which it integrates with the awning. The attachment points are well-designed, and once secured, it feels stable and secure. Its biggest weakness, though minor, is that it does require a bit of careful staking or securing at the bottom to completely prevent smaller crawling insects from finding their way in.

It comfortably meets expectations for its intended purpose, offering a significant upgrade in outdoor comfort without the hassle of traditional tent setup. The value it provides in extending usable living space at our campsite is substantial.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Solera screen room is evident in its sturdy fabric and the durable frame components. The neutral tan fabric has a good feel to it, not overly flimsy, suggesting it can handle exposure to the elements. The overall construction feels solid and well-engineered, giving confidence in its longevity.

Ergonomically, the design is practical. The entrance is wide enough for easy passage, and the zippered panels allow for flexible access and ventilation control. There’s a slight learning curve in getting the tension just right during setup to ensure a taut fit, but it’s quickly mastered.

Practical design details like the reinforced attachment points and the inclusion of all necessary installation hardware contribute to a user-friendly experience. The overall feel is one of a product designed with the end-user’s convenience in mind, minimizing frustration during setup and use.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extended testing, this screen room appears built to last for several seasons of regular use. The heavy-duty fabric and robust frame suggest good resistance to UV exposure and typical wear and tear associated with outdoor equipment. I anticipate it will remain functional for the long haul.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe-down or rinse with a hose is usually sufficient to keep it clean. Storing it properly rolled and protected in its carrying bag will undoubtedly prolong its life and maintain its appearance. I haven’t identified any obvious weak points or recurring failure modes.

Potential concerns are minimal; like any fabric structure exposed to the elements, extreme weather conditions could pose a risk, but for its intended use as a bug shelter, it’s very robust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ comes with all the essential installation hardware, including poles, straps, and stakes, meaning it’s ready to go right out of the box. While not strictly accessories, the zippered entry panels offer a degree of customization in how you manage access and ventilation.

There aren’t extensive customization options for this specific model, as it’s designed to integrate with an existing awning. However, its compatibility with a wide range of awning brands means users with different RVs can likely adapt it. The core functionality is its strength, rather than extensive add-on capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′

Who Should Buy Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′?

The Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ is an excellent choice for RV owners who frequently camp in areas with significant insect populations. If you enjoy spending time outdoors at your campsite but are constantly battling mosquitoes or other pests, this screen room will dramatically enhance your experience. It’s perfect for families wanting to extend their usable living space and enjoy evenings outdoors without the annoyance of bugs.

Those who prioritize ease of use and a straightforward setup will also appreciate this model. It’s also a great option for individuals who have a compatible awning and are looking for a reliable, well-made solution without resorting to bulky, separate tent structures.

Anyone looking for an extreme-weather shelter or a highly customizable outdoor room might want to look elsewhere. This product is specifically designed as a bug barrier and shade extension for existing awnings.

For users with compatible awnings, I’d recommend investing in a good set of heavy-duty stakes or potentially some sandbags to ensure the bottom edge is securely sealed against determined critters. A quality outdoor rug can also help seal the base and provide a more comfortable surface.

Conclusion on Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′

The Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ is a well-executed product that effectively solves a common problem for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly RV campers. Its effective insect protection, coupled with a straightforward setup and durable construction, makes it a valuable addition to any campsite. The thoughtful design, including the consideration for awning rain dump features and the temperature-regulating tan material, demonstrates a keen understanding of user needs.

At its price point, the value proposition is strong. You gain a significant increase in comfortable living space at your campsite, which can be priceless during insect-prone seasons. The quality of materials and the overall build suggest a product that will provide many seasons of reliable use.

I would absolutely recommend the Lippert Solera Screen Room 20′ to anyone with a compatible awning looking to reclaim their outdoor living space from annoying insects. It’s a practical, effective, and well-built solution that delivers on its promise.