"But the second choice is the cheapest on the market, the Shady Boy.  Several friends
have them and are happy with them."

The cheapest awning on the market is the bus depot awning at $119. One consideration not mentioned is the fact the gutter rail that the awning attaches to is only 6 feet tall, and if you want water to drain that means your awning is going to be lower at the furthest edge from the van. If you're taller than 6 feet, it can get pretty cramped under the awning. This is where the bus depot dome shaped awning really excels. Is it as convenient as being able to crank out the awning?, heck no, but you do tend to get what you pay for. The BD awning can be assembled in about five minutes though. Of course the subject was "best" awning, but best can be subjective too.

Troy