An awning system for a recreational vehicle (RV) includes a bowed flexible panel inserted between upper and lower rails mounted above an RV door or window. An upper edge of an awning panel is inserted between the flexible panel and the upper rail, and rests on the flexible panel, extending outward at an oblique angle, which can be adjusted by a spacer. The awning panel upper edge can include a retention bead cooperative with a J-shaped upper rail to enhance panel retention. The awning panel can include upper and lower segments joined by a hinge and maintained in alignment by a hinge return spring, and by panel stops that prevent over-rotation about the hinge. Extended length rails can enable offset mounting of awning panels and/or mounting of extended width awning panels. Shade panes can extend downward from the front and/or side edges of the awning panel.