What Is A Caravan Awning?

What Is A Caravan Awning?

All you need to know about a Caravan Awning and were afraid to ask! 

This is a series of articles about "things I didn't know when I started Caravanning". Before we bought a caravan, I didn't even know they had legs? Don't worry; I'll cover that elsewhere :-) Brace yourself as it's probably the most expensive of caravan accessories

Caravan Awning. Awning Rail.

Around the edge of a caravan you might have noticed something. It runs the whole length of the caravan and in some cases it's on

both sides. It's called an awning rail and is where you attach your awning to the caravan, it slides in.

You can see it on the photo here, just a rail, or even a groove. The awning slides into the groove and attaches it to the caravan. It can be quite a tight fit, so you might need something called Awning Rail Lubricant. Yes, I know it sounds awful, but spraying it in the rail makes it slide in easier. I do apologise for the innuendo; it's not my style to act like I'm on "Carry On Caravanning", but sometimes it's unavoidable.

So, there's the awning rail, in all its glory, so what is it you attach to this rail exactly? Well, it's called an awning, it looks a lot like a tent. It's usually what non-caravanning people call it.

"Oh I like your tent".

"It's not a tent, madame; it's an awning."

"Well, I never. Is it easy to erect?"

You see, I'm at it again. It could be impossible to do a serious item about caravanning without lapsing into innuendo.

Awning Manufacturers

• Isabella Awnings
• Kampa Awnings
• Ventura Awnings
• Sunncamp Awnings
• Vango Awnings
• Dorema Awnings
• Outwell Awnings
• Prima Awnings

This list is incomplete, but it gives you an idea of how many different makes there are, let alone how many other models!

Types Of Awning

Let us avoid any forms of smut in this part of the article, and it really shouldn't be that difficult.

Porch Awning

These are smaller awnings, ideal for use on a weekend trip away where you want the extra space but don't want it to take too long to put up.

[amazon box = "B078TFZ9ZC"]

Full Awning

We use a full awning, even if we're away for a short time, purely because we don't want to buy two! Full awning can either go the entire length of the caravan, or, as in our case, probably 75% of the caravan's length.

[amazon box = "B07QM7SZQY"]

Within types of awning we should mention here that you can get a "traditional" pole awning, that uses metal, or more likely these days, fibreglass poles. Also, air awnings are available. So, instead of poles, they have air tubes which you inflate. We prefer air awnings, but it's purely a personal preference thing.

Porch awnings are available in air and thinner tent-like flexible poles.

Benefits of an Awning

It doesn't matter what you decide, be it air, pole, porch or full; awnings give you extra space. They also bridge the gap between the inside and outside of the caravan. Muddy boots can be left in the awning. Dogs can be dried in there, and everything you don't want in the caravan can be kept there.

We put chairs and BBQ in the awning before we go out. A zip only secures it, but out of sight, out of mind. It also keeps things dry when it's raining.

We use our Air awning all year and all the time.

We have a Kampa Air Awning similar to the ones below.

[amazon box = B01M4NOJVW,B078XH8GR3]

They may look expensive, but we always use them and wouldn't be without them.

Awning Accessories

Once purchased, there is no end of awning accessories to buy. In addition, you'll find some awning accessories elsewhere on the site.

FAQs

Do caravan awnings fit all caravans?

They do come in different sizes and shapes, and getting one that fits your caravan correctly is essential. Not all awnings are universal, and they may not fit all caravans. The size and shape of your caravan and the type of awning you choose will determine if it will fit your caravan. Some are specifically designed for particular caravan models, while others are more flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate different caravans. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specifications of the awning you plan to buy to ensure it will fit your caravan.

Factors such as the height, length, and shape of your caravan can affect the fit of your awning.   awnings come in different heights, and ensuring that the awning height matches your caravan's height is essential. The length of your caravan will also determine the length of the awning you need. Moreover, the shape of your caravan can also affect the fit of your awning. Some caravans have curved or sloping roofs, which may require an awning with specific features to fit properly. In conclusion, not all awnings fit all caravans, and it is crucial to select an awning that matches the size and shape of your caravan to ensure a perfect fit.

What is the easiest to put up?

When erecting, some are easier to assemble than others. Generally, inflatable awnings are the easiest caravan awnings to put up. These awnings feature inflatable tubes that can be quickly and easily inflated using a pump, saving you the hassle of inserting poles and struggling with complicated setup instructions. Inflatable awnings are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport and store. Furthermore, they are relatively easy to take down and pack away, making them ideal for frequent travellers who want a quick and easy setup.
Another type of awning that is easy to put up is a pop-up awning. These awnings are designed to be assembled in just a few minutes and require minimal effort. They feature a flexible frame that pops up into place, and then you can quickly secure the awning to the ground using pegs and guy ropes. Pop-up awnings are also lightweight and easy to store and transport, making them an excellent option for those who frequently move from place to place. Overall, inflatable and pop-up awnings are the easiest to put up and are an excellent option for those who want a hassle-free camping experience.

Are caravan awnings worth it?

Whether or not caravan awnings are worth it depends on your needs and preferences. They offer several benefits, including additional living space, protection from the sun and rain, and increased privacy. With an awning, you can create an outdoor living area that feels like an extension of your caravan, providing more room for socializing and relaxing. Moreover, awnings can be a great way to protect yourself from the elements, providing shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain. Awnings can also help increase privacy, allowing you to relax in peace without worrying about onlookers.
However, caravan awnings also come with some disadvantages. They can be expensive, and depending on the size and type of awning, they can be challenging to set up and take down. Additionally, some campsites charge extra fees for using an awning. Therefore, it is essential to consider your budget and camping style when deciding if it's worth it for you. Overall, they can be worthwhile if you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to increase your living space while camping.

How do I know what awning will fit my caravan?

Finding the right awning for your caravan can be a daunting task, but there are several things you can do to ensure a perfect fit. The first step is to measure your caravan's length and height and the rail's length. This information will help you determine the size of awning you need. It's also essential to consider the shape of your caravan. Some caravans have curved or sloping roofs, which may require a specially designed awning to fit correctly. Therefore, checking the manufacturer's specifications is crucial and ensuring that the awning you choose matches your caravan's shape and size.

Another way to determine what awning will fit your caravan is to consult a caravan dealer or manufacturer. They can provide expert advice on which awnings are compatible with your caravan and may even have a list of recommended awnings that will fit your caravan perfectly. Additionally, some manufacturers offer custom-made awnings tailored to fit your caravan precisely. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you choose an awning that fits your caravan perfectly and provides you with additional living space and protection from the elements that you need while camping.

Range of Awnings

Caravan awnings are a great addition to any caravan as they provide additional living space and protection from the elements. They come in a range of sizes and styles to suit different caravans and personal preferences. Awnings can be attached to the side of the caravan, creating an enclosed outdoor area that can be used for dining, relaxing or storing equipment. This extra space is particularly useful for families or groups who need more room than the caravan itself can provide. Caravan awnings can also be used as a sleeping area, providing extra accommodation for guests or children.

When choosing an awning, there are a few factors to consider such as size, material, and ease of use. The size of the awning should be determined by the size of the caravan and the number of people who will be using it. The material should be durable and waterproof to protect against rain and wind. Ease of use is also important, as the awning should be easy to set up and take down, especially for those who are new to caravanning. With the right awning, caravan holidays can be made even more comfortable and enjoyable, allowing for more time spent outdoors in a sheltered and comfortable environment.

Don't forget to visit MySiteFinder.com for your next perfect caravan or campsite.