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How to choose a caravan awning?

Published in Caravan Awnings 5 mins read

Choosing the right caravan awning involves a thoughtful assessment of several critical factors to ensure it perfectly complements your travel style and caravan. You should carefully consider the size and style that best suits your needs, the materials used and their durability, how easy it is to set up and maintain, and the specific features and benefits offered by various brands.

Key Considerations for Your Caravan Awning

Selecting a caravan awning is a significant decision that impacts your comfort, convenience, and overall caravanning experience. By focusing on the following aspects, you can make an informed choice.

1. Size and Style

The dimensions and design of your awning are paramount for both fit and function.

Determining the Right Size

To ensure a perfect fit, you need to measure your caravan accurately:

  • "A-Measurement": This is crucial for full awnings. It's the length from the ground, up the caravan's awning rail, and back down to the ground. Use a piece of string to measure this arc, as it dictates the awning's fit along your caravan.
  • Awning Rail Length: For porch awnings, measure the flat, horizontal section of your awning rail where the awning will attach. Ensure there are no windows or doors obstructing this section.
  • Projection: Consider how far out you want the awning to extend from your caravan. This impacts the available floor space.
  • Height: Measure from the ground to the base of your awning rail to ensure the awning's height matches your caravan.

Choosing a Style

Different awning styles cater to various needs and usage patterns:

  • Full Awnings:
    • Pros: Provide maximum living space, ideal for longer stays and larger families. Offers significant storage and living areas.
    • Cons: Heavier, more complex to erect, and take up more storage space.
  • Porch Awnings:
    • Pros: Smaller and lighter than full awnings, easier to pitch, and perfect for weekend trips or adding a quick entranceway.
    • Cons: Limited space compared to full awnings.
  • Inflatable Awnings:
    • Pros: Extremely quick and easy to set up using air beams instead of poles, often lighter, and robust.
    • Cons: Can be more expensive, and a puncture requires repair.
  • Traditional Pole Awnings:
    • Pros: Generally more affordable, very stable in strong winds when pitched correctly, and durable.
    • Cons: Can be more time-consuming and challenging to erect due to multiple poles.

2. Materials and Durability

The material of your awning directly influences its longevity, weather resistance, and weight.

Material Type Characteristics Pros Cons Best For
Polyester Synthetic, often coated for waterproofing. Lightweight, quick-drying, affordable, UV resistant. Less breathable, can be noisy in wind. Short trips, touring, warmer climates.
Acrylic Synthetic, solution-dyed fibres. Excellent colour fastness, breathable, durable, UV resistant. More expensive, heavier than polyester. Longer stays, hot climates, permanent pitching.
Cotton Blend / Canvas Natural fibres (or mix) with breathable qualities. Highly breathable, quiet in wind, durable. Heavy, prone to mildew if not dried properly. Cooler climates, classic look, long-term use.

3. Ease of Setup and Maintenance

Consider how much effort you're willing to put into pitching and caring for your awning.

Setup

  • Inflatable Awnings: Typically involve simply sliding the awning into the rail and then inflating the air beams with a pump. They are usually the quickest to erect.
  • Pole Awnings: Require assembling a frame of poles and threading them through sleeves, which can be more intricate and time-consuming, especially for full awnings.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance extends your awning's lifespan:

  • Cleaning: Regular cleaning with warm water and a soft brush is usually sufficient. Avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Drying: Always ensure your awning is completely dry before packing it away to prevent mould and mildew.
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in its original bag, away from direct sunlight.

4. Features and Benefits

Modern awnings come with a variety of features that enhance their functionality and user comfort.

  • Windows and Ventilation: Large windows provide light, while mesh panels or dedicated vents improve airflow and reduce condensation.
  • Annexes: Optional extensions that create extra sleeping, storage, or living space.
  • Integrated Groundsheets: Some awnings include sewn-in groundsheets for a fully enclosed, draught-free space.
  • Zips and Doors: High-quality, robust zips are essential for durability. Multiple door options offer flexible entry/exit points.
  • Draught Skirts and Wheel Arch Covers: These prevent cold air from entering the awning from under the caravan.
  • Internal Blinds/Curtains: For privacy and sun protection.
  • Gussets and Storm Straps: Enhance stability in windy conditions.

5. Brand Reputation and Offerings

Different brands specialize in various awning types and offer unique innovations and quality levels. Researching reputable brands and reading user reviews can provide insights into their product quality, customer service, and specific features. Consider what each brand has to offer in terms of warranty, spare parts, and design aesthetics.

Practical Tips for Selection

  • Frequency of Use: If you tour frequently, opt for an easy-to-pitch porch or inflatable awning. For seasonal pitching or long stays, a full awning might be more suitable.
  • Climate: In sunny, hot climates, breathable materials like acrylic are better. For wet or cold conditions, waterproof polyester with good sealing is ideal.
  • Budget: Awnings vary significantly in price. Determine your budget early and balance it against desired features and quality.
  • Storage Space: Consider the packed size and weight of the awning, especially if you have limited storage in your caravan or home.

By carefully evaluating these points, you can choose a caravan awning that not only fits your caravan but also enhances your overall caravanning experience, providing comfort, space, and shelter wherever your adventures take you.