What Is A Caravan Awning?
All you need to know about a Caravan Awning and were afraid to ask!Â
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.
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.
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.
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
- Fits Caravan Heights from 235 to 250 cm
- Floor Area 390 x 240 cm
- 75D Polyester Material
- Fibreglass and Steel Frame
- Weight 11.5 kg Approx.
- Sunncamp Swift Copia Deluxe 260 Caravan Awning. Lightweight touring Porch awning
- Includes rear protection pads
- Pack size 78 x 22 x 22cm
- Weight 6.8kg
- Height Range 235 – 250cm
- Caravan Heights 235 to 250cm
- Ground Size 325 x 240cm
- Material 75D Polyester
- Frame Fibreglass and Steel
- Weight 7.7 kg Approx.
- Sunncamp Swift 220 Deluxe Caravan Awning
- Brand : Sunncamp
- Product type: AWNING
- Clear
![Lichfield Dakota Caravan Inflatable Air Awning, Excalibur, 4m [Amazon Exclusive], 150D Waterproof Polyester with PVC Draught Skirt, Rock Pegs and Storm Straps](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xURoxCDoL._SL75_.jpg)
- Lichfield AirOdyssey inflatable technology allows for pole free pitching and easy erection on the caravan site (double action pump included)
- 150 D polyester fabric – waterproof, durable and reliable fabric that will keep you dry and comfortable and at 150 D it increases strength and keeps weight low
- All seams are factory taped which provides a watertight seal and the Lichfield airflow ventilation panels create a comfortable flow of air through the awning which significantly reduces condensation
- Side doors and a curved front door give multiple access options which can be unzipped at the top for enhanced ventilation
- Supplied with a foam draught pad for a neat fit, adjustable rear support poles, PVC draught skirt and two wheel arch covers, webbing storm straps, steel rock pegs and mallet and a double action AirOdyssey pump
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.
*Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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