How do you choose the caravan awning that’s right for you?

To begin, you need to establish some basic criteria, including what you want to use the awning for. Are you looking for helpful cover and weather protection on short trips, or perhaps extra living/sleeping space on full holiday breaks?

Nicky Harding is on hand to talk you through the process of how to choose the caravan awning that’s right for you.

Before you choose a caravan awning…

‘A divorce in a bag’ – that’s the unfortunate handle that’s been attached to the otherwise quite blameless caravan awning.

This is basically the result of years of heated arguments when it comes to putting up your awning. But frankly, these days, the name tag has become a bit outdated.

Today’s awnings are not just designed to be easier to set up, they’re packed with plenty of user-friendly features. They are also great value for money.

So divorce? Holiday romance, more like. In truth, awnings are a brilliant – arguably essential – addition to your caravanning lifestyle, offering you extra living and storage space, or even more bedrooms if you wish.

Awning type and size

It’s obvious, really, but choosing the right size is critical, especially if you’re buying a full awning.

You can read elsewhere about sizing up (it’s not that difficult – manufacturers and specialist dealers can help if you don’t want to do the job yourself).

However, one early decision that you’ll definitely want to make is whether to go for a full or a porch awning.

The former is best for longer-term (seasonal) pitching and/or when you want a draught-free connection to your caravan. The latter will be easier to put up and take down, generally lighter, and can, if required, offer just as much space as the full version.

For a porch awning, you just need measurements for the height and a length that, ideally, won’t impinge on van doors, windows, external lockers and so on. There’s a choice of depths, too.

Awnings are made of a variety of materials, so it’s important to choose wisely, depending on your needs and budget.

This starts with cost-effective ripstop fabric, which is very light and great for weekends but not as UV-stable, so won’t have the same lifespan as some of the heavier-duty acrylics or coated polyesters.

Basically, the higher up the fabric quality scale you go, the heftier the overall weight. Again, that could be something to consider in terms of your caravan’s payload – although you might find you prefer travelling with the packed awning stored in your car.

Pick your poles

This is simply a choice between traditional and inflatable. But it’s fair to say that there’s been a massive swing towards sales of inflatable porch awnings over the past few seasons.

You’ll see for yourself when you go to view the ranges at an awning specialist, such is the proliferation of this type. We’re also starting to see full awnings using inflatable technology.

If you prefer more traditional poles, there’s a choice: steel (strong but heavy), aluminium (not as strong, but noticeably lighter) or glass fibre/carbon (the best are very strong and very lightweight).

Some manufacturers offer customers a choice of pole material for the same model of awning, as well as the option of having increased diameter poles, which provide greater strength and stability.

Why use traditional poles?

  • Separate bags for poles and the awning itself can make packing easier.
  • Easier to take down in terms of expelling unwanted air.
  • Better suited to long-term use, such as seasonal pitching.
  • Often cost less than their inflatable equivalents.

Why use an inflatable?

  • No chance of the poles accidentally causing damage, for example, to your caravan.
  • Perceived as easier to put up.
  • Contemporary designs and features.
  • No worries about accidentally leaving the poles at home.

In practice, traditional poled awnings can be just as easy to put up as inflatables. You still have to thread them through your awning rail (often the trickiest part, but there are tips for making it easier) and peg them out.

Features to look for when choosing a caravan awning

  • Doors and windows. It’s easy to argue you can’t have enough of these, for optimal flexibility, but do ensure you have good access as well as plenty of opportunities to see outside.
  • Pole-free pitching, which is becoming more prevalent with inflatable units. Many use adjustable upright poles to maintain a tight fit to the caravan’s sides, but alternatives are increasingly on offer.
  • Tinted windows are a real bonus – keeping out glare and heat as well as offering extra privacy – especially if weather conditions are particularly hot.
  • Optional extras. You might want – or need – to buy some add-ons, such as groundsheets, carpets, footprints, extra poles (including verandah bars), storm kits, and lighting. Think about an annex, too, in case you’re going to need extra sleeping accommodation and storage. If you feel there’s any chance of the latter at some point in future, make sure you buy an awning that is compatible with such fittings.
  • You don’t have to purchase everything all at once, but shop savvily and look out for ‘bundles’ – awning plus extras at special prices, which can offer great savings compared to buying individual items separately.
  • Unlike the all-in-one nature of an inflatable, the weight of a traditional awning is split between the poles and the canvas, with separate bags for each. It makes them easier to carry as well as store.
  • Ventilation is a critical factor, especially in inflatable units. Look for permanent vents, as well as those that can be closed off; although it’s best to have some permanent flow-through – it helps avert any build-up of condensation (often wrongly throught of as a sign of a leak).
  • Consider adding a roof lining, especially if you’re buying an inflatable. There’s a far higher chance of condensation build-up in this type of awning.
  • Ask the retailer to throw in a set of rock pegs. These are the heaviest-duty pegs you can buy and might come in handy when you’re pitching on hard ground.

Buying secondhand

Caravan dealers often have a stock of pre-owned awnings, which they acquire when vans are traded in. These are usually on offer at attractive prices.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re buying a van (perhaps for the first time) from a retailer, they might offer to include a pre-owned awning in the deal, to help you on your way.

Quality and condition can vary here, but you might get lucky with the perfect choice, and this is an excellent way of finding out what you can expect from your awning purchases in future.

Do note though, the general advice about buying pre-owned awnings is to be wary, unless they are a premium brand.

And apart from the usual warnings associated with buying anything secondhand, do check if the awning is the correct stated size and that all frame parts are present.

Lookout for any signs of mould and whether the fabric has had any recent waterproofing too.

Also, as a little tip, if you’re switching your caravan and think this entails changing your awning, that some full awnings can be altered in size, saving you the cost of buying a new model.

Do your homework

  • Be prepared to do plenty of research before you buy. You can get good advice from your local caravan dealership, and ask other caravanners, too.
  • If you can, go and see the products on display at a specialist retailer or a show before you proceed with any purchase. Depending on the fabrics,  you’ll find that there’s a different ambience inside each awning.
  • As well as information on their websites, most of the larger brands have a YouTube channel, where you can find helpful tips and guidance.
  • Ideally, try putting up your new purchase before going away with it for the first time. This will not only give you greater confidence when you begin setting up your awning ‘in the field’, butt should also ensure that nothing is missing.

And finally…

The addition of an awning can significantly enhance the whole family’s touring experience.

However, it’s very important to take the time to choose the caravan awning that is just right for you and then familiarise yourself with how it works, to avoid stress when you arrive on site.

Don’t forget, also, the awning reviews that feature regularly here on the Practical Caravan website and in the magazine.

Again, though, just because we say that a particular awning is very good, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily right for you. It’s essential to do your research before you make your choice.

One final piece of advice: always check the bags will be big enough to accommodate the awning being repacked – it is going to be bigger and bulkier after being taken out. In fact, it’s a good idea to use a phone to video when you first unpack, so you will have a reference for how to put it away again.

If you enjoyed reading about how to choose a caravan awning, why not check out some of these…

We round up the best caravan awnings

We explain how you can care for your caravan awnings 

Read our caravan awning reviews

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