Do All Caravan Awnings Fit All Caravans? A Complete Guide
Caravans come in all shapes and sizes. You have your light, compact caravans that are easy to tow and great for couples or small families. Then you have the larger, luxury caravans that come packed with all the bells and whistles. And, of course, there are endless variations in between. And so you might wonder, can all caravan awnings fit all caravans?
All caravan awnings do not fit all caravans due to size, shape, and material differences. It’s essential to choose an awning that has the right size and shape that fits the caravans’ size. Porch awnings can be fitted to most caravans as they have a more universal design.
You might be at your wit’s end trying to decide which caravan awning is right for your home on wheels. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! This article will give you a full rundown of everything you need to consider before making your purchase. By the end of it, you’ll be an awning expert!
How To Choose The Right-Sized Caravan Awning?
Now that you know that all caravan awnings don’t fit all caravans, it’s time to learn how to pick the right one for your caravan. We’ll take you through the step-by-step process of how to do that for two of the most popular awning types – porch and full-size.
Porch Awnings
Porch awnings are great if you want to add extra space to your caravan without going overboard. They can be fitted to most caravans and are relatively easy to set up.
How to choose the right size:
- Measure the height of your caravan. You can use a tape measure and then calculate the height vertically from the ground all the way up to the awning rail.
- Measure the length of your caravan. This is the horizontal measurement of the awning rail.
- Choose an awning that fits anywhere within those measurements.
That’s about it! Since porch awnings are designed to be a more universal fit, they don’t require as much precision when it comes to selecting the right size. Just make sure you don’t block any doors or windows when fully extended.
You can check out different types and sizes of Porch Awnings at Camping World here >>.
Full-Size Awnings
Now, let’s move on to full-size awnings. These are the ones that will give you the most space and protection from the elements – and in fact, can even double the size of your living space! They’re perfect for larger families or groups who want to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing home comforts. Or people who plan to stay on a campsite for longer since it is a bit more work to set up.
How to choose the right size:
- For full-size awnings, we take into account something called the A-measurement. This is the distance from the ground up, all the way around your caravan’s awning rail, and then back down. You can usually find this measurement in your caravan’s owner’s manual.
- If you’re not able to find the A-measurement in your owner’s manual, don’t worry. You can easily calculate it yourself by using a ball of string and a tape measure. Simply tie the string to the ground using a tent peg, stretch it across your awning rail, and then back down to the ground. Cut the string and measure its length with the tape measure. This will give you the A-measurement.
- Once you have the A-measurement, you can find an awning that will fit within those dimensions.
You can check out different Caravan Awnings at Camping World here >>.
Note: If you’re unable to find an awning that fits your caravan’s A-measurement perfectly, remember to opt for a larger size rather than a smaller one. This will provide some wiggle room and ensure a proper fit.
Difference Between Porch and Full-Size Awnings
Now that you know how to select the right size for both porch and full-size awnings let’s take a look at some of the key differences between these two types.
| Porch Awnings | Full-Size Awnings | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | It covers only a part of the caravan. | Covers the full length of the caravan. |
| Weight and Ease of Setup | Lighter and easier to set up. | Heavier and takes more time to set up. |
| Attachment | Only attaches via the awning roof rail. | Attaches via the awning roof rail and also to the caravan sides. |
| Adaptability | They are universal and fit all caravans. | Requires specific A-measurement. |
| Capacity | Ideal for 1-2 people. | Ideal for 3-4 people or more. |
| Price | More affordable. | More expensive. |
Did you know that a third, less popular type of awning is known as the canopy or sun canopy >>? These can be permanently attached to the side of your caravan and are often used as sunshades or rain shelters rather than for extending your living space. They don’t have sides, so they’re not as private or wind-resistant as porch awnings or full-size awnings.
Things To Keep In Mind When Selecting Your Awning
Size is not the only thing you need to consider when selecting an awning for your caravan. Here are a few more factors to keep in mind:
- Material: The better the quality of the fabric, the heavier and more durable the awning will be. Try to strike the right balance between quality and weight, depending on how often you plan to use the awning. For weekend trips, go for awnings with ripstop fabric, whereas for longer vacations, opt for awnings made of acrylic or coated polyesters. Also, knowing your plans with the awning helps determine the material. For example, go for an all-season or 4-season kind of fabric if you’re planning on using the caravan in the winter.
- Poles: Inflatable poles are becoming increasingly popular as they’re much easier to set up and take down. They also don’t accidentally damage your caravan as rigid poles can. Some brands, like Isabella, select CarbonX poles that are less heavy than the normal poles back in the day.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure the awning you select has proper ventilation, so you don’t feel stuffy and claustrophobic when you spend time inside. This will also help avoid condensation and moisture build-up. Many awnings have the option to create a veranda from your awning with the use of an awning veranda pole.
- Tinted Windows: If you’re planning to use your awning in sunny weather, look for awnings with tinted windows. This will protect you from the sun’s harsh rays and give you some privacy. Or use veranda poles for fresh circulation of wind.
- Rock Pegs: Rock pegs are essential for ensuring that your awning stays securely in place, even in places where the ground is hard or stony. Make sure you ask/check about rock pegs when selecting your awning.
With these few factors in mind, you should have no problem selecting the perfect awning for your caravan!
Best Caravan Awning Brands
When selecting an awning for your caravan, knowing which brands are out there and which ones are considered the best is handy. So that is why I’ve listed the top caravan awning brands below:
- Isabella Awnings (we have an Isabella Commodore North awning and loving it)
- Dorema Awnings
- Dometic Awnings
- Unico Awnings
Best Caravan & Camping Equipment
There is always a need for new products when it comes to camping. Either to maintain your caravan or to make your camping setup more comfortable. As digital nomads, we are on the road a lot. We tried out many different online camping stores.
However, we feel that Amazon still offers the best value for money, quick and easy delivery, and easy returns when necessary. We really like that we can use Amazon at almost every location in the world! You can find the best caravan & camping equipment on this page (links you to Amazon).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about caravan awnings:
Q.1. How to choose the best awning for my caravan?
A. The best awning for your caravan depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of the awning, the type of fabric it’s made from, and your budget. Depending on whether you intend to use it during sunny or rainy weather, you might also want to look for awnings with proper shade and waterproofing.
Q.2. How long do caravan awnings last?
A. Generally speaking, caravan awnings can last anywhere between 5 and 15 years, depending on the frequency of use and how well they’re maintained. Proper storage and cleaning will help extend the lifespan of your awning.
Q.3. How much do caravan awnings cost?
A. Caravan awnings can cost anywhere between $100 and $2,500, depending on the size, material, and brand.
Q.4. Can you use a caravan awning in winter?
A. You can use a 4-season caravan awning in winter. Securing your awning with storm pegs and straps is highly recommended due to the higher changes of stormy weather in winter.
Read more: Complete Guide To Keep Your Caravan Awning Warm
Final Thoughts
Caravanning is perhaps one of the most exciting and liberating ways to travel and see the country. Through craggy hilltops, winding mountain roads, and deep green valleys – a caravan can take you anywhere your heart desires. And with the right-sized awning, you can spend some beautiful evenings outdoors, enjoying the scenery and the company of your loved ones. Happy travels!
