Does a caravan awning need to be exact?

Does a caravan awning need to be an Exact Size to fit my Caravan?

When it comes to caravan awnings, one of the most common questions asked by caravan owners is whether the awning needs to be an exact size to fit their specific caravan. The short answer is no, it doesn’t need to be an exact size, but it does need to be the correct size range to ensure a proper fit. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and what you need to consider when selecting an awning for your caravan.

• Understanding Awning Sizes

Caravan awnings are designed to fit a range of caravan sizes, rather than being tailored to a specific model. This is because caravans come in various shapes and sizes, and manufacturers produce awnings in size ranges to accommodate these differences. The size of an awning is typically determined by the "awning length" or "a-measurement" of your caravan, which is the measurement from the ground, up and over the caravan, and back down to the ground on the other side. This measurement is usually provided in centimeters and can be found in your caravan’s handbook or by measuring it yourself. Awning Ace also has an "awning finder" page to help you identify your awning size from the make, model, series, and year of your caravan - just enter the details in the awning finder page ..... click here.

• Why Exact Size Isn’t Necessary

An awning doesn’t need to be an exact size because most awnings are adjustable to some degree - this is generally 25cm which is the depth of the mudwall around the bottom of the awning coupled with the adjustable ladder band pegging points sewn to the bottom awning fabric. For example, many awnings come with adjustable tension straps (ladder bands are even more common), poles, and beading that allow you to fine-tune the fit. Additionally, the awning fabric is often designed to accommodate slight variations in size, ensuring a snug fit without being overly tight or loose. This flexibility is particularly useful if you own multiple caravans or plan to upgrade your caravan in the future, as you can often use the same awning for different models within the same size range.

Camptech Awning Sizes

• Importance of Correct Size Range

While an awning doesn’t need to be an exact size, it is crucial to choose one that falls within the correct size range for your caravan. If the awning is too small, it won’t fit properly and could cause damage to both the awning and the caravan, not to mention allow water and wind ingress into your living area. On the other hand, if the awning is too large, it may be difficult to secure and could sag or collect water, leading to potential damage and a less enjoyable experience. Using the wrong awning size for your caravan will almost certainly invalidate your awning warranty, and will ultimately be expensing to either have the awning professionally altered or scrapped all together.

To determine the correct size range, you’ll need to know your caravans awning length. Once you have this measurement, you can compare it to the size ranges provided by awning manufacturers. Most manufacturers provide a size chart that indicates which awning size is suitable for different awning lengths. It’s always a good idea to double-check these measurements and consult with the manufacturer or retailer if you’re unsure. Awning Ace provide a really useful  "awning finder" page to help you identify your awning size from the make, model, series, and year of your caravan - just enter the details in the awning finder page ..... click here.

• Additional Considerations

While size is a critical factor, there are other considerations to keep in mind when selecting a caravan awning. These include the type of awning (full, porch, or canopy), the material (polyester or acrylic), the type of camping you do (touring or seasonally pitched), and the design (traditional poles or air inflatable). Each of these factors can impact the overall fit and functionality of the awning, so it’s essential to choose one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Consider the pitch types you may encounter if you are touring and the way the awning connects to you caravan - some modern caravans have ABC awning rails, which have an extremely deep, stepped awning rail. This type of rail will almost certainly require adapters to accommodate the awning pole brackets and/or pads to support the awnings air tubes.

• Conclusion

In summary, a UK caravan awning does not need to be an exact size to fit your caravan, but it does need to be within the correct size range. By understanding your caravans awning length and selecting an awning that falls within the appropriate range, you can ensure a proper fit and enjoy the added space and comfort that an awning provides. Always take the time to measure carefully and consult Awning Ace if needed, as the right awning can significantly enhance your caravanning experience.