How to measure for the perfect caravan awning size, like a pro.

How to measure for the perfect caravan awning size, like a pro.

Getting the perfect awning fit for your caravan needn't be difficult if you follow these simple steps and spend a little time and effort to make sure you order the perfect awning for your needs. Full or traditional caravan awnings are sold with a size tolerance to ensure they fit your caravan perfectly. Generally the awning size tolerance value is calculated using the length of the awning mudwall - the bottom part of the awning fabric, which runs around the awning where it meets the ground - and the position of the adjustable pegging points. Camptech full awnings have a size tolerance of 25cm, which we will explain later in this article.

How to find your caravans a-measurement.

Finding the perfect fits for a full caravan awning, starts with identifying your caravans a-measurement, which is the total length measured from the ground, all the way around your caravan awning rail, and the back down to the ground. This length, usually recorded in centimeters, is the caravans a-measurement or awning size.

Caravan manufacturers often publish this data within their owner handbook, but it's always a good idea to measure this yourself. Awning Ace recommend seasonal pitched caravanners measure their a-measurement on the pitch, where their awning will be sited. This is essential if you have any decking or raised surface which could affect the measurement. 

The easiest method of measuring your caravan for a full awning is to use a piece of string, garden twine, or tape. Where possible secure a peg into the ground inline with the rear of your caravan (point A on this diagram). Tie one end of your string to the peg and then carefully feed the string through your awning rail all the way around and back down to the ground at the front of your caravan as shown (point B). Check that the string is securely within the awning rail and is not broken, looped or snagged, then simply cut the string at point B.

The length of this string is your caravans a-measurement, so you will now need to carefully measure its length. Obviously, if you have a long enough tape measure, this can be done in one length, but to make things easier, simply fold the string in half and take a measurement - now double this measurement to find the total length. Full caravan awning sizes are often quoted in centimeters so record your measurement to the nearest cm length.

A step by step guide to measuring your a-measurement.

      Step 1. Level the caravan.
      Make sure the caravan is level before you begin.
      If you are pitching on a seasonal site with hard standing or decking, you should site your caravan correctly before attempting to take any measurements.

      Step 2. Prepare to measure.
      Start by securing a peg into the ground directly under the rear of your caravan (A on this diagram). Tie one end of your string or tape to the peg.

      Step 3. Thread the string or tape through the awning rail.
      Carefully feed the string through your awning rail all the way around the channel and back down to the ground at the front of your caravan as shown (B)

      Step 4. Check, cut and measure.
      Check that your string is securely within the full awning rail length and is not broken, looped or snagged, then simply cut the string at point B.

      Step 5. Record your a-measurement.
      The total length of this string is your caravans a-measurement, so you will now need to carefully measure its length.
      Awning sizes are often quoted in centimeters so record your measurement to the nearest cm length.

TIP: Folding the string in half before you measure it makes things much easier - don't forget to double this figure to find the total length in centimeters.

Find the perfect awning size for your caravan.

As discussed earlier full caravan awning sizes have a fitting tolerance. This value is calculated using the depth of the awning mudwall - sewn to the bottom of the awning fabric where it meets the ground - and the position of the adjustable ladder pegging points. Most manufacturers, including Camptech full awnings, have a size tolerance of 25cm. So for example, if your a-measurement is 910cm you can use the table below to identify the perfect awning size.
Spoiler alert, a recorded 910cm a-measurement would require a 900-925cm (Size 11) Camptech caravan awning.

If your recorded a-measurement is, for example, 975cm Awning Ace recommend selecting the next size up for most owners. So in this example (975cm), you would identify a Size 14 Camptech caravan awning (975-1000cm). This allows for variations in surface conditions, caravan loads and pitching conditions. There are a couple of exceptions, for example, if you are pitching your new awning on a seasonal pitch with raised decking or a patio surface, but we would suggest that you discuss this with us before purchase just to make sure. 
 

Need more help or expert advice.

Give Awning Ace a call on 01543 877506 to discuss your awning needs. We'll help you find your a-measurement or awning size and help identify the perfect awning for your needs. No hard sales, just honest, free advice from our trusted awning experts. Or if you prefer you can drop us an email or use our websites awning finder page. 

Happy Camping!