The Ultimate AWNING ACE Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Caravan Awning

Choosing the right caravan awning can make or break your camping holiday, especially if it's your first. Whether you're a seasoned caravanner or new to the world of camping holidays, this guide may help you to navigate the sometimes overwhelming process of selecting the perfect awning for your family needs.

Types of Caravan Awnings

Before diving into the details, let's explore the main types of awnings available:

1. Full Caravan Awnings: These attach along the entire length of your caravan, providing maximum additional space. Here are some full awning examples.
2. Caravan Porch Awnings: Smaller and easier to set up, these are ideal for short trips or when you need some extra outside room. Check out some of our porch awnings.
3. Canopy Awnings: Simple structures that provide shade and shelter. Can be purchased with without enclosed sides, which are often an optional extra. Some canopies to consider.
4. Air Awnings: Inflatable air models that are quick to set up and take down and are available as full awnings, porch awnings and canopies. Browse some  of our air inflatable awnings.

Factors to Consider

Size Matters

The first step in choosing an awning is ensuring it fits your caravan. Measure your caravan's "A" measurement - the distance from the ground, all the way around the caravan awning rail, and back down to the ground on the other side. This measurement determines the size of full awning you'll need.
For porch awnings, measure the height of your caravan from the ground up to the awning rail, and the width of the area where you want to attach the awning, avoiding windows and doors and the curved ends of your caravan awning rail.

Material Choices

Awning materials have come a long way from the heavy canvas of yesteryear. Modern options include:

• Lightweight Polyester: Lightweight and quick-drying, but may not be as durable as other options. Suitable for short break and family holidays in average weather conditions.
• All Season Coated Polyester: Heavier, closer weave fabrics with extra weather resistant coatings suitable for most family holidays and short breaks.
• Seasonal Heavy Duty Coated Polyester: Heavy duty, fully coated fabric with enhanced UV protection and greater weather resistance. Suitable for seasonal pitching throughout the camping season.
• Acrylic: Heavy Duty, hard wearing and extremely durable. These fabrics are often more expensive but offers excellent UV resistance.
• PVC: Fully weather resistant, incredibly durable and easy to clean, but can be heavy. Perfect for extended pitching and year round camping.

Consider the climate you'll be camping in most often when choosing your material. For year-round use, a more durable fabric like seasonal coated polyester, acrylic or PVC might be worth the investment.

Frame Types

The frame of your awning plays a crucial role in its stability and ease of setup. Options include:

1. Steel: Sturdy but heavy, ideal for seasonal pitches and longer family camping holidays.
2. Fibretech: Heavy duty fibre poles suitable for most uses and lighter than steel poles.
3. Fiberglass: Very light, suitable for occasional use or smaller awnings.
4. Inflatable Air beams: Inflatable supports that are quick to set up and pack away.

Seasonal Considerations

Think about when you'll be using your awning most. If you're a fair-weather camper, a lightweight option might suffice. For year-round use, look for awnings with features all-season coatings and superior waterproofing. If your pitching your awning at the beginning of the season and leaving it pitched through to the end of the season, you will need a seasonal awning, coated especially for seasonal use - a touring awning simply isn't durable enough.

Additional Features

Modern awnings come with a variety of features that can enhance your camping experience:

• Windows: Look for large, clear windows to let in light and allow you to enjoy the view. External blinds are essential for seasonally pitched caravans to protect the awning contents from extended UV exposure and the obvious security benefits. 
• Ventilation: Good airflow prevents condensation and keeps your awning comfortable. Awnings fabrics and roof liners can also help with moisture control.
• Removable panels: These allow you to customize your space and improve airflow on hot days. They can also be removed to accommodate optional annexes and bedrooms.
• Groundsheets: A good breathable groundsheet keeps out drafts and creepy crawlies as well as offer under foot insulation. Check out our groundsheet options.
• Storm straps: Essential for stability during inclement weather conditions. They should always be used on seasonally pitched awnings. See our Camptech and Soplair Storm Strap Kits.

Ease of Setup

Consider how often you'll be moving your caravan. If you're constantly on the move, an air awning or touring awning or lightweight porch awning might be best. For longer stays, a more substantial full seasonal awning could be worth the extra setup time.

Budget

Awnings range from budget-friendly options to high-end models with all the bells and whistles. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that your awning is an investment in your comfort and enjoyment. A higher quality awning will likely last longer and perform better, potentially saving you money in the long run. Browse our factory second awnings and grab a bargain.

Making Your Decision

After considering all these factors, you should have a good idea of what you're looking for. Here are some final tips to help you make your decision:

1. Do your research and ask the awning supplier as many questions as you can think of. There is no such thing as a stupid question, just ask.
2. Give as much detail to the supplier as you can. Information like caravan make, model type and year are essential to find the correct awning size, but the type of camping you do and your needs are just as important. Talk to an expert at Awning Ace.
3. Check the warranty and after-sales support offered by different manufacturers and discuss these with the awning supplier.
4. Consider buying outside of the camping season, purchasing a factory second or warehouse returned awning for potential discounts.

Remember, the perfect awning for you is one that meets your specific needs, fits your caravan, and enhances your camping experience. Take your time, do your research, and you'll soon be enjoying the extra space and comfort that a well-chosen awning provides.

Happy camping!