A Guide to Buying an Awning

A Guide to Buying an Awning

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Occasionally, you may find the need for extra space while traveling in your caravan, campervan, or motorhome. An awning can be a perfect solution to meet this need. This guide will help you choose the right type of awning based on your usage and specific requirements.

Purpose and Usage

Before selecting an awning, it's crucial to determine how and when you'll use it.

If the awning is primarily for touring, it should be lightweight and easy to set up and dismantle. However, for seasonal use or winter periods, a more robust and substantial awning may be more suitable.

Note that carrying the awning inside your caravan may affect your payload. To mitigate this, consider placing the awning in your car, tow box, or splitting it into smaller bags.

Splitting a large awning into smaller bags can make transportation and handling much easier.

Types of Awnings

A New Standard

The new awning standard is labeled BS ENISO 8936 - Awnings for leisure accommodation vehicles, combining test and product requirements into one document for easier reference for both manufacturers and consumers. This standard is internationally recognized and specifies the requirements, test methods, and material performance characteristics for vehicle awnings.

Full Awnings

Full awnings attach to caravans along the entire length of the awning rail, doubling the living space while providing weather protection. However, their substantial size and weight, especially with steel poles, can be a drawback.

Remember that a full awning will only fit another caravan with the same A to A measurement (Refer to "Sizing an awning for a caravan" below). Some manufacturers offer size adjustments if the measurements are close.

Porch Awnings

Porch awnings attach to the awning rail at roof level, making them quicker to set up and lighter to transport than full awnings. Though they offer less space, they are ideal for smaller gatherings and provide flexibility. Porch awnings can also be transferred to new caravans, adding to their usability.

Combi Awnings

Combi awnings combine features of both full and porch awnings, requiring the full awning rail of a caravan. While they offer better weather sealing than porch awnings, they lack the flexibility to be moved forward or backward to clear windows or lockers, limiting their popularity.

Inflatable Awnings

Gaining popularity since their introduction by Vango in 2011, inflatable awnings use air tubes instead of conventional poles, making them quick to pitch and pack away. Although integrated and bulkier in the bag, they are lighter as a total system and safer in stormy conditions. Versions vary in single or multi-point inflation systems.

Annexes

Awnings with zip-out sides can have annexes attached, providing additional space. Annexes are useful for extra bedrooms or storage for bulky gear like bicycles.

Roll Out Canopies and 'Safari Rooms'

Roll out canopies, also known as 'safari rooms', are easy to set up and create an enclosed space when combined with side and front panels. They offer flexibility and now rival traditional awning designs.

Drive Away Awnings

Designed for campervans and motorhomes, drive away awnings remain erected without vehicle support. Various attachment methods exist to ensure weatherproofing and easy setup and disconnection.

Awning Classifications

Awnings are categorized based on their intended use. The British standard recognizes the following types:

Winter Awnings (Type W)

Suitable for all-year use and can withstand heavy snow loads.

Residential Awnings (Type R)

Designed for long-term use, capable of withstanding light snow, and suitable for seasonal pitching.

Touring Awnings (Type T)

Ideal for repeated pitching throughout the year, except in winter snow conditions.

Lightweight Awnings (Type L)

Easy to use and lightweight, with a total weight of less than 2.75 kg/m2 of the base area. These are popular for casual use.

Materials of Construction

The material quality directly influences the awning's weight and packed size. Higher quality generally means heavier and bulkier.

Fabrics

Most modern awnings use synthetic materials like polyester or blends with natural fabrics for strength and durability.

Polyester is light and slightly breathable but may lack durability. Vinyl and acrylic coatings enhance its strength and weather resistance. Acrylic fibers dyed in solution offer resistance to UV light, oils, and chemicals.

Material Weights and Water Resistance

Fabric weight is often measured in Denier or thread count, affecting sturdiness and durability. Water resistance is determined by the fabric's ability to withstand water pressure, measured in Pascals or hydrostatic head (HH).

Structural Supports

Poles and supports can be steel, fibreglass, or aluminium, with each offering varying degrees of strength, weight, and flexibility. Inflatable supports are an integrated option in inflatable awnings.

Sizing an Awning for a Caravan

Measure the awning size from the ground at one end of the caravan, through the awning rail, to the ground at the other end. Accurate measurements ensure a proper fit and optimal use of space.

For porch awnings, measure the distance between suitable gaps on the caravan, avoiding obstructions like windows and external lockers.

Awning Care and Maintenance

Proper care can extend the life of your awning. Regular cleaning, waterproofing treatments, and careful deployment and storage will maintain its condition and functionality effectively. Avoid deploying awnings under trees with sap or in extremely windy conditions to prevent damage.

Learn more at our website Roof Tent Awning.

For inquiries, contact us to explore Outdoor Cotton Hotel Tent. Our experienced sales team will assist you in finding the perfect solution for your needs.