Are Caravan Awnings a Good Idea?

Jan 07, 2025

Picture this: you're cosied up in your caravan when the heavens open (typical British luck!). Are caravan awnings a good idea? Absolutely! These clever additions don't just shield you from Mother Nature's mood swings – they double your living space. Think outdoor lounging without the drizzle drama.

Factors to Consider

Your Camping Frequency and Style

Let's talk about how often you actually hit the road. There's a massive difference between occasional weekend trips and those month-long summer adventures.

A caravan awning shown in a woodland area on a sunny day

Weekend warriors might balk at lengthy setup times, while seasonal campers could spend an hour or two creating their perfect outdoor haven without batting an eye. The beauty of modern awnings lies in their variety - from quick-pitch models perfect for short stays to robust seasonal setups that weather any storm.

The camping style matters too. Some caravanners love nothing more than a minimal setup with just the basics. Others transform their pitch into an outdoor living room complete with rugs, furniture, and fairy lights. Your camping personality should guide your awning choice.

Your Budget and Priorities

Money talk time - awnings range from basic weekend shelters to premium full-length palaces. The price spectrum is vast, starting from around £200 for basic porch awnings and soaring well beyond £1,000 for top-tier models.

But wait - there's more to consider than just the price tag. Think about maintenance costs, potential repairs, and those little extras like storm straps or winter poles that might come in handy. Quality awnings often prove their worth through durability and weather resistance.

Smart shoppers look beyond the initial cost. A premium awning might seem expensive until you divide its cost by the number of nights you'll spend under it. Then again, spending big makes little sense if camping happens just once in a blue moon.

A Dorema caravan awning with the front panel opened and a couple sitting outside it

Caravan Type and Size

Here's where things get technical. Every caravan has its own specifications - fitting heights, rail lengths, and optimal awning sizes. Getting these measurements wrong can turn a dream purchase into an expensive headache.

Larger caravans naturally accommodate full-length awnings better. Their sturdy frame provides excellent support and creates an impressive outdoor space. Smaller caravans might better suit porch awnings or lightweight options that don't overwhelm the unit.

The awning's weight matters too. Heavier models affect towing weights and fuel efficiency. They also demand more muscle power during setup - something to consider when camping solo.

Available Space on the Pitch

Pitch sizes vary wildly across different campsites. Some offer generous spaces perfect for full awnings with all the trimmings. Others barely leave room to swing a guy rope.

Consider the standard pitch sizes at favourite campsites. An awning needs space not just for its footprint, but also for proper guying out and stabilization. Tight spaces might make setup tricky or impossible, especially with larger awnings.

Weather conditions play a part too. Exposed sites need extra guying space for stability in strong winds. Sheltered pitches offer more flexibility with setup options.

A caravan canopy awning shown from the side, connected to a caravan with a blue sky behind it

When Caravan Awnings Make Sense

Frequent Campers

Regular caravanners often find awnings indispensable. The extra living space transforms how they use their caravan, creating a proper home from home. Setup becomes second nature, and the benefits far outweigh initial hassles.

These seasoned campers often develop clever shortcuts for installation and pack-down. They know exactly how to angle their caravan for the easiest awning setup and which pitches work best for their setup.

The weather protection proves invaluable too. British weather being what it is, having a sheltered outdoor space means never missing out on outdoor living - come rain or shine.

Families and Groups

An awning transforms a caravan holiday with extra bodies aboard. It creates crucial space for storing outdoor gear, muddy boots, and wet coats without cluttering the caravan interior.

Meal times become more manageable with a proper dining space under canvas. Rather than shuffling around the caravan's compact dining area, everyone can spread out and enjoy their food in comfort.

Rainy days become bearable rather than cramped endurance tests. Kids get space to play, adults find room to relax, and everyone maintains their personal space.

Those Seeking Extra Living Space

Space - the final frontier of caravan holidays. An awning doubles the living area, creating possibilities for proper furniture setups, storage solutions, and outdoor living regardless of weather.

This extra space proves particularly valuable during longer stays. It prevents the caravan from feeling cramped and creates distinct zones for different activities. Morning coffee tastes better in an awning doorway, watching the campsite wake up.

The versatility of this space adds another dimension to caravan holidays. It can serve as a dining room, lounge, storage area, or even a bedroom for guests - sometimes all in the same day.

When Awnings Might Not Be Ideal

Infrequent Campers

Occasional caravanners might find awnings more trouble than they're worth. The effort of transport, setup, and maintenance could overshadow the benefits for those rare weekends away.

Storage between trips poses another challenge. Awnings need proper drying and storage to prevent mould and damage. This demands space and effort that might feel excessive for occasional use.

The setup time eats into precious holiday hours too. For quick weekend breaks, spending an hour or more on awning setup might not make sense.

Limited Budget

Quality matters with awnings. Budget options often disappoint with poor waterproofing, difficult setup, or limited durability. Sometimes waiting and saving for a better model makes more sense than compromising on quality.

Other caravan essentials might deserve priority. A reliable motor mover or quality leisure battery could improve the camping experience more than a basic awning.

The true cost extends beyond purchase price. Guy ropes, storm straps, groundsheets, and other accessories add up quickly. These extras often prove essential rather than optional.

Small Caravans or Tight Pitches

Compact caravans sometimes struggle with full awnings. The proportions can look odd, and the additional weight might affect towing characteristics.

Tight pitches create their own challenges. Limited space makes proper guying difficult or impossible. This compromises stability and weather resistance - exactly what an awning should provide.

Some sites restrict awning use or charge extra for larger pitches. These factors could limit the awning's usefulness, regardless of its quality or features.

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