Caravan Awning Size Guide
As caravan enthusiasts, we all know the right awning can make or break your camping experience.
At CamperNation, we're committed to helping you find the perfect awning for your caravan – and a big part of this is getting the size right.
In this comprehensive caravan awning size guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about measuring your caravan and finding the correct awning size, ensuring you make an informed decision ahead of your next adventure.
Table of contents (click the links to jump ahead)
Why Knowing the Right Caravan Awning Size is Crucial
Look, many of us have been there. You're excited about your shiny new awning, you set it up at the campsite, and... uh-oh. It's either too small, leaving you exposed to the elements, or so big it's practically swallowing your caravan.
Either way, it takes the gloss of that new awning feel – not exactly the cosy outdoor space you had in mind, right?
Getting the right size awning is crucial so that it:
- Fits your caravan like a glove (no flapping about in the wind!)
- Gives you that extra living space you've been dreaming of
- Keeps your awning and caravan in tip-top shape
- Handles whatever Mother Nature throws at you
- Helps keep you cool in summer and warm in winter
So, how do we make sure you get the perfect fit?
You might be worried that this is a complicated process, but really it all comes down to two key measurements: the A-measurement and the porch measurement. Don't worry, we'll walk you through both!
Caravan Awning A-Measurement Guide: Your Full Awning's Best Friend
If you’re new to caravanning, or haven’t had a skim through your manual, you might not have heard of the A-measurement.
But, if you’re a seasoned camper, hopefully this doesn’t send shudders down your spine – it shouldn’t, it’s simple if you know what to do.
Picture this: if you were to run a tape measure from the ground on one side of your caravan, up and over the top following the curve of the awning rail, and back down to the ground on the other side, that's your A-measurement. Think of it like giving your caravan a big hug with a tape measure.
A couple of other important points:
- The A-Measurement will be in centimetres, so it will be a number in the high hundreds of over 1,000 if you’ve got a larger caravan.
- Awning manufacturers then have sizes that correspond to these measurements – for example, a size 9 awning is for caravans with an A-measurement of 850cm to 875cm.
- The A-measurement is required for full awnings only, not for porch awnings.
How to measure it (don't worry, it's easier than it sounds!)
Firstly, it’s worth checking your caravan’s manual. Many modern models list the A-measurement for you, which could save you a job altogether.
If that doesn't work then:
- Park your caravan on level ground (no hills or you’ll throw the measurement off)
- Grab a flexible tape measure or a piece of string
- Start at the ground on one side of your caravan
- Run it up the side, over the top following all along the awning rail
- Bring it back down to the ground on the other side
- If you used string, mark it and then measure it with a tape measure (this is our recommendation)
- Jot down that number in centimetres
- Check the size chart below for the size your measurement corresponds to.
Awning size | A-measurement |
Size 4 |
725 -750 |
Size 5 |
750 – 775 |
Size 6 |
775 – 800 |
Size 7 |
800 – 825 |
Size 8 |
825 – 850 |
Size 9 |
850 – 875 |
Size 10 |
875 – 900 |
Size 11 |
900 - 925 |
Size 12 |
925 – 950 |
Size 13 |
950 – 975 |
Size 14 |
975 – 1000 |
Size 15 |
1000 – 1025 |
Size 16 |
1025 – 1050 |
Size 17 |
1050 – 1075 |
Size 18 |
1075 – 1100 |
Size 19 |
1100 – 1125 |
Size 20 |
1125 – 1150 |
Size 21 |
1150 – 1175 |
Size 22 |
1175 - 1200 |
Why does the A-Measurement matter so much?
Get the measurement right and you’ll be able to make sure your awning:
- Fits your caravan perfectly (no gaps or saggy bits)
- Gives you maximum coverage (hello, cosy outdoor living room)
- Stands up to wind, rain, and whatever else comes your way
Porch Awning Measurement: Perfect for Compact Comfort
While the A-measurement is for full awnings, the porch measurement is for those slightly smaller “porch” awnings that just cover your caravan's entrance.
These aren’t just outdoor foyers however, many of them are spacious and can provide you with a large extra area for relaxing, dining and storage.
Measuring for a porch awning (it's a breeze, promise!)
There are two things you need to measure here.
- The height (H) from the ground to the awning rail. Don't take the "full height" from your caravan manual as this won't be to the rail specifically. Most caravans have a connecting height of 235-250cm, and that's what most porch awnings have been designed to fit.
- The length (L) of the straight part of your awning rail.
Although taking the height and length measurements will allow you to understand the largest porch awning your caravan could technically accommodate, there are a few other things to consider:
- Doors, windows and any other obstructions: If you don't want something covered or partially covered, such as a window, take this into account when measuring the length.
- Depth: Although not necessary, at this stage you might also want to consider how far out from your caravan you want the awning to extend, so that you can check the "depth" when browsing your awning options.
Choosing the Right Caravan Awning Size
The Easy Way: Use Your Caravan's Make and Model
Some awning manufacturers provide size charts based on caravan makes and models - a bit like a cheat sheet for finding your awning size.
The Sure-Fire Way: Measure It Yourself
Even with size charts, nothing beats getting out there with a tape measure to be 100% sure. It's especially important if you've made any modifications to your caravan or if you're after a particularly snug fit.
Found the right size? Then check out our selection of caravan awnings for sale.
Have any questions? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help:
Phone: 020 8064 2643
Email: info@campernation.co.uk
Caravan Awning Size Calculator
Pick your caravan's manufacturer, model, type, and year to find its A-measurement and awning size.