Awnings for Touring Caravans

Picture this: Your caravan perched at the edge of a stunning lake, morning mist rolling across the water. Now imagine stepping out into your own sheltered outdoor space, coffee in hand, ready to greet the day. That's the magic of a touring caravan awning - your very own room with nature's best view.

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Touring Caravan Awnings for Sale

What are Touring Caravan Awnings?

Think of a touring caravan awning as your mobile conservatory. These attachable structures transform your caravan's exterior into a versatile living space, perfect for everything from sunny breakfasts to sheltered evening gatherings.

Beyond just extra space, these awnings shield you from Britain's famously unpredictable weather. They're particularly handy for storing muddy boots, wet coats, or outdoor gear without cluttering your caravan's interior.

Types of Touring Awnings

The world of touring awnings has evolved dramatically over recent years. Each type offers unique benefits for different touring styles.

Full Awnings create a spacious extension that doubles your living area. They're brilliant for longer stays, offering enough room for dining furniture, storage, or even a temporary bedroom during peak season.

Porch Awnings provide a compact entrance shelter - perfect for weekend trips or when pitching space is tight. They're lightweight and quick to set up, making them ideal for tourers who move frequently.

Air Awnings have revolutionised setup times. Using inflatable beams instead of traditional poles, they can transform from bag to fully-pitched in minutes. They're particularly popular among solo travellers and those with mobility considerations.

Traditional Pole Awnings remain a reliable choice. Their sturdy construction handles tough weather beautifully, and their typically lower price point makes them an excellent starting point for newcomers to caravanning.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Caravan

Selecting the correct awning size involves more than just matching numbers. A well-fitted awning should complement your caravan's proportions while providing useful additional space.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Touring Caravan Awning

Size and Dimensions

Getting the measurements right is crucial for a hassle-free awning experience. Start by measuring your caravan's awning channel length - this determines which awning sizes will fit.

Consider the awning's depth carefully. While deeper awnings offer more space, they also need larger pitch sizes and take longer to set up.

Don't forget to factor in your caravan's door position and window placement. The awning should enhance access rather than obstruct it.

Material and Construction

Modern awning materials blend durability with practicality. Today's leading fabrics include:

Polyester offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio and quick drying properties. It resists stretching and shrinking, maintaining its shape throughout the season.

Acrylic provides superior colour fastness and weather resistance. While typically more expensive, it offers outstanding longevity and performance.

PVC-coated polyester delivers exceptional waterproofing and easy cleaning. It's particularly popular for seasonal pitching.

Framework options have also evolved:

• Aluminium poles combine strength with lightweight handling

• Fibreglass offers flexibility and corrosion resistance

• Steel provides maximum stability for seasonal use

Features

Smart features can transform your awning experience:

Ventilation prevents condensation build-up through clever placement of mesh panels and vents.

Windows come in various styles, from panoramic panels to zip-in privacy screens. Clear windows maximise light, while tinted options reduce glare and heat.

Groundsheets range from basic protective layers to fully sewn-in systems that keep drafts and insects at bay.

Storm straps provide crucial additional stability during challenging weather.

Ease of Setup and Packdown

Setup complexity varies significantly between models. Consider these practical aspects:

The number of poles or air beams affects setup time and complexity.

Weight matters - especially when lifting the awning onto your caravan's rail.

Pack size impacts storage both at home and in your caravan.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

Leading brands have earned their reputation through years of reliability and innovation. Look for:

Comprehensive warranties that cover both materials and workmanship.

Established dealer networks offering spares and support.

Clear customer service channels for handling queries or issues.

Popular Touring Awning Brands

Each major brand brings something unique to the market. Here's what sets them apart:

Dorema

Known for robust construction and attention to detail, Dorema awnings often feature reinforced stress points and premium materials. Their range spans from lightweight touring models to substantial seasonal options.

Isabella

Isabella has built their reputation on exceptional quality and innovative design. Their awnings often incorporate advanced features like CarbonX frames and specially developed fabrics.

Vango

Vango leads the way in air awning technology. Their AirBeam systems have revolutionised setup times while maintaining stability and weather resistance.

Walker

Walker excels in traditional awning design, offering reliable performance at competitive prices. Their products often feature practical innovations that enhance usability.

Outdoor Revolution

This brand combines modern materials with practical design. Their air awnings include clever features like adjustable roof tensioning and quick-release valves.

Touring Caravan Awning Buying Guide

Smart buying decisions start with understanding your specific needs:

Consider your typical trip length - weekend tourers need different features than seasonal campers.

Think about your usual pitching conditions and locations.

Factor in storage space both at home and in your caravan.

Tips for Installation and Maintenance

Installation Success:

Pick level ground whenever possible - it makes a massive difference to stability.

Check weather forecasts before setup - strong winds make installation challenging.

Use all provided securing points - skipping even one can affect performance.

Maintenance Matters:

Clean your awning regularly using appropriate products - harsh chemicals can damage protective coatings.

Never pack away when damp - even slightly wet awnings can develop mould.

Address small repairs promptly - minor issues can quickly become major problems.

FAQs

How do I choose the right size awning for my caravan?

Start with your caravan's awning channel measurement. Then consider your typical pitch sizes and how you'll use the space. Remember that bigger isn't always better - factor in setup time and storage requirements.

What are the best materials for a touring awning?

Modern technical fabrics offer excellent performance. Polyester provides a great balance of weight and durability, while acrylic offers superior weather resistance. The best choice depends on your usage patterns and budget.

How do I set up a touring awning?

Start by sliding the awning through your caravan's rail. Then either assemble the frame or inflate the air beams, depending on your model. Tension the fabric evenly, working from the centre outwards. Finally, secure all anchor points and adjust guy lines.

How do I maintain my touring awning?

Regular cleaning with appropriate products extends lifespan significantly. Always dry thoroughly before storage, repair any damage promptly, and check seams and seals periodically. Apply reproofing treatments when water stops beading on the surface.