Caravan Porch Awnings

So, you’re thinking about buying a caravan porch awning? Great idea!

An awning can really expand your living space, give you some extra room to relax, and provide shelter from the elements.

But before you make your purchase, there are a few things you should consider to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Let's break it down step-by-step.

1.     Size matters

Simply put: You want to make sure the awning fits your caravan properly.

Porch awnings are typically smaller than full awnings and will only cover part of your caravan, usually the door area.

Measure two things: the height from the ground to the awning rail, and the width of the area you want to cover.

It’s worth noting that you could just measure the length of the awning rail, but you need to be sure you’d be happy for that whole area to be covered by an awning – e.g. would it obscure a window and stop it from being opened?

If you get an awning that’s shorter than your awning rail then that’s fine, but you don’t want to be left with one that’s too wide for your caravan.

2.     Material choices

Next up, think about the material. Porch awnings come in a wide variety of fabrics, each with its own pros and cons.

Something like polyester is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a popular choice for weekend campers.

Acrylic, on the other hand, is often more durable and can offer better protection against the elements, but it is usually heavier.

If you’re looking to use your awning frequently or for extended periods – possibly in varying weather conditions – then investing a tougher, all-season material is worth it.

3.     Frame type

Now, let’s talk about the frame.

Air awnings have become increasingly popular over the past few years thanks to their fast pitching, stability, and ease of set up, although they can be bulky.

However, there are still many models offering either a steel or aluminium frame.

Steel is often sturdier and can handle windy conditions well, but it’s heavier than aluminium and can be harder to handle.

Aluminium on the other hand is lighter and easier to handle but might be less stable in rough weather.

Consider where and when you’ll be using the awning most – if you’re planning to brave all four seasons then consider an air or steel-frame awning.

4.     Ease of set up

Let’s be honest, nobody wants to spend hours wrestling with poles and pegs after they arrive at their campsite, so look for an awning that’s easy to set up.

Modern inflatable awnings drastically cut down on setup time – just pump and away you go.

If you prefer a traditional frame – like steel or aluminium as mentioned above – look for models with fewer pieces and straightforward instructions.

5.     Weather resistance

Think about the weather conditions you’re likely to face. If you’re camping in the UK (or other rainy places), waterproofing is a must.

Look out for the awning’s hydrostatic head (H/H) – this will tell you how waterproof the material is. If you’re expecting torrential rain, then a minimum 3,000mm is likely required, you’ll see some awnings go up to 6,000mm.

UV protection is also worth considering if you’re heading somewhere sunny. Some awnings come with ventilation flaps or panels that can be zipped open to help prevent condensation on warm days.

6.     Additional features

Think about whether you want just the basics or something higher spec. For example, some awnings come with built-in curtains, mosquito nets or extra storage pockets.

Others also offer optional extensions or annexes – these can be a great option if you need extra space on occasion, but don’t want to have to transport a large awning around all the time.

Think about how you’re planning to use your awning: do you need extra sleeping room for guests? An outdoor kitchen area? Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to help narrow down your search.

7.     Portability and storage

Don’t forget about this – when you’re not using the awning, you’ll need to store it somewhere.

Make sure you have enough space in your caravan or storage area, and consider how big and bulky the awning will be when packed away.

If this is an important factor for you, look out for awnings that come with a carry bag as this makes transporting them much easier.

8.     Budget

And of course we can’t overlook the bottom line – cost.

Awnings come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models.

Set a budget that works for you, but remember: you get what you pay for.

Investing a bit more upfront might actually save you money in the long run if it means an awning that doesn’t need to be replaced for a long time – it could last for years.

Wrap-up

So, there you have it. When buying a caravan porch awning, take up your time to weigh up these factors and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect awning to suit your caravan lifestyle.

Keep scrolling to see a selection of porch awnings broken down by category or, if you just want to see all the available options, here they are.