Ahh, the humble caravan awning. It's as Australian as the Hills Hoist, and an essential piece of kit for any grey nomad or caravanner worth their salt. Caravan awnings provide shade and protection from the elements, and can make any campsite feel like home.
These nifty little devices effectively expand your living room outwards, giving you extra space to enjoy the great outdoors. Not only does a caravan awning keep the rain off your head (and your caravan), but it also provides some much-needed shade on those hot summer days.
There are a few different types of RV awnings and caravan awnings available on the market, from traditional roll-out awnings to more modern pop-up awnings. Caravan awnings can be either manually operated or electrically operated, depending on your preference.
Here at CaravanMods, we've been testing and reviewing caravan awnings for years. We know which ones are worth your hard-earned cash, and which ones aren't worth the hassle. So, whether you’re wishing for more privacy or extra shade, read on as we break down the basics of caravan awnings for you.
Pop-up Caravan Awnings
If you’re looking for an easy-to-set-up and take-down option, then a pop-up caravan awning is the way to go. Pop-up awnings are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity and compact nature. Most pop-up awnings can be set up in under five minutes, making them ideal for those who want to hit the road with minimal fuss.
One of the best things about pop-up caravan awnings is that they don’t require any extra poles or pegs, making them super easy to set up. Just unclip the awning from its storage bag, extend the legs, and you’re good to go!
Pop-up caravan awnings are also usually lighter and more compact than traditional roll-out awnings, making them easier to transport and store. However, one downside of pop-up awnings is that they don’t provide as much coverage as roll-out awnings.
Roll-out Caravan Awnings
If you’re after maximum coverage, then a roll-out awning is the way to go. Roll-out awnings are the most popular type of caravan awning on the market, and for good reason. They provide a large amount of coverage, making them ideal for those who want to spend extended periods of time outdoors.
Roll-out caravan awnings are also relatively easy to set up, although they do require some extra poles and pegs to secure them into place. However, once set up, roll-out awnings provide a large amount of space for you to enjoy the outdoors.
Privacy Screens
As the name suggests, privacy screens are designed to provide you with privacy while you’re on the road. If you’re after a bit more privacy than what a caravan awning can provide, then Fiamma awnings' range of privacy screens are a great option.
Privacy screens come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
The problem of awning 'flap'
If you don't know what we're talking about here, 'flap' is the annoying phenomenon of your awning fabric billowing in the wind, making a loud noise and generally being a pain in the neck.
There are a few different ways to prevent flap, including:
- ensuring that your awning is properly tensioned
- using guy ropes to secure your awning
- using a windbreak to create a barrier between your awning and the wind
If you're struggling with flap, then these are all great solutions. However, if you're still having trouble, then you might need to invest in anti-flappers. These soft yet durable clips attach to the fabric of your awning and help to keep it in place, even in high winds. Not only will this prevent annoying bangs and flapping noises, but it will also protect your awning from damage during storms. In fact, why not solve all your roll out awning problems once and for all with an anti-flap kit? Not only do these handy little devices ensure you get a good night’s sleep free of the incessant flapping of your awning in the wind, but they also prevent costly damage from occurring to your caravan awning.
Final thoughts
We hope that this has helped you to narrow down your options and find the perfect carefree awnings for your needs. And we hope that we've helped you to avoid the dreaded awning 'flap'! Caravan awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, and with so many different types on the market, there's sure to be one that's perfect for you. And if you are looking for the perfect caravan awning accessories, look no further than CaravanMods. We take the hassle out of caravanning, so you can enjoy the journey.
At CaravanMods, That's why we're dedicated to finding innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of owners of both caravans and camper-trailers. From privacy screens to an anti-flap kit, and everything in between, we've got all the caravan awning accessories you need to make your next trip more comfortable than ever. So if you're after maximum coverage, minimum fuss, and peace of mind during storms, then check out our website. Happy travels!