Top Five Caravan Awnings

Awnings are a must-have for caravanners. In fact, 64% of our caravan insurance customers cite awning as a caravan essential. To help you find the perfect caravan awning, we’ve compiled a list of our top five.

What Size Awning Do I Need For My Caravan?

Once you've decided you're in the market for an awning, your first step is to measure your caravan and calculate its A-measurement, if you don't already know it. Purchasing an awning that is the correct size for your caravan is important for achieving a secure fit and minimising draughts.

The A-measurement should be in centimetres and follows the outline of where the awning will attach to your caravan and meet the ground. You need to measure the distance that spans from the ground on the very edge of one side of your caravan, up along the awning rail following the curve (this is the track running along the side of the caravan), and down to the ground on the opposite side. The easiest way to do this is by using string. Cut it to this length and then take your measurement from here.

If your measurement comes out at 750cm, you should choose an awning within the 736-765cm range. If the measurement is between sizes, always opt for the larger size.

For proch awnings, you need to measure the height of your caravan from the ground up to the awning rail. You then need to measure the length of the rail. Make sure the door is within the measured section so that it can open into the porch with ease.

What Type of Caravan Awning Should I Get?

Now you know the size of awning you need, you can decide what you are looking for in caravan awning. This depends on many things such as:

• When you caravan - all year round or only in the warmer months?
• How many people join you on your caravan trips, and the amount of space you need
• Whether you are restricted by weight
• Your set-up preferences
• Your budget

Now you're ready to explore the options available in the world of caravan awnings!

Eversure's Top Five Caravan Awnings

In no particular order, here are Eversure’s top five caravan awnings. If none of these are quite what you’re after, we’ve made sure to include awnings from some of the best, most reputable manufacturers in the industry so head to their respective websites and you’re guaranteed to find the awning that fits your needs.

1. Dometic Rally AIR Pro

The Dometic Rally AIR Pro is on Eversure's list of top awnings due to its premium quality and versatility.

The single-point inflation system makes setting up effortless, saving you valuable time and hassle once you reach the caravan park. Its apex ventilation system enhances air circulation, which reduces condensation and keeps the space feeling fresh and comfortable. The generous dimensions mean there's lots of room, further adding to the comfort this awning provides.

This awning allows you to zip out the front panels to create an open and airy space - perfect for summer! Equally, rainy weather is not a challenge for the Dometic Rally AIR Pro as it's made from a double-coated waterproof polyester fabric that is capable of withstanding 200 litres of water per square meter per hour. It's this durability that makes it a perfect choice for the unpredictability of British summer weather.

The Dometic Rally AIR Pro is bound to improve your touring caravan experience thanks to its combination of comfort, practicality and weather resistance and therefore cements itself in Eversure's top five.

2. Isabella Ambassador Dawn

Dubbed the 'ultimate touring awning', the Isabella Ambassador Dawn is a full caravan awning that's the work of over 40 years of trusted craftsmanship and innovative features designed with the caravaner in mind.

This awning has been designed with ultimate comfort in mind. Not only does it boast a depth of 2.5 metres, providing ample living space, it also features mosquito net panels on both sides made from Isacryl fabric to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. The removable and fold-down front and side panels also mean the space is fully customisable. It has large, panelled panorama windows to allow lots of light in so you can enjoy a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled and bright space. Perfect for your summer of caravanning!

This is a poled awning, so it will take a little longer to set up than the Rally AIR Pro. It’s also on the more expensive side, but you are paying for expertise and the awning’s luxurious yet practical and durable features.

3.Vango Balletto Air 390 Elements ProShield

Vango's Balletto Air 390 is made with robust, weather-resistant Elements ProShield fabric, meaning it is both durable and practical. The bracer beams provide additional stability so the awning can withstand any weather conditions. Vango’s single-point inflation and multi-point deflation make setting up this awning quick and easy.

Once pitched, the large windows allow lots of natural light in with the multi-privacy zip to give you control over privacy and light control. This versatility extends to the flexi doors that can be adjusted so they are half or fully open, or removed entirely.

Retailing at around £950, the Balletto Air porch awning is built to enhance your caravanning experience, and we feel it does just that.

4. Sunncamp Swift 220 SC Air Porch Awning

Sunncamp’s Swift Air range is new, building on the pre-existing Swift range. It's an affordable and practical awning with a quick pitching time of six minutes with inflatable poles and a manual pump.

Made from durable polyester with a 5000mm waterproof rating, this awning has the ability to withstand all weather conditions (perfect for summers in the UK!) whilst still being lightweight, packing into a compact bag weighing less than 9kg.

It has a height range of 235 – 250cm and a floor plan of 225cm width and 220cm depth.

It has large roll-back doors that provide excellent ventilation. The front panel also doubles as a sun canopy, proving its versatility.

This awning is excellent value for money, retailing for £400.

5. Thule Sun Blocker G2 Front Panel

The Thule Sun Blocker is an adaptable canopy-style awning that effectively blocks the sun whilst allowing any breeze to flow through. It’s an excellent choice if you want a shaded space that allows you to still feel outdoors.

Installation is quick and simple – the panel slides into the lead rail and is secured to the ground with pegs and ropes.

How to Put Up Caravan Awning

The way you set up your caravan awning depends on whether it's inflatable or poled.

Inflatable awnings are known for their quick and easy setup. Start by threading it into the awning rail. Attach the pump (it should come with the awning) to the inflation point and inflate the main beams. Once inflated, you can secure the base with pegs and ropes.

Poled awnings are more traditional in the way they're set up. Lay the fabric on the ground and assemble the poles according to instructions. Thread the awning fabric into the caravan rail and attach the poles. Peg the fabric and guy ropes for stability.

Top tip: Put your awning up with side panels zipped in place as it will speed the process up.

How to Clean Caravan Awning

To tackle stubborn marks on your awning, use water. For tougher stains, you can use soap and water but do so sparingly. Definitely don't use detergents as they can damage the fabric. Any areas cleaned with soap will need reproofing to restore it back to being waterproof.

Ideally, you would reproof your awning once a season. For small areas, use an aerosol; for larger areas, you can use a soft paintbrush. Apply in a dry and well-ventilated space and avoid direct sunlight so it can dry evenly. Be sure to protect windows and mudwalls as well as any grass or tarmac during this process, as solvent-based products can cause harm.

After you reproof your awning, you need to let it dry completely to avoid damage in storage. The same goes for packing away your awning ordinarily. Always pack your awning when it's dry; storing it wet can cause mould and mildew to develop.

Caravan Insurance

Awnings are excellent for shelter and comfort, however, they cannot shield you from unforeseen events. By getting insurance for your touring caravan, your caravan and any awning will be protected against theft, accidental damage and natural disasters.

Final Thoughts

From creating additional storage space to providing shade, caravan awnings do it all, and you will find one that meets your needs, regardless of your style or budget. There is also so much you can do with just one awning, as there are a wide range of accessories on the market too, including annexes, canopies and even extra bedrooms. Investing in the right awning has the potential to elevate your caravanning adventures.