Getting to know your Caravan Awning

What are Caravan Awnings?

 

An awning is a shelter held up by framed structure and that is attached onto the side of a caravan, motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) to provide an additional living quarters and storage space. They are often a cost effective way of increasing the space available both indoors and outdoors.

 

Types of Awnings

 

There are 3 types of awnings: caravan awnings, porch awnings and sun canopies. Caravan awnings are used as an extra room next beside the caravan. The porch awning is smaller than other awnings and is generally easier to put up. The sun canopies serves as a small sun shelter.

 

What size Awning do I need?

 

First, measure your caravan and ensure that the caravan is level. To find your first measurement, dimension ‘a’, take a flexible tape or cord and starting at ground level pass the tape measure as near to the centre of the channeling gap as possible and then back to ground level. Then, at the widest point of the caravan where the tape should drop directly to the ground measure this as ‘b’.

 

It is recommended that you fit and get familiar with your awning prior to going on your main holiday. This may seem obvious to most caravanners, however it has been known for people to go off abroad without even opening the packaging. Apart from ensuring the correct size and all items have been packed, you need time to fit the awning properly without any rush and hurry as this may damage the equipment.

 

How to store your awning

 

The framework should always be stored unassembled. Inspect them for signs of mildew (a fungus which attacks fabrics only when stored in a damp or wet condition) whenever the awning has been packed in a hurry without complete drying beforehand. If you are forced to pack an awning wet then do get it out on the frame as soon as possible.