A Campervan Awning Turns Your Compact Van Into An Adventure Home!
Campervan awnings provide a practical solution for creating extra sheltered space wherever your travels take you. Whether you need a quick setup for a day’s outing or a reliable shelter for a longer stop, our collection offers options that blend durability with ease-of-use. Designed specifically for campervans, these awnings ensure that you make the most of your outdoor adventures without compromising on comfort or practicality.
Types of Campervan Awnings
Poled Frame Awnings
Traditionally constructed with metal or fibreglass poles, these awnings offer exceptional stability, especially in windy conditions. Their robust design makes them a preferred choice for those who prioritise durability, even if the initial setup may require additional time or assistance.
Inflatable Awnings
Replacing traditional poles with air beams, inflatable awnings are designed for quick and easy deployment. Their lightweight construction means that a single person can often set them up without any hassle. This type of awning is particularly popular among travellers who appreciate a rapid setup combined with reliable performance.
Roll-Out/Wind-Out Awnings
Permanently or semi-permanently attached to the side of your campervan, these awnings are engineered for convenience. With a simple roll-out mechanism, they provide immediate shelter, making them ideal for short stops or day trips. Their design caters to those who value speed and simplicity in creating an outdoor living space.
Tailgate Awnings
Specifically designed to attach to the rear of your campervan, tailgate awnings maximise available space and offer additional sheltered storage or changing areas. When used in combination with side awnings, they can significantly extend your outdoor living zone. However, care should be taken to avoid any potential damage when opening and closing the tailgate. This type of awning is an ideal living space extension for a stealth camper or van conversion without an external awning rail.
Choosing the Right Awning for Your Campervan
Selecting the perfect awning involves considering several key factors:
- Usage and Trip Duration: For longer stays, a robust poled frame awning may be ideal, while inflatable or roll-out options can offer the convenience needed for quick trips.
- Ease of Setup: Travellers who frequently change locations may prefer the simplicity of inflatable or roll-out awnings, which require minimal time for deployment.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensuring the awning fits your campervan’s dimensions and attachment points is essential for both performance and safety.
- Design and Functionality: From providing ample shade to creating extra storage areas, choose an awning that meets your specific needs and enhances your campervan’s practicality.
Awning Maintenance and Longevity
Proper care is vital for ensuring your awning continues to offer excellent performance over time:
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your awning free of dirt and debris to prevent mould and mildew build-up.
- Drying: Allow the awning to dry completely before storage to avoid any moisture-related damage.
- Periodic Inspection: Regularly check for wear and tear, particularly after exposure to challenging weather conditions.
- Correct Storage: When not in use, store your awning in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition and extend its lifespan.
Do I Need an Awning Rail for a Campervan Awning?
It isn’t strictly mandatory to have an awning rail, but using one is highly recommended for most campervan awning installations. An awning rail provides a dedicated mounting point that allows you to feed the awning’s beaded (Kador) strip directly into a channel designed for that purpose. This makes for a secure, weatherproof, and neat attachment that helps prevent gaps or water ingress.
If your campervan doesn’t come with a built-in rail, many awnings can be attached using storm straps or guylines. These are passed over the roof and pegged down on the opposite side of the van. Although this method can work, it is generally less secure and may not produce as tidy or weatherproof a connection. If you only rarely use an awning, and have a reason not to fit an awning rail (i.e. you keep a van as a stealth camper) this can be an option for those occasions.
If your campervan has an external rain gutter, a figure of 8 strip attached to the awning beading will often clip onto the guttering.
Dometic produces the Limpet Driveaway Kit which attached firmly to the vehicle roof with strong limpet suckers, to which a campervan awning (static or driveaway) can be atrtached
In summary, using an awning rail isn’t absolutely essential, but if you’re looking for ease of installation and a robust, weatherproof fit, it’s well worth installing or retrofitting one onto your campervan.