Awnings make caravan-living more fun, invigorating, versatile, and fulfilling. They gave you extra space and added comfort for days when you simply need to let loose, relax, and stretch your legs. There are mainly three kinds of caravan awnings in the market and each one answers best to people’s different needs. Do you know which one is perfect for you?
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Best Caravan Awnings for You
To help you, this article will discuss the three main types of caravan awnings together with their respective pros and cons. This article will equip you to make the best intelligent choice for you and your lifestyle needs as a caravan enthusiast. Read on to know the best caravan awning for you.
1. The Complete Package: Full Caravan Awnings
Full caravan awnings are best for full-time caravanners and caravan enthusiasts that go on trips every on a regular basis. A full caravan awning is best for you if you want to maximize your space. It covers the whole length of your caravan. Full caravan awnings are best for caravanners that prefer staying at the same site for longer days. They’re also perfect for permanent pitching.
All number 1 caravan awnings have full caravan versions that can perfectly accommodate more than three people. Full caravan awnings come in different styles. Some are so elaborate that they can even accommodate the placement of curtains and skylights. Full caravan awnings are perfect for caravanners with families that enjoy more time in outdoor spaces. They allow additional protection from the sun’s heat and better air circulation. They can also withstand strong winds.
Pros:
- Can double your living space
- Excellent durability
- Can be a permanent fixture
- Can be accessorized and customized across all endpoints
- Can stand different kinds of weather conditions
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not affordable
- Takes time to install
- Installment is meticulous and can be complicated
- May require towing, depending on style and weight
2. The Midway Choice: Porch Awnings
Porch awnings are best for caravanners that don’t prefer the huge coverage of full caravan awnings. They provide the same protection but will have less additional space. They are duly referred to as porch awnings because they don’t cover the full length of your caravan. Just like how porches are, they only attach to a certain portion of your caravan. There are some that can already be long enough and referred to as full caravan awnings. To easily differentiate porch awnings from full caravan awnings, you just have to remember that any awning that doesn’t cover the full length of a caravan is referred to as a porch awning.
Porch awnings are relatively lighter than full caravan awnings. They are also easier to install and set up. Porch awnings are perfect for on-the-go caravaners that don’t stay in one location for a long time as they can be easily installed and assembled. They provide the luxury of always having extra space anytime as they can always be easily installed. Full caravan awnings take time to install so most caravaners sometimes don’t end up using them when they don’t intend to stay long in an area in the first place. Hardcore caravan enthusiasts often have both full caravan awnings and porch awnings. They only set up full caravan awnings when they know that they will be staying for more than a few days in an area. If not, they opt for porch awnings that can be installed and disassembled in a jiffy.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lighter than full caravan awnings
- Easy to install
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Lesser additional space
- Cannot withstand strong winds and weather conditions
- Not ideal for permanent pitching
3. The Light Choice: Canopies
Canopies are the most versatile kind of caravan awnings. They can cover the full length of your caravan and can provide extra space that can even be bigger than that of full caravan awnings. They don’t come with side panels. As they have no side panels, they’re perfect for caravanners that enjoy outdoor cooking.
They don’t come with side panels so you can’t expect any level of privacy with canopies. You can expect though that you’d have full access to fresh outdoor winds. Canopies are perfect for caravanners that prefer the full outdoor experience. It will be so easy for you to feel one with the environment if you have one set-up. Canopies are also very easy to install and disassemble. They can also be permanently pitched. If you enjoy outdoor cooking and prefer the full outdoor experience, canopies are perfect for you.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight
- Airy
- Easy assemble
- Perfect for outdoor cooking
- Affordable
- Can be permanently fitted
Cons:
- Not durable
- Weaker protection from the sun
- Cannot withstand strong winds and weather conditions
- No side panels
- No wind protection
- No privacy
Tips from Experts
Take note of the following expert tips when choosing the perfect awning for your caravan:
- Opt for one made of fabric that offers UV protection
- Know the accurate length and width of your caravan
- Know your caravan’s payload. If it can’t handle heavy objects and accessories, you should opt for lightweight awnings like canopies.
- Know your personal preferences. Have a ready list of deal-breakers. If you put prime in privacy, full caravan awnings are perfect for you.
