Many Australians are in favor of outdoor living. That being said, going to a camping site is one of the best travel options when you step out of the door. Moreover, using a caravan as your living space will add excitement to the campers. What more if you invest in a good awning?
What is Caravan Awning?
The weather is so unpredictable and it changes over time. That is why finding a good awning is necessary as protection against harsh weather. It works as a shade that will keep you dry when it rains.
Caravan awning can also be customized to extend your living space during the camp. You can add a screen for better privacy and it is easy to set up alone. It will take less than 10 minutes to build an awning, thus perfect for a short period stay.
In other words, the awning is an ideal solution for an on-the-go camping experience. It assures comfort and also everyone’s safety.
Different Types of Caravan Awning
Each caravan awning can fit on different sizes of vehicles. Therefore, it is important to know the size of your van before deciding which type of awning you will buy. Accurately measure its dimensions not to get a wrong purchase.
Here are the various types of caravan awning to choose from:
1. Roll-Out Caravan Awning
This type of awning can be very challenging to install and it requires a de-flapper to reduce tensions. It must be clipped on the sides of the frame to withstand strong winds. The material comes with a sail track to enhance your privacy and provide a better cover against sunlight.
Make sure to lock the components of this awning using the velcro strap. First of all, the van should have a strap to secure the awning. The top advantage of a roll-out awning is its durability, which is better than the other options.
2. Vintage Style Caravan Awning
Upon scrolling in social media, lots of travelers are sharing ideas about van renovation. Vintage caravans are the new trend as they look cool and yet easy to assemble with an awning. Ask for help when installing this type of caravan awning due to erection issues that may occur.
Unlike roll-out awning, its sail track is to be screwed to your van for better stability. It is reinforced with sturdy vertical poles, peg, and spreader bars to remain in place after setting up the material.
The awning also provides a little shade for your belongings through the vents to keep everything safe. Moreover, it is weather-resistant for a more pleasant camping trip.
3. Cassette Style Caravan Awning
Another type of awning is suitable for cassette caravans. It is also called the box awning and is very popular in the market. This awning can be set up manually, and also fits for motor caravans, camper vans, and other tow vehicles. It is quick to assemble by locating the winder and connecting it toward the socket.
The awning material features UV protection to extend its lifespan, just like the roll-out type. However, avoid damaging its winder inserts for it might cause trouble during the assembly. Check all the attachments and ensure they are fully secured to the van. While the spreaders are a great substitute for de-flappers that help to minimize tension.
4. Electric Caravan Awning
This one is the priciest among the types of caravan awning for an obvious reason. It promotes ease of installation with the added push-button feature. An electric awning is a high-end choice that is most suitable for motor caravans. The only problem with such a type of awning is when an electrical failure occurs.
Tips to Take Care Caravan Awning
No matter how good-looking your caravan is, if not maintained well, it would be useless. So, the following are effective ways to extend the life of your caravan awning:
1. Check on the Weather
Though most awnings are weather-proof, they cannot stand against a cyclone. For example, with an electric awning setup, it is more suitable for wind-free weather. This thing you should be aware of in choosing a type of awning. Its downside is there are tendencies the cassette will fly over when the peg is not that secured.
The remedy would be using ropes to fight against tension and not to damage the awning bars.
2. Clean the Awning
The awning could be filled with bird droppings that must be washed off immediately to prevent stains. Do not use harsh chemicals in cleaning the material, but better read instructions first.
3. Regularly Examine the Awning
Any sign of wear and tear should be checked regularly. After washing the material, double-check the stitching before rolling it out for storage. Dirt buildup can cause seems to weaken and may lead to bigger damages.
Final Thoughts
To summarize everything, the perfect awnings for your caravan greatly depend on your travel needs. The first thing to do is to know the measurement of your vehicle. This is to make sure you will be getting the right size of the awning with no regrets. Then, choose between roll-out, electric, vintage, and cassette awning according to your needs and budget. Each type has its pros and cons that you can consider while picking which is best for you. If it is your first time owning a caravan, ask experts to help you decide. Lastly, a caravan awning is essential to improve your camping adventure and other outdoor trips.