Awning Size Guide for Caravans and Motorhomes
Adding an awning to your caravan or motorhome can instantly improve its aesthetic and practicality. Whether you’re using your awning for shelter, storage, sleep or entertaining, it is guaranteed to improve your camping experience and help you to make the most of your outdoor space.
Before you choose an awning suitable for your caravan or motorhome, it’s important to ensure it’s the correct size to be compatible with your camping accommodation. This will allow your awning to provide sufficient protection against the elements, with simple installation allowing you to access your vehicle easily.
To help you accurately measure your caravan or motorhome to accommodate your awning, we’ve created a comprehensive guide on the measurements you need and how to obtain them quickly and reliably. Read on to learn how to measure every type of caravan and motorhome for an awning.
Content
1.1. How do you know what awning fits your caravan?
1.2. How do you measure a motorhome for an awning?
How do I know what size awning I need for my motorhome or caravan?
Motorhomes and caravans come in all shapes and sizes, so you must take accurate measurements to choose an awning that matches them as closely as possible. In this section, we’ll explain how to properly measure different types of camping vehicles to achieve the best fit.
How do you know what awning fits your caravan?
Our useful tips will help you to measure your caravan for full-size and porch awnings accurately:
Measuring a caravan for a full-size awning
The most common and reliable method for measuring your caravan for a full-size awning is its A-measurement, as this will allow you to choose which category of awning is most suitable for its size.
To determine your caravan’s A-measurement, you’ll need to measure from ground level upwards, around the caravan’s awning rail and back down to the ground at the other end of the vehicle. If your owner’s manual contains the rail measurement, you only need to measure the distance between the ground and the vehicle’s top on either side.
An effective way of getting an accurate measurement is to secure a piece of string on the ground at one end of your caravan, then feed it up and around the awning rail and back down to the ground at the other end. Then, cut the string where it meets the ground and measure its length in cm to determine its A-measurement, which is the size you will need for your full-size awning.
This measurement will fall into a specific size range of standard awning sizes. However, suppose your measurement is between two sizes. In that case, we recommend opting for the larger one to ensure it fits your caravan properly and can be manoeuvred to accommodate uneven ground.
What size porch awning does my caravan take?
To obtain an accurate measurement for a porch awning, you’ll need to do this slightly differently from the method used for full-sized awnings. This is because porch awnings run across your awning rail rather than wrapping around one side of your caravan. They resemble a tent, typically secured to the ground with pegs and guide ropes.
Measure your caravan for a porch awning by measuring the height from the ground to the awning rail and then measuring the length of the awning rail. You should check that the door, side windows and vents are within the section you’ve measured to ensure they can fully open into the porch once it has been fitted.
How do you measure a motorhome for an awning?
Awnings can fit motorhomes in various ways depending on their type. For best results, you’ll need to have a Thule or Fiamma channel for your awning to fit or a drive-away awning that can stay upright without the support of your vehicle.
If your motorhome doesn’t have an awning rail, there are other options you can consider, such as magnetic drive-away kits or tie-down straps that run over the top of your vehicle and are pegged down on the other side.
To accurately measure your motorhome or camper van, measure the height from the ground up to the awning channel or fitting. Then, if you’re installing a fixed awning, you’ll also need the length measurement. Most drive-away awnings take a similar length as the rail, but if you use a drive-away fixing kit, this will likely be longer.
Will a caravan awning fit a motorhome?
As caravans and motorhomes have many differences, they are only compatible with awnings tailored to them. Therefore, a caravan awning will not attach to a motorhome and vice versa.
An awning must be properly secure and compatible with your camping accommodation to experience the best results. At Outdoor Action, we offer an excellent range of drive-away awnings and canopies to suit your needs. With various brands such as Vango and Easy Camp to choose from, you can find an option to provide the perfect fit.
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