A good awning can completely change the way you use your caravan. It gives you extra living space, more storage, better shelter and a more comfortable place to relax when the British weather cannot quite make its mind up. Whether you are planning weekend breaks, family holidays or longer touring trips, choosing the right caravan awning is one of the most useful upgrades you can make.
At Couplands, we supply a wide range of traditional poled and inflatable air awnings from trusted brands including Isabella, Dometic, Camptech and Telta, with options available for different touring styles, vehicle types and budgets.
If you are not sure where to start, this caravan awning buying guide explains the main types of awnings, how sizing works and what features to look for before you buy.
Why Buy a Caravan Awning?
The main reason people buy an awning is simple: space.
A caravan gives you a comfortable base, but once you add coats, shoes, chairs, food, outdoor gear, children, dogs or wet weather clothing, space can quickly feel limited. An awning gives you an extra area that works almost like another room.
You might use it as:
- A dining space during summer evenings.
- A boot room for muddy shoes, coats and dog leads.
- A shaded area on hot days.
- A dry entrance space during wet weather.
- A storage area for outdoor furniture or accessories.
- A play area for children.
A more comfortable place to sit when your caravan feels busy.
For many tourers, an awning is not just an accessory. It becomes part of the holiday setup.
Porch Awning vs Full Awning vs Inflatable Awning
One of the first decisions is what type of awning suits the way you travel. The three main options are porch awnings, full awnings and inflatable air awnings.
Porch Awnings
A porch awning covers part of the side of the caravan rather than the full length. It is usually quicker to put up, easier to handle and better suited to short breaks or touring holidays where you move between sites.
A porch awning is ideal if you want extra space without creating a large setup every time you pitch. It is a good choice for couples, weekend tourers and anyone who wants somewhere to store shoes, coats, chairs or a small table.
The main advantage is convenience. You get useful extra space without needing a large awning rail measurement or a more involved setup.
Full Awnings
A full awning runs along the full awning rail of the caravan, giving you the maximum possible enclosed space. This can feel like adding a large extra room to the side of your tourer.
Full awnings are popular with seasonal pitch users, families and anyone who spends longer periods on one site. They provide more space for dining, relaxing, storage and entertaining.
The trade-off is that they are larger, heavier and usually take longer to set up. If you mainly take short weekend trips, a full awning may be more than you need. If you regularly stay in one place for a week or more, it can be worth the extra effort.
Inflatable Air Awnings
Inflatable awnings use air beams instead of traditional poles. Many modern air awnings are designed to be quicker and easier to pitch, which is why they have become so popular with caravan, motorhome and campervan owners.
Instead of feeding poles through sleeves and connecting frames, you inflate the structure using a pump. This can make setup feel simpler, especially if you are touring regularly or do not want the weight and complexity of a traditional poled awning.
Dometic, for example, is known for AirFrame awnings and drive-away options for motorhomes and campervans, with Dometic awnings available through Couplands’ Worksop branch.
How to Measure for a Caravan Awning
Awning size is one of the most important things to get right. If the awning is the wrong size, it may not sit correctly against the caravan, which can affect fit, stability and weather protection.
For full awnings, you will usually need your caravan’s A-measurement. This is the distance around the awning rail from ground to ground. The exact measurement method can vary depending on your caravan and awning manufacturer, so it is always worth checking your handbook or asking for advice before ordering.
For porch awnings, you usually need to check:
- The available straight rail length.
- The caravan’s rail height.
- The position of windows, lockers and doors.
- Whether the awning will interfere with external fittings.
The best awning is not always the biggest one. It is the one that fits properly and works for the way you actually tour.
Key Features to Look For
Once you know the type and size of awning you need, it is worth comparing the smaller details.
Fabric Quality
Fabric affects warmth, condensation, durability and how comfortable the awning feels. Telta awnings, for example, use breathable Teltex material designed to help reduce interior condensation.
If you tour in different seasons, fabric quality becomes even more important. A lightweight summer awning may be ideal for short breaks, but a more robust awning may be better for longer stays or unpredictable weather.
Ventilation
Good ventilation helps reduce condensation and keeps the awning more comfortable in warm weather. Look for vents, mesh panels or adjustable openings, especially if you plan to cook, sit or sleep near the awning space.
Windows and Privacy
Large windows make an awning feel bright and open, but privacy curtains or tinted panels are useful on busier sites. Some awnings also allow panels to be removed or rearranged, giving you more flexibility.
Ease of Pitching
Think honestly about how often you will put the awning up and take it down. If you move frequently, ease of pitching matters. If you stay on seasonal pitches, you may prefer space and durability over speed.
Weight and Storage
Awnings take up space when packed. Check whether you can store it safely in your caravan, car or garage. Larger awnings can be heavy, so consider how easy it will be to lift, carry and dry after a wet trip.
Which Awning Is Best for You?
For weekend touring, a porch awning or compact air awning is usually the most practical choice. You get extra space without spending too much time setting up.
For family holidays, a larger porch or full awning can give you valuable space for dining, storage and rainy-day downtime.
For seasonal pitches, a full awning often makes sense because you can create a more permanent, comfortable living area.
For motorhomes and campervans, drive-away awnings can be useful because you can leave the awning pitched while using the vehicle during the day.
If you are unsure, the safest approach is to speak to an accessories team before buying. Couplands’ awning range includes brands such as Isabella, Dometic, Camptech and Telta, with expert sizing advice available through the team.
Final Thoughts
The right caravan awning should make touring easier, not more complicated. Before choosing, think about your touring habits, how long you stay on site, who travels with you, how much space you need and how confident you feel pitching it.
A porch awning may be perfect for quick trips. A full awning may transform longer holidays. An inflatable awning may give you the best balance of space and convenience.
Explore Couplands’ current awning range here
FAQs
What size awning do I need for my caravan?
For a full awning, you will usually need your caravan’s A-measurement. For a porch awning, you need to check your rail height, available straight rail length and the position of doors, windows and external fittings.
What is the difference between a porch awning and a full awning?
A porch awning covers part of the caravan side and is usually quicker to pitch. A full awning runs along the full awning rail and gives you much more living space.
Are inflatable caravan awnings worth it?
Yes, for many tourers. Inflatable awnings are popular because they can be quicker and easier to pitch than traditional poled awnings, especially for regular touring.
Can I use a caravan awning in bad weather?
Many awnings are designed for normal touring conditions, but you should always pitch securely, use storm straps where appropriate and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Where can I buy caravan awnings near me?
Couplands supplies caravan, motorhome and campervan awnings through its Louth and Worksop branches, with advice available from the accessories team.
