When you go on holiday in a caravan you enjoy the privilege of getting up close to the great outdoors while enjoying the creature comforts of home. An important component of this lifestyle can be the caravan awning, a device which extends the available living space, providing a sheltered area for relaxation, dining and storage.
To benefit from an awning fully, it's important to set it up right, including making sure it’s secured. So, whether you're a seasoned caravan enthusiast or a beginner, here we’ll offer the Couplands detailed step-by-step guide. Follow these steps and enjoy a smooth set-up each and every time.
Step 1: The right awning
Before we go into the actual set-up process, have you got the right awning for your caravan? Awnings come in a variety of types.
- Full: This type of awning runs the entire length of your caravan, and provides the most additional space. Full awnings are typically more robust so they’re ideal for when you’re on a longer stay.
- Porch: This type of awning is smaller and easier to set up, making it a great choice for shorter stays or for travellers who move from site to site frequently.
When you’re choosing your awning, consider your needs. How often do you plan to use it? How much space do you really require? Additionally, check the size and shape of your caravan to ensure you get a snug fit. Measure the caravan's awning rail circumference (A-measurement) to find the appropriate size.
Step 2: The right pitching spot
Selecting the right spot to pitch your awning is essential, for both convenience and stability. Look for flat, level ground which is free from sharp objects or debris that could damage the fabric of the awning or the tyres of your caravan. Ensure that the ground you’re on isn’t too soft, to prevent pegs from loosening, and make sure you position your caravan with the prevailing wind in mind. In other words, position it so that you avoid facing strong gusts as they will make set-up more difficult than it needs to be.
Be mindful of where trees and other structures are. They can offer shade and wind protection, but there is also the potential for dripping sap or restricting movement. Make sure that your chosen spot complies with the campsite’s rules and leaves enough space for other campers.
Step 3: Unpack and organise
Before you begin, make sure you’ve got all the necessary equipment. Most awnings will include:
- Fabric (the main structure)
- Poles (aluminium or fibreglass, depending on your awning)
- Pegs and guy ropes
- Mallet
- Awning skirt (to stop drafts from underneath the caravan)
- Draught excluder wheel arch cover (to block wind near the wheel arch)
Lay out all of the awning components near to the caravan and ensure everything is within easy reach. Familiarise yourself with the assembly instructions and go online to check the weather forecast. It’s better to avoid putting up an awning in windy conditions, as the process is more difficult and even dangerous.
Step 4: Attach
Now it’s time to attach your awning to the caravan. Start by finding the awning rail (located along the edge of your caravan) and thread the awning’s beading through it.
- Start at the front: Feed the awning into the rail from the front end of the caravan. Most awnings do actually have a specific front and back, so make sure you position it correctly.
- Take your time: Thread the awning through the rail slowly (which can require some patience, especially with longer full awnings), guiding the fabric along the length of the caravan.
- Check for tension: Make sure the fabric of the awning is smooth and even. If it looks like it’s bunched up or twisted, stop and adjust it to avoid complications during assembly.
Some caravanners find it’s easier for two people to do this stage, one to guide the fabric and the other to pull it along the rail. Once it’s threaded, check that the awning is aligned evenly with the caravan.
Step 5: Assemble
Next, you’ll need to assemble the poles that form the framework.
- Organise by size: Most awning pole sets come with a mixture of poles: short, long and cross. Lay these out by size and have a look at your instruction manual to know which poles should go where.
- Roof poles: Once you’ve identified the roof poles, insert them into the corresponding sleeves of the awning fabric. Attach the poles to the caravan using the fittings that secure them to the awning rail.
- Side and front: After the roof is secure, attach the side and front poles. These will add structure to the awning and help to maintain shape. Make sure each pole clicks securely into place and that no joints are loose.
Take care that you don’t over-tension the poles, as this could cause unnecessary strain on the awning fabric.
Step 6: Peg down
With the frame set up, it’s time to peg the awning down to secure it to the ground.
- Corners: Begin pegging at each corner of the awning, making sure that the fabric is taut but not overly stretched. Use a mallet to drive pegs firmly into the ground (at a 45-degree angle).
- Be methodical: Peg down the remaining points, working in a systematic way around the awning. This ensures that no side of it is left unsupported for too long. Use additional pegs where the ground is soft or uneven.
- Guy ropes: Attach guy ropes and peg them down at a distance from the awning to provide extra support. Adjust the tension to make sure the awning is stable in case of wind.
Step 7: Skirt and draught excluder
It’s important to reduce drafts from under the caravan, and this is where the awning skirt and draught excluder come into play.
- Skirt: Attach the awning skirt to the lower rail of your caravan to prevent wind from blowing underneath it. This simple step can make a significant difference in keeping the inside of the awning warm.
- Draught excluder: Fit a draught excluder around the wheel arch to block this gap up and prevent wind from entering the awning.
These two simple additional measures will not only increase your comfort but also enhance energy efficiency, particularly in cooler weather.
Step 8: Check and adjust
When you’ve got the awning fully set up, take a moment to walk around it and check everything is right. Make sure the poles are securely in place, pegs are firm in the ground and the guy ropes are taut (but not overly stressed). Inspect to see if any areas of the awning seem to sag or are under excessive tension, and adjust them as required. In windy or rainy conditions, check the awning from time to time so that you can make sure it remains secure. Invest in storm straps for added protection during inclement weather.
Step 9: Accessories and furnishings
Once your awning is securely in place, you have the opportunity to make it a comfortable space. You could set up camping chairs and a table, or add storage for your ‘most outdoor’ items (shoes, wellies and other outdoor gear). Flooring, such as breathable mats, can help keep the area clean and dry. Lighting is also a good addition to an awning - especially if you plan to use it as a social space in the evenings. Battery-operated lights are convenient but solar lights have the edge as they’re energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
Step 10: Packing down
When it’s time to take down your caravan’s awning, carefully reverse the steps we’ve laid out here. Remove furniture, unpeg the awning, disassemble the poles, and gently unthread the fabric from the awning rail on the caravan. Avoid forcing any of the materials, as this could lead to damage. Once you’ve packed the awning away, make sure you store it in a dry location. If the fabric gets wet when packing up, air it out as soon as possible to avoid mould and mildew.
Regularly inspect your awning for wear and tear, especially at stress points such as pole sleeves and seams. Small repairs, such as patching a hole or reinforcing a weak area, will significantly extend its life.
Setting up a caravan awning doesn't have to be daunting. By carefully following the steps we’ve laid out in this blog you can enjoy the shelter of a comfortable outdoor space during your caravan holidays. It’s that simple. Get the right caravan from Couplands plus the right awning - and get the right advice from the Couplands blog!
