caravan porch awning | Caravan Porch Awning Basics

Caravan Porch Awning Basics

A caravan porch awning is a simple and yet effective way to extend the living space of your caravan. You will find numerous designs and styles to suit most types of caravan, and many of them are very easy to attach. The fact that many of them are very lightweight means you will not have a problem storing them on your travels. A lot of campers use them as storage spaces to house dirty boots and clothing, or as a place to store other camping equipment. Others simply have them as protection from the weather when entering the caravan.

They come in various shapes and sizes, and are very versatile to your requirements. The model you go for will depend on the size of your caravan and what you intend using it for. Most porch awnings can be added to, with extra side and front panels to give you even more space. This comes in handy if you need more room, and avoids the cost of buying a larger awning. The manufacturers make it easy to customise them, but you should always seek a bit of guidance before you modify.

The most well known brands in the UK are probably Dorema, Isabella, Sunncamp and Starcamp although there are quite a few other makes that produce quality porch awnings. All these manufacturers have their own special features and fitting systems, so it is a good idea to a bit of researching before you buy. Your local dealer will be a good place to start, as they should be knowledgeable about awnings and the problems you may face. Online is another good place to get information, and there are many owners clubs and forums where you can get some tips and tricks, not to mention how these awnings are like to live with on a daily basis. It can save you a lot of time if you look a bit further than just the styling and the looks.

All porch awnings come in different sizes, so you need to measure the dimensions of your caravan before you start. The sizes are given in centimetres and include the height and length of the awning. If you are not sure what size you need to get, then go to a dealer who will measure it for you. This is vital that you get it right, otherwise you could end up with an awning that does not fit, and then the hassle of returning it. If you shop from an online store you will see that each awning has the size of caravan it is designed to fit. The height is the most important part of all. If you have a new caravan, or a modern one, then you will usually find the awning size dimensions in the manual, but if you have an older caravan then this may not be included. There are some online retailers that will give you a free measuring service if you tell them the make and model of your caravan.

The materials are also important, you can buy steel poles and supports, which are the cheapest option, but these will not last as long. Modern materials such as fibreglass and coated steel are far more durable and will not be susceptible to rust. Fibreglass is also much more flexible, and in high winds it will flex, unlike steel will may get damaged. The awning fabric should be robust and waterproof. You ideally want something that is breathable, so on hot days you will not be too uncomfortable. This also allows the sir to circulate much better, creating a cooling effect that runs through the awning and into the caravan itself.

Many porch awnings have front doors and windows for easy access and for viewing. If you need some privacy then look for windows that have curtains on them, or pull down covers that you can use at night. You may some valuable things stored in the awning so you don’t want people to see these in full view. Mesh screens can also help keep out insects and other flying nasties, and they are a good addition to any holiday. Many awnings have this option, so if the weather is warm were you are heading to, then look for this option.

Don’t forget the groundsheet and perhaps an inner tent or partition. You can use these sheets to keep any mud or dirt from entering the caravan area. It also helps if the ground is damp in the morning. Look for the shape of the awning roof as well. Flat roofs will allow any rain water to build up on top, and this can cause pressure to build on the support arms and tension poles, weakening them and reducing their life. You also don’t want a big puddle of water falling on you when you exit the porch awning. Modern designs have a sloped roof that can channel the water away, or you get a rain gutter that solves this problem.

If you plan on having more people with you then look for an awning that can be customised with ease. You will find that all it takes is attaching some side panels by way of a zip. This can instantly enlarge your living space, and is great if you have unexpected guests round. If you need to sleep more people then look for a privacy room or a safari room. These are additions that are relatively inexpensive and will sleep any number of people.

If you take the time to think about what you want out of your porch awning, then you should be fine. Awnings are a great way to accommodate people, and increase you space. They are fairly simple to erect if you follow the instructions, and getting used to them is vital. Try setting up before you leave for the camp site, this way you will know how things work. It also saves a lot of time when you get to camp if you know what you are doing. It may seen like common sense but you would be surprised how many caravan owners neglect this part to their cost. There is certainly no fun in trying to set something up in bad weather and finding you can’t do it efficiently. Practising at home on the driveway will iron out potential problems before they occur, and reduce any stress and arguing.

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