Caravan Awnings

A bit of a vague question, but I love our awning on our caravan.

Jason

I love the thought of relaxing under a shady caravan awning

Wouldn't be without one.

More to the point, get one that you can tie down. The roll out type are more robust. The wind out ones are convenient but are a bit fragile I think. Never owned a wind out but have had friends with them.

Don't leave them out if the wind is high.

Keep them clean with gentle detergent and water.

Not often,. but occasionally

After using our van for 5 years of great (mostly outback) holidays, I wouldn't dream of having a van without a roll-out awning. When parked facing north to capture the solar energy, the awning is on our sunny side on hot afternoons. That shade, together with all the windows and hatches open makes for a very comfortable environment after a morning's trek across the wilds. Get an awning :-o).

The roll out awning is the best thing since sliced bread you will never regret getting one.
As we have free standing solar panels I always try to park on the nth side of tree shade when bush camped then place the solar in the sun.
The combined effect of shade and an awning rolled out is a real blessing when it is hot.
You can also get sunblaster walls both long and short to assist with cooling.

Not sure about awnings... but I knew a bloke once. Every time he saw a pretty girl he had a "thoughty".

We have a strong non roll out awning, not always used, but very useful and welcome when we need to. Especially in arid areas where we appreciate our own shade. Have also fixed "sail rail" to the off-side to have another shade area both sides when needed.
Cheers - Mobi

Don’t buy an electric awning - I have one.
They are too fragile - a gust of wind destroyed the gear box and motor on mine a few years ago.
Mine rolls out parallel to the ground and therefore you can’t drop one corner to shed water.
Because of this you can’t tie it down when it’s raining (unless you add roof beams) or you will risk tearing it off the van.
Stick with the old manual spring driven type.

Hi Cheryl and Brian

What are your travel plans? Will you be touring and just stopping for the night, or will you be going to a set location for a holiday? What climates will you be camping in?

A roll out awning would be easier to use than the roof of our annex used as an awning, but not as durable in strong winds. We have a full annex but don't even take it with us. When we are touring we do not use the awing at all, preferring to take our chairs and follow the shade of trees. We have only used the awning when we have gone to a set location for a week, and showery days were expected.

Motherhen

Thank you all for your replies.We have an off road caravan that has a fiamma awning.We are not very impressed with it and thought we might get another type,probably a dometic or aussie traveller or carefree brand. We would like to know your experiences with any of these brands.