Caravan Awnings
Maximize Space and Privacy with a Caravan Awning!
Bring Comfort to Your Caravan with an Awning
A caravan awning is an essential for most caravan campers on vacation. It provides an easy way to expand the often limited living space, offering versatility in how it’s used. Many campers use their caravan awning for cooking, dining, or as a sheltered area for camping furniture, for parking the bikes or for a cozy outdoor family meal, regardless of the weather. Caravan awnings also serve as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the campsite—simply close the curtains and door to enjoy some quiet relaxation.
Awnings and Their Best Advantages
- Inflatable awnings
- Awnings with removable front panels
- Awnings with veranda effect
- Awnings with permanent and gable upper ventilation
- Free standing permanent awnings
- and much more
Caravan Awnings That Fit Perfectly
Awnings are available for every caravan, no matter the age or model. The key measurement is the perimeter, which refers to the lateral circumference of the caravan. This measurement is taken from the ground, over the side and roof edges, to the opposite side of the ground. The caravan awning is attached to the keder rail, a groove designed to hold the Awning Attachments (keder on the awning). For newer caravan models, the perimeter can typically be found in the accompanying documentation, but the most accurate method is always measuring by hand.
If this information is unavailable, you can try to find the circumference measurement on the caravan manufacturer's website. Otherwise, you'll need to measure it yourself. While awning sizes are often listed in tent manufacturer catalogues, we frequently hear from customers who encounter nasty surprises, as these measurements are not always precise. So, once again: please be sure to measure your perimeter yourself!
Caravan Awnings for Every Occasion
Different types of caravan awnings are used depending on the style of camping. These can be categorized into the following types:
- Travel awning
- Season awning
- All-season awning
- Winter awning
These awnings can be divided into full awnings and partial awnings. A full awning encloses the entire length and height of the caravan, down to the ground. A partial awning, on the other hand, is only attached to part of the roof edge. For fastening, the keder of the caravan awning is pushed into the provided rail.
Travel Awnings: Small in Packing Size, Big on Travelling Freedom
The travel awning, also known as a summer awning, is the ideal choice for many campers. Perfect for those who enjoy frequent short vacations, it offers a lightweight design with a small pack size and can be quickly set up and taken down. Travel awnings are typically made from lightweight fabric coated with water-repellent materials such as PVC, acrylic, or PU. This combination provides effective rain protection while allowing condensation to escape. To save both weight and space, the awning is supported by a durable, purpose-built aluminum frame.
Ultimately, the choice of a travel awning depends on the camper's personal preferences and needs. For example, a couple with a large caravan might prefer a smaller partial awning. The compact structure of this awning is convenient, and the space would be sufficient for 2 people even with camping furniture. The Berger Garda L Deluxe awning would be an ideal choice for them. This partial awning is inflatable, making it quick and easy to set up without the need for a frame.
On the other hand, a family with three children would likely opt for a larger full tent, despite the added weight and more complex setup. In this case, the Berger Sirmione III would be an excellent option, as it offers ample space while still being compact enough for easy storage.
Awnings for Seasonal or Year-Round Camping
When a caravan awning is intended to stay outdoors for an entire camping season or even the whole year, the material and stability requirements change significantly. In this case, weight and pack size are less important, as the primary focus shifts to durability, especially since assembly and disassembly occur only once a year. Fixed awnings, such as winter and all-season awnings, are typically designed for longer-term attachment to the caravan. These awnings are known for their robust construction, as they must endure harsh weather conditions, including wind and rain, for extended periods. Compared to permanent aluminium awnings, fixed awnings made of polyester and PVC are a more affordable option.
A high level of water resistance is crucial for seasonal and all-season awnings. Therefore, nearly all fixed awnings for caravans are made with double-sided PVC coatings. This material is completely waterproof and rot-resistant, though it is less breathable. Proper ventilation is essential to prevent condensation, which could lead to moisture damage. The tent fabric is also easy to clean, as dirt and stains can be wiped away. Additionally, the PVC coating provides excellent resistance to cold temperatures and weather changes, making it highly suitable for outdoor conditions.
High-quality all-season awnings also have window flaps, a completely closable high-level vent and a circumferential canopy.
Steel is typically used for the poles of all-season awnings due to its greater strength and weight compared to aluminium. The diameter of the tubes is generally larger, and the thickness of the steel is designed to support the heavier load of the awning. Additionally, for extended stays, the use of hurricane and ridge poles is recommended to provide maximum stability and durability. DWT offers the exceptional all-season Carat awning in this category.
Stay Comfortable Year-Round with a Winter Awning
For the colder months, Berger Camping offers winter awnings specifically designed for your caravan. This season presents unique challenges for caravan awnings, as freezing temperatures and snow can put significant strain on both the tent material and poles. Winter awnings are built to withstand these harsh conditions and are often equipped with additional reinforcing poles. Typically designed as partial awnings, these models feature a sloping pent roof to allow snow to slide off easily. Winter awnings are primarily used as a heat and dirt barrier between the caravan and the outside, but they are also ideal for storing equipment like ski boots or even for cooking.
