Which Campervan Awning Is Best for Me?

29th Feb 2024

What is a campervan awning?

Campervans give you the freedom to go anywhere and do anything and are very versatile, but sometimes you need the extra space. This is where a campervan awning comes in. The awning can be fixed to your campervan and gives you extended living space beside your campervan, that is protected and safe, dry and secure.

Different types of campervan awning:

There are different awning styles available that fit different models of campervan. So, you need to make sure before you commit to buying one that your chosen awning will fit your campervan model beforehand.

Driveaway Awning:

A driveaway awning is set up in the same way as a tent, however there is an additional connection tunnel attached to let you pass from your van to the awning undercover. These awnings are available in both tall and low variations depending on the type of campervan you have, but what makes it unique to other awnings is that it’ll hold its structure even when you drive away. If you want to set off on an adventure for the day, you can easily detach it and it’ll still be in the same place you left it when you return to the camping site. You can more than double your living space with driveaway awnings like the Vango Galli III Air Low Awning.

Canopy Awning:

These types of awnings are rolled and stored on the side or roof of your campervan, and can easily be set up by winding them out manually or using a handle or motor. The support legs are contained within this and can then be dropped down and attached when once the canopy has been fully extended.

This style of awning is better suited for those looking for shade from the sun rather than weatherproofing, as they don’t provide a completely enclosed space like a driveaway awning. See Maypole's range as an example.

What to look for in a campervan awning

There are certain features to remember when shopping around for your campervan awning.

Size

You first need to consider the height of the awning to the vehicle you want to attach it to. To work out the right height awning you need to be searching for, locate the awning rail on the side of your campervan, and measure from this down to the ground.

You also need to consider the amount of space the awning will take up when packed down and if you have room for this. Additionally, think about how much space you need inside the awning - you may want to use it as a family social area or even a children’s playtime area.

Material

A polyester awning can be packed away if it’s slightly on the damp side, but cotton and any variation of cotton awning need to be completely dry before doing so.

You also need to consider that awnings are constructed out of fabric, so they will wear quicker over time if they’re exposed to a lot of harsh weather.

Canvas or cotton awnings also have better breathability than polyester versions, so they’ll stay cooler inside during a hot day.

Privacy and Shelter

The amount of space and level of shelter you want from your awning will vary from owner to owner depending on what you’d like to use it for.

For example, you have fully enclosed awnings such as the Glawning's range for high-roof vehicles which gives you ultimate privacy or the Brunner Comet Tailgate Awning which has zip-up windows.

Do I need an awning for my campervan?

Ultimately, if you’re looking to extend out your living space from what you already have inside the campervan, then an awning is a sensible and practical investment.

Have any other questions about campervans and campervanning? Visit our FAQ page.