If you plan on investing in a caravan or camper trailer, at some point you’ll need to learn a little bit about awnings. Whether you want to replace a damaged awning, or upgrade to something bigger, that’s easier to put up and down, there are a few different types on the market.
Caravan awnings expand your living space, providing you with a comfortable outdoor space with sun, wind and rain protection. There are now a large choice of styles and materials, form the simplest rollout awning that provides sun protection, to motorised versions, and add-on annexes that provide wind and rain protection and privacy, all at the same time.
Australian stores stock a range of awning brands. Common brands in Australia include Dometic, Fiamma, Carefree and Wareda. Prices, vary, depending on the size, the material and the technology, and range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Roll-out awnings
A roll out awning is one of the most popular types of awnings found on caravans. Roll out awnings have two separate components: the awning material, and the hardware that is attached on either side. The hardware comprises the adjustable support arms. Putting up the awning involves unclipping the hardware to pull out the awning, and securing the arms in place, so the awning is tensioned correctly and at the right height. A typical roll out awning, the Carefree Fiesta is a favourite for caravans, pop tops and motorhomes.
Some roll out awnings have an optional electric motor to make the process a little more user friendly. For example the Carefree 12v Freedom comes with a 12 volt powered automatic extend and retract button, making it convenient to open and close the awning from the inside of the van. The arms do still need to be manually positioned.
To set up a typical pull-out awning:
- Release the clips on the travelling arms at the side of the van.
- Set the clip to the release position at the side of the roller arm.
- Pull the awning out with the strap.
- Pull the tension arm all the way out, clip into place, and lock in place. This keeps the canvas tension taught.
- Repeat on the other side.
- Unclip the arms from where they are attached to the side of the van Carefully carry each arm out from the van and position on the ground. Repeat on the other side. This vertical position is known as the patio position.
- Adjust the arm height, according to the desired height of the awning.
Below you’ll find a helpful video with clear instructions on setting up a typical pull out awning.
Bag awnings
A bag awning is a manual roll-out awning that is particularly suited for small sized caravans and camper trailers and is very affordable price. Bag awnings are attached with a sail track, which can be removed between uses.
Wind-out & winch awnings
Wind out awnings are generally a lot easier for just one person to install. For example the Fiamma F45, which is a box awning, is operated with a detachable winder. Start by winding out the awning till it’s about a third of its full extension. The legs are housed at the front face of the awning and simply drop down for positioning. Once the legs are in place, wind out the remaining of the awning.
Box awnings
Box awnings are very popular and are often installed on cars, 4X4s and campervans. This is because they have a large choice of mounting brackets, which allow them to be mounted on vehicles which have a curved profile. Box awnings are mounted on the roof or the side of the vehicle.
If you are doing a DIY awning installation, it’s important to make sure you have the right sized awning for your caravan or camper trailer. Take the time to ensure that there are no obstructions that prevent the awning from being extended and retracted easily.
Attaching annexe walls
To provide you with extra privacy when you’re travelling, annexe walls can be attached to an awning. For annexe walls to be added, an awning must be fully extended with the arms securely positioned in a vertical position (known as the patio position) on the ground. A privacy screen can be attached by sliding the screen along the rope track.
Materials: canvas, vinyl & acrylic
Awnings provide protection from the sun as well as the wind and the rain. Originally made from canvas that blocks 100% of the sun, awnings now come in a range of high performing fabrics, making them more lightweight and easier to handle. The advantage of PVC and acrylic fabric is that it doesn’t rot, however for maximum sun protection and to cool your caravan, canvas provides the best protection.
4 tips to care for your awning
As a caravan repairs centre, we see the result of plenty of awning mishaps and it’s pretty easy to understand how accidents happen. When combining a large piece of fabric, lightweight aluminium poles and the extremes of rain, wind and trees, it’s not hard too understand. So here are a few tips to keep your awning in good shape for longer.
- Cleaning: this will prevent grime from building up, which can damage the fabric. Use a mild detergent and avoid any harsh abrasive cleaners or bleaches. At the end of the holiday season, clean and check your awning for any damage as part of your winter caravan maintenance.
- Servicing: regularly check your awning for damage. To ensure your awning is easy to put up each time, make sure to oil all the components to ensure the tracks run smoothly.
- Rain protection: protect the joins on your awning and stop water from leaking through by waxing the stitching regularly.
- Care during wind & rain: awnings provide good protection from the sun, as well as wind and rain protection, but they are not designed to withstand extremes, particularly very strong winds. If strong winds are forecast remember to retract your awning. Avoid allowing water to pool on your awning, as this can stretch the material, cause weaknesses and lead to tears.
Caravan awning repairs Ferntree Gully
Caravan awning repairs are some of the most common repairs we see in our Ferntree Gully caravan service centre. If your awning has been damaged, bring it to us to be repaired. We take care of all sorts of caravan insurance repairs and caravan modifications, as well as regular caravan servicing. We also provide storage for your caravan.
We are conveniently located just off Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully. We have a reputation for our quality service and our specialist modification jobs. We’re also the only Victorian dealership for North Coast Campers. You can see the latest range of campers at our service centre.
How to find us
We are located at Unit 2/1152 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully.
Got a question?
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Box awnings
Box awnings are very popular and are often installed on cars, 4X4s and campervans. This is because they have a large choice of mounting brackets, which allow them to be mounted on vehicles which have a curved profile. Box awnings are mounted on the roof or the side of the vehicle.
If you are doing a DIY awning installation, it’s important to make sure you have the right sized awning for your caravan or camper trailer. Take the time to ensure that there are no obstructions that prevent the awning from being extended and retracted easily.
Attaching annexe walls
To provide you with extra privacy when you’re travelling, annexe walls can be attached to an awning. For annexe walls to be added, an awning must be fully extended with the arms securely positioned in a vertical position (known as the patio position) on the ground. A privacy screen can be attached by sliding the screen along the rope track.
Materials: canvas, vinyl & acrylic
Awnings provide protection from the sun as well as the wind and the rain. Originally made from canvas that blocks 100% of the sun, awnings now come in a range of high performing fabrics, making them more lightweight and easier to handle. The advantage of PVC and acrylic fabric is that it doesn’t rot, however for maximum sun protection and to cool your caravan, canvas provides the best protection.
4 tips to care for your awning
As a caravan repairs centre, we see the result of plenty of awning mishaps and it’s pretty easy to understand how accidents happen. When combining a large piece of fabric, lightweight aluminium poles and the extremes of rain, wind and trees, it’s not hard too understand. So here are a few tips to keep your awning in good shape for longer.
- Cleaning: this will prevent grime from building up, which can damage the fabric. Use a mild detergent and avoid any harsh abrasive cleaners or bleaches. At the end of the holiday season, clean and check your awning for any damage as part of your winter caravan maintenance.
- Servicing: regularly check your awning for damage. To ensure your awning is easy to put up each time, make sure to oil all the components to ensure the tracks run smoothly.
- Rain protection: protect the joins on your awning and stop water from leaking through by waxing the stitching regularly.
- Care during wind & rain: awnings provide good protection from the sun, as well as wind and rain protection, but they are not designed to withstand extremes, particularly very strong winds. If strong winds are forecast remember to retract your awning. Avoid allowing water to pool on your awning, as this can stretch the material, cause weaknesses and lead to tears.
Caravan awning repairs Ferntree Gully
Caravan awning repairs are some of the most common repairs we see in our Ferntree Gully caravan service centre. If your awning has been damaged, bring it to us to be repaired. We take care of all sorts of caravan insurance repairs and caravan modifications, as well as regular caravan servicing. We also provide storage for your caravan.
We are conveniently located just off Burwood Highway in Ferntree Gully. We have a reputation for our quality service and our specialist modification jobs. We’re also the only Victorian dealership for North Coast Campers. You can see the latest range of campers at our service centre.
How to find us
We are located at Unit 2/1152 Burwood Hwy, Ferntree Gully.
Got a question?
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