Upon entering a caravan park some would be forgiven for thinking they had entered a giant campsite, such are the proliferation of green tent-like structures around vehicles. In fact these awnings are one of the most important features for maximising space while on your caravan holiday.
What is an awning?
Awnings are tent-like structures that allow users to temporarily or even permanently increase and improve the living quarters of their caravans with minimal fuss and expenditure.
Lightweight and relatively easy to erect, they are ideal for holidaymakers who appreciate having a larger dining space or who are looking for additional sleeping room. They are not only for summer use (though they provide excellent shade) but offer useful shelter against winter winds. In summary, an awning acts as an extra room to the caravan making for a more ‘homely’ feel.
The four main designs of awnings
Caravan Times has identified four main designs of awnings with each type satisfying a specific purpose.
Free-standing awnings have four covered walls, while leaning porch awnings have three covered walls and use the caravan as the ‘fourth wall’. Both of these types are by far the most popular and allow for complete privacy, whilst remaining easy to maintain and assemble.
The two newest types of awnings are the sun-canopy and annex. Sun-canopies do exactly as the name suggests and provide shade. The drawback is that they are not to be treated as an ‘extra room’. This is where the annex comes in, which is intended to be zipped or attached onto an awning, further increasing space.
With caravan awnings, as with caravans themselves, the emphasis is on usability and maximising comfort. The beauty of today’s modern caravan marketplace is that there are plenty of awning makes and models out there to suit even the most discerning of holidaymakers.
Maintaning your awning
Given that awnings are waterproof and weatherproof, do they need regular cleaning? The answer is inevitably yes to prevent rust and early weathering.
The best time to clean and maintain an awning is when it is up – simply because it is easier to clean when unfurled. The best cleaning materials are the simplest – some water and a soft brush. While there are tougher cleaning materials on the market, there is the danger that any chemicals may damage the waterproof coating and render the awning partially useless.
Experts recommend that an awning should be cleaned twice a year, paying special attention to the parts which are most exposed to the weather (the roof and corners).
The PVC windows on an awning do not require any special treatment compared to the rest of the structure. Polish or any other materials could render the window cloudy. If for some reason the window becomes opaque there is a product used by classic car enthusiasts which comes recommended. Renovo Plastic Polish has been used for years on the plastic windows in the hoods of convertibles.
Finally a crucial part of the awning is the pegs and poles which require special attention. Mud should always be removed from the pegs in order to preserve them, while awning poles are more straightforward. All that is needed is for sand and grit to be shaken out every so often.
If your poles are made of metal there is another issue to consider. Steel or aluminium poles have the potential to corrode. It is worth spreading the poles out on the floor once a season and polish using either car wax or furniture polish to prevent rust. Fibreglass poles only need a quick wipe with a damp cloth.
Awning storage
When the heavens open on a caravan site and it’s time to leave, the weather can often leave the holidaymaker with little choice when it comes to storing the awning. And while it is inadvisable to put away an awning when damp, it doesn’t necessarily lead to damage.
The best advice is to fold the awning loosely and quickly and wait for a moment when back home when the weather turns sunny again. Once the sun comes out, unfurl the awning in order that it can air dry. Even the storage bag will need drying, as any long-term damp can damage the item.
As for long-term storage, while it is tempting to place it in the caravan for ease of access, it is best to keep it in a cooler place such as a garage or even indoors. While most awnings are heavy and discourage repeated moving about, taking the time and effort to move it at the end of a trip will ensure many repeated uses.
