Guiding Your Motorhome Awning Selection
Choosing the perfect motorhome awning can significantly enhance your camping experience, providing additional living space, storage, and even sleeping quarters. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Material and Performance
Modern awnings are constructed using lightweight, durable materials such as polyester, coated with acrylic or polyvinyl alcohol for improved outdoor performance. These materials offer breathability, moisture regulation, resistance to mold and mildew, and are moisture repellent, UV resistant, fire retardant, and strong.
Traditional awnings are supported by steel or wood poles, while contemporary designs feature lightweight poles made from plastic or composite materials like carbon-fibre. In the last decade, air awnings have gained popularity due to their lightweight nature, often weighing 25% less than traditional awnings. Air awnings are supported by inflatable air beams, offering a strong and rigid structure.
Installation and Attachment
Unlike caravan awnings, motorhome awnings can be detached when the vehicle is driven away, leaving an awning that can be secured against the elements and prying eyes. Drive-away kits, a robust yet temporary method of attachment, are typically used for this purpose. Some awnings use a basic strap system for attachment, but for a more weatherproof and secure bond, the Kador strip design is preferred.
Scandinavian camping gear brand Outwell has introduced an easier attachment system, allowing motorhomes to be zipped to their awnings for quicker and simpler setup.
Air or Pole Awning: Which is Best?
Air awnings are generally easier to set up and handle, thanks to their lighter weight and quick inflation. However, those traveling to areas with strong winds might prefer the extreme-weather resilience of pole awnings. Packing away wet awnings should be avoided, so air awnings' quick setup can be beneficial for drying purposes.
Drive-away Awnings and Awning Versus Tent
When considering drive-away awnings, ensure that the open face of the structure can be sealed securely when the vehicle isn't there, and that the awning is compatible with the rail height on your vehicle. drives-way awnings tend to use similar lengths of rail, with the main awning space extending on each side beyond the connecting section.
As the lines between basic awnings and entire tent systems blur, larger families can benefit from drive-away options offering versatile interior sleeping arrangements.
Choosing the Right Awning for Your Motorhome
To select the right awning, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on an awning.
- Space Requirements: Evaluate the amount of space you need for your awning.
- Usage Frequency: Assess how often you plan to use the awning.
- Duration of Use: Consider whether the awning will be dismantled every couple of days or left assembled for extended periods.
- Preferences: Decide whether you prefer a pole or an air awning, and whether you require more than one room.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure that the awning will fit your motorhome, taking into account the vehicle's height and length measurements.
- Environmental Conditions: Be mindful of the typical weather conditions and wind resistance in the areas where you plan to use the awning.
When shopping for an awning, seek professional advice from your local dealer, or visit the February or October NEC Show to see the awning in person. Remember, investing in a quality awning from a reputable manufacturer can ensure its longevity and durability.
Standards in the UK are high, so purchasing an awning from a well-known manufacturer will provide peace of mind. While cheaper imports may appear to be a bargain, long-term investment in a more robust awning may be beneficial.
Consider buying a pre-owned awning, but ensure proper inspection before purchasing, as consumer rights may not apply when buying privately. A wide range of accessories is available to maintain and enhance your awning lifestyle, such as double-action and electric pumps, awning carpets, cleaners, inflatable windbreaks, and hard ground pegs.
With the right awning, you can enjoy a more spacious and comfortable camping experience. Embrace the great outdoors by investing in an ideal motorhome awning today.
[1] N/A[2] World Camping and Caravanning Club. (2021). Awnings. https://myccc.co.uk/plan-your-journey/equipment-and-accessories/towable-tourers/awnings/[3] COLINBAY. (2021). Motorhome Awning Buying Guide. https://www.colinbay.co.uk/motorhomes/motorhome-awnings-buying-guide.html[4] Practical Motorhome. (2021). How to Choose the Best Motorhome Awning. https://www.practicalmotorhome.com/practical-advice/how-to-choose-the-best-motorhome-awning/[5] Ultimate Motorhome. (2021). Motorhome Awning Buyers Guide. https://www.ultimatemotorhomes.co.uk/motorhome-awnings-buyers-guide/
- For optimal camping enjoyment, consider upgrading your setup with a high-quality motorhome awning, offering additional living space, storage, and potential sleeping quarters.
- When selecting an awning, materials such as polyester, coated with acrylic or polyvinyl alcohol, provide durability, breathability, and resistance to weather conditions.
- Modern motorhome awnings come with lightweight and sturdy poles made of plastic, composite materials like carbon-fibre, or supported by inflatable air beams for a strong and rigid structure.
- Drive-away kits offer a robust yet temporary method of attachment, making it possible to detach the awning when the vehicle is driven away, providing protection against the elements and potential theft.
- The Scandinavian camping gear brand Outwell introduced an easier attachment system for quicker setup, allowing motorhomes to be zipped to their awnings.
- To determine the best awning for your motorhome, consider factors such as budget, space requirements, usage frequency, duration of use, preferences, vehicle compatibility, and environmental conditions.
- Investing in a quality awning from a reputable manufacturer can ensure its longevity and durability, providing a comfortable and spacious camping experience for you and your family.
