Which Motorhome Awning is Best For Me?

One of the biggest advantages of motorhomes is that they make it so easy for you to head off for a spontaneous break whenever you want. Whether you are going for a weekend, or a week, it is important to make sure you still bring everything you need to enjoy your holiday and stay safe. Motorhomes come with a lot of space, but sometimes you might find it gets a bit crammed. Purchasing a motorhome awning is a great way to increase living space, without having to buy a bigger motorhome. We have put together some factors to consider, the benefits and the different types of motorhome awnings available to help you choose the best motorhome awning.

Before you invest in a motorhome awning, you need to think about how you travel and what you actually need an awning for. Do you need it for an extra bedroom, storage for outdoor gear and muddy shoes, or simply additional space to sit back and relax? Also, do you move every few days and need something quick and easy to put up? Or are you likely to arrive at your destination and set up camp for a week or two? Once you have answered those questions, then it is time to consider what type of awning you need.

a) Cassette Awnings

Cassette awnings are essentially pull out canopies that are fixed in a box on the side or roof of your motorhome. They unroll from their housing using a crank handle, then you need to simply unroll it then fold out the support legs and peg them down. Cassette awnings can be more prone to gusts of wind, so it is important to make sure they are pegged down correctly, and always be prepared to retract them if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

b) Canopy Awnings

A canopy awning can be attached to your motorhome either temporarily or permanently. Permanent canopy awnings operate similarly to a roller blind, and typically include a few built-in poles that unfold to provide support as legs, enhancing stability. For those seeking added luxury, fabric walls can be added to these awnings to fully enclose the area beneath. Installing a permanent canopy awning usually requires professional expertise, making it advisable to consult with your local motorhome dealer for installation (note that this service is available at Lowdhams – simply contact us via our form for more information) Additionally, it’s important to note that a permanent awning cannot be left behind at the site when you take your motorhome out for day trips.

c)     Wind-Out Motorhome Awnings

Like cassette awnings, wind-out awnings don’t take up lots of storage space, but they do weigh a lot, some by as much as 50kg. These awnings are great for people who move regularly as you can wind and unwind very quickly. Wind-out awnings are more like shelters, so if you need a more enclosed structure then you will need to look at accessories like side walls. Most campsites won’t charge you extra to use cassette and wind-out awnings as they are part of the structure, but it is still good to check in advance.

d)     Driveaway Awnings

Driveaway awnings are the most popular and practical style you can get as they are free-standing structures, so you can leave them on site whilst you take the vehicle out for the day. Available in many different shapes and sizes, driveaway awnings can act like an extra room for your motorhome. Before purchasing a driveaway awning, it is important to check the ideal weight and size as you still need to have somewhere to store the awning when you are on the road. Driveaway motorhome awnings are designed for easy set up and takedown, featuring lightweight materials, colour-coded or inflatable poles and intuitive instructions, ensuring a hassle-free assembly process.

e)     Inflatable Awnings

An inflatable motorhome awning is a groundbreaking accessory designed to simplify and enhance your outdoor experience. Unlike traditional awnings that rely on metal or fiberglass poles, these awnings use air-filled beams, making them exceptionally lightweight and easy to set up. The main benefits of inflatable motorhome awnings include their durability and weather resistance. Constructed from high-quality materials, they can endure various weather conditions, providing reliable shelter from strong winds and heavy rain. The setup process is straightforward: with an air pump, the awning can be erected in just a few minutes, allowing you more time to enjoy your environment. These awnings are also compact, easy to store and transport, making them an ideal choice for maximising space. Available in a range of sizes and designs, inflatable motorhome awnings offer flexible solutions for additional living space, dining areas, or relaxation zones, and are easily attachable and detachable from your caravan. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance, as the materials used are easy to clean and resistant to mould and mildew, ensuring longevity and making them a smart investment.

f)        Sun Canopies

A sun canopy awning is an essential accessory for anyone seeking comfort and relaxation during sun-drenched activities. These versatile shelters provide instant shade and a respite from the harsh rays of the sun, creating a cool oasis for outdoor enjoyment. Ideal for beach days, picnics, camping trips, and various outdoor events, sun canopies are lightweight, easy to transport, and can be set up in minutes, offering immediate relief from the heat. They are crafted from UV-resistant materials, providing a protective shield against harmful UV rays and helping prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Sun canopies are adaptable to a multitude of settings, from backyard barbecues to music festivals, making them perfect for providing shade over lounging areas, dining spaces, or outdoor furniture. Their quick and easy setup is facilitated by user-friendly features like pop-up frames, ensuring you can enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of complicated assembly. Additionally, sun canopies come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours, combining style and functionality to enhance your outdoor space aesthetically and practically. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat or create a cosy outdoor retreat, sun canopies are a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

g)       Fixed Awnings

A fixed motorhome awning, also known as a non-drive, away awning, is a portable, tent-like structure attached to the side or rear of a motorhome, designed to provide extra living or storage space that remains connected to the vehicle at all times. Unlike a drive-away awning, which can be left standing as the motorhome is driven away, a fixed awning must be disassembled before the vehicle can move. These awnings are crafted from durable materials like polyester or nylon with waterproof coatings to withstand the elements. Installation involves extending the structure, attaching it securely to the motorhome with beading, straps, clamps, or hooks, and often staking it to the ground for added stability. Benefits of fixed motorhome awnings include additional living space for seating and socialising, extra sleeping quarters separate from the main motorhome, added storage capacity for gear and equipment, and a sheltered entryway into the motorhome that offers protection from weather. While they provide the convenience of expanded space when parked, these awnings require some effort to set up and dismantle, making them less flexible than their drive-away counterparts. When selecting a fixed awning, it’s essential to consider factors such as size, weight, ease of setup, and compatibility with your motorhome to ensure it meets your specific needs.

When transporting a drive-away awning in your motorhome, ensure it is securely positioned to prevent any movement forwards or backwards during sudden stops. If setting up your awning on muddy terrain, consider laying a groundsheet or plastic sheeting on the ground first. This preparation helps to keep the awning fabric clean from mud and grass stains. For a quicker setup, it’s advisable to erect the awning with the side panels already zipped in place. However, in windy conditions, it may be more manageable to remove the panels initially to reduce resistance against the wind and prevent potential damage to your awning. For those planning motorhome trips in winter, it’s crucial to consider the snow-load capacity of your awning. Opt for designs with a sloped roof to facilitate snow shedding and prevent the accumulation from tearing the fabric.

Materials used can vary from lightweight thin polyester to top-quality solution-dyed acrylic as well as different weights, look and feels. We recommend looking for fabrics that are breathable, dry quickly and are protected against damaging UV light. Polyester dries quickly after rain and is lightweight to handle when you’re constructing and packing it away. Polycotton is also a good fabric for awnings, it’s a combination of natural and man-made fabrics and is more breathable than polyester, therefore creates less condensation. Polycotton is warmer in cold temperatures and cooler in hot weather. The final fabric to mention is acrylic, they are designed to last for many years, however they are the most expensive. They look more taut and rigid than lighter-weight fabrics.

To conclude, awnings are the perfect addition to any holiday when extra space is all you need. Here at Lowdhams, we offer an extensive range of motorhome awnings for both new and used models. Our awnings are hand picked based on quality of material and sustainability from big brands including:

1.         Bradcot

2.         Dometic

3.         Dorema

4.         Isabella

5.         Outdoor Revolution

6.         Star Camp

7.         Thule

8.         Vango

9.         Ventura

Visit our motorhome and caravan awnings shop in Nottingham and see how we can help you!

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: from 9am until 5pm

Sunday: from 10am until 4pm