When on holiday, the search for extra 'sheltered' square metres and possibly a spare bedroom is paramount. Here are some tips on how to choose between an awning and a side awning for your caravan and get the most out of it without having to spend a lot of time setting it up...
The awning: comfort on a budget
As a professional awning retailer explains, "The first criterion for choosing an awning is how long it will be used. A caravanner who is on the move will opt for a solette or an awning, which is quick to set up and fold away. On the other hand, if you use your caravan for longer stays, it is better to invest in an awning. The awning should be chosen according to the length of the holiday: for a few weeks in summer, a cotton or synthetic awning is sufficient; for longer stays - several months - it is better to opt for an all-PVC four-season awning with shutters.
Advantages: having an awning on your caravan
- Large covered area;
- ossibility to use only the roof as a solette;
- Interchangeable walls ;
- Addition of rooms possible - bedroom, kitchen ;
- Can be repaired;
- More affordable budget;
- No drilling of the caravan wall.
Disadvantages of the awning
- Longer assembly ;
- Demanding cleaning and storage;
- Sometimes heavy weight.
Should you invest in a top-of-the-range awning? Beautiful products are obviously more attractive, more practical and more flexible, with detachable or removable fronts and the possibility of putting them on a balcony, for example. The fact remains that if you take good care of your awning, of any type, it can last 10 to 15 years, adds our interviewer. "It really depends on the exposure, the weather conditions, and the storage during the rest of the year. In fact, the fabric will eventually age, and the crystal will "cook" with UV light. But everything can be repaired, as long as you have a professional sewing machine, the prerogative of repairers, and the repair budget remains reasonable, hence the need for an estimate. "If the fabric can still withstand a double seam without tearing, you can very well change the bays or repair a panel, but be careful not to use adhesives that will create sticky deposits that are difficult to remove, or glue that will harden and risk causing a tear.
Recent innovations in caravan awnings (2024–2025)
Inflatable awnings: quick and lightweight: inflatable awnings have undergone significant development, offering quick installation and reduced bulk. For example, the Westfield Pluto XL 2.0 model features a modern circular roof and connected air tubes, allowing complete assembly via a single valve. This system makes installation easy in just a few minutes and offers wind resistance comparable to traditional structures.
Improved materials and design: manufacturers have improved the design of awnings by using lighter, weather-resistant materials. For example, Trigano's Lagoon model uses Aircamp technology, allowing for quick assembly and minimal space requirements. It is also equipped with windows with mosquito nets and blackout blinds for added comfort.
Adaptability and modularity: some awnings are designed to fit different types of caravans, offering greater flexibility. The Isabella Buddy model features modular front walls, allowing the space to be customised to suit the camper's needs. Inflatable and Aircamp awnings fit all sizes of caravans, which is a real advantage.
The side awning: more expensive but easier to install
In recent years, awnings have lost market share to side awnings, a product that is not short of ideas. More and more manufacturers are even offering blinds as factory options.
Benefits of installing a blind
- Quick to set up ;
- Side walls can be added;
- No special maintenance, a simple wipe down is sufficient.
Disadvantages of the blind
- Reduced protected area;
- High cost;
- Difficult to increase the covered area with extensions;
- Limited repairability as the roller mechanism has difficulty supporting an extra-thick sealing fabric;
- Installation requires drilling into the caravan bodywork;
- Weight of the device when placed high up on the caravan;
- Depending on the length of the box, the side walls may fall at the level of the caravan windows or a hatch and prevent them from opening;
- Drilling of the bodywork is necessary for most models and must be carried out by a professional (unless your model already has the necessary fixings).
More expensive than an awning, the side awning consists of a textile roof stored in a box bolted to the vehicle body, which is unrolled to create a covered overhang stabilised by feet. It has its fans, as a caravan dealer confirms: "In general, the customers who buy a side awning have been caravanning for a long time, they are older, and they are above all looking for ease of assembly. We install side awnings on all types of caravans, from low-profile to large traditional rigid caravans. After a few years, users add a side wall and a windscreen to completely protect the awning.
Recent innovations in caravan side awnings (2024–2025)
Manual roller side awnings: Manual roller side awnings remain popular for their simplicity and reliability. They are easy to install and maintain, offering effective protection from the sun and rain.
Motorised side awnings: although more expensive, motorised awnings offer increased comfort thanks to their electric operation. They are particularly appreciated for their ease of use, allowing effortless opening and closing.
What if you have a motorhome?
Awnings and side awning for motorhomes have specific features adapted to this type of vehicle. Free-standing awnings, such as the Dorema Traveller Air All Season, are designed to be mounted independently of the vehicle, offering maximum flexibility. In addition, side awning for motorhomes are often equipped with specific fastening systems, allowing for secure installation without drilling into the bodywork. It is essential to choose a model that is compatible with the dimensions and configuration of the motorhome to ensure correct installation and optimal use.