| Awnings generally come in three types - the full | | | | - Visit your local dealer or accessory shop for |
| awning, the porch awning and the canopy awning. | | | | advice. They'll be able to show you different |
| Full awnings will run the full length of your caravan, | | | | types of awnings in different fabrics. |
| providing the maximum amount of floor space. | | | | - Buy some hardened steel rock pegs in case you |
| These can incorporate sleeping compartments, | | | | have to peg out your awning on gravel. |
| ideal for children, and can easily house a small | | | | - As one of the heaviest items you'll carry in your |
| table and chairs so you can still dine outside on | | | | caravan, it's always best to load it at ground level, |
| cooler evenings. | | | | preferably over the axles so as not to unbalance |
| Full awnings come in various sizes in terms of | | | | the caravan. |
| depth. You may think the bigger the better, as | | | | - Invest in a ground sheet as this can be used to |
| you'll get more floor space. However, it is | | | | lay on the ground before laying out the awning, |
| important to bear in mind that the larger the | | | | preventing it from getting muddy. |
| awning, the more fabric and the heavier it will be | | | | - Erecting an awning in high winds is not |
| to transport and erect. | | | | recommended, but if you feel it's just a bit windy, |
| Porch awnings literally provide a porch area for | | | | you can take out the side panels before attaching |
| your caravan. These are great for taking off | | | | it to the caravan. That way, it'll put up less of a |
| muddy wellies in the winter or storing the bucket | | | | fight than if the side panels were in place. |
| and spade in the summer, meaning you keep | | | | - Make sure you add the value of your awning to |
| your caravan carpets clean. They also provide a | | | | your caravan insurance policy as they can be |
| sheltered spot to sit out on an evening with | | | | expensive and easily damaged. Also check your |
| enough room for a couple of chairs. | | | | insurance policy to see if your awning is covered |
| Canopy awnings are just like a roller blind that can | | | | should it be damaged by a storm. |
| be pulled out to provide a sheltered area outside | | | | Caravan awnings are a great investment if you're |
| the caravan. Some canopy awnings also come | | | | keen on making the most out of your caravan |
| with fabric for the sides to give that little bit extra | | | | holidays all year round. Just make sure you shop |
| protection from the wind. | | | | around and get advice from the experts so you |
| Top tips for buying and owning a caravan awning: | | | | get the awning that's right for you. |