By Jessica Palmer,
August 1, 2024
Welcome to our guide to motorhome and caravan awnings. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a newbie to RV travel, finding the perfect awning for your caravan is essential.
Why? Because caravan awnings are the one accessory that you shouldn’t do without. Your caravan awning serves not only as shelter from the sun and rain but as a versatile extension to your living space, providing extra room for relaxation and dining.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of awnings available for caravans and motorhomes, things to consider when buying or replacing an awning, and a few options for all-sized wallets.
Different types of awnings
There are four main different types of awnings for caravans and motorhomes: roll out awnings, box awnings, bag awnings, and inflatable awnings. Not all can be mounted onto all RV types and although there is always an odd exception to the rule, the table below shows the types of awnings that will work with various different caravans and campers.
You may also be familiar with 4×4 awnings (usually a type of bag awning). You can often install these on very small caravans like teardrop campers or small hybrid campers. However, we have a whole article on 4×4 awnings in the works that you’ll be able to read soon, so we won’t go down that large rabbit hole in this article.
| Roll out awning | Box awning | Bag awning | Inflatable awning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | No | Yes | Yes | Sometimes |
 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Roll out awnings for caravans and motorhomes
A roll out caravan awning is usually the easiest to set up for one person and is more robust than a box-style awning. The awning fabric is wrapped around a round barrel which extracts and retracts as required when you want to roll out and pack up your awning. They are popular with caravans and large motorhomes but can’t be used with camper trailers or smaller caravans. This is because the framework needs to be attached vertically to the side of the van when not in use, and there often isn’t enough solid wall space to mount it on these types of RVs.
For those with mobility issues or those who want the quickest set up possible, you can also get electric roll out caravan awnings.
Pros
- Robust
- Easy setup
- Many accessories available
- Electric options available
- Can replace the parts that are worn and not the whole unit
- Self-installing them requires some skill and time
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be heavy
- Side arms can get in the way when walking underneath
Box awnings for caravans and motorhomes
Box awnings (also known as cassette awnings) fit a wider range of caravans and campers due to their more compact design compared to a roll out awning. They have legs that fold up and back into the enclosed casing.
Although they are usually cheaper, they are generally not as robust as a roll out awning and sizing is limited.
Pros
- Easy set up
- Easier to self-install
- Lightweight and compact
- Vinyl is protected by casing when it’s retracted
- No annoying side arms to get in the way
Cons
- Less robust than a roller awning
- Limited length options
- Replacement fabric is not usually sold separately
Bag awnings for caravans and motorhomes
Bag awnings are a cheaper, lightweight design that are ideal for those on a budget. Some are similar to a box awning in that the fabric is rolled up on a tube, and the only difference is that it’s housed in a bag and not an enclosed hard casing. Other bag awnings are more like the ones you see on 4x4s, in that they’re housed in a bag, but the fabric does not roll up on a round tube, and instead, is rolled around the end support bar.
Pros
- Affordable option
- Easy set up
- Easier to self-install
- Lightweight and compact
- No annoying side arms to get in the way
Cons
- Less robust
- Replacement fabric is not usually sold separately
Inflatable awnings for caravans and motorhomes
Although not as common as other styles of awnings, inflatable awnings for caravans and motorhomes are gaining traction as they often offer an awning and an annexe in the one package.
Pros
- Can fit them onto smaller campers and caravans
- You often get an awning and annexe in one
Cons
- Limited sizes currently available
- Expensive
- Bulky storage bag
- Its easier to set up with two people
Things to think about when buying a caravan awning
The size of your RV
As mentioned above, not all RVs will have the capacity to install a roller awning and you may not find a suitable-sized box awning. If you have a small teardrop camper, a hybrid caravan or a pop-top, it’s possible that neither of these may suit you. However, don’t stress if this is the case, as usually, the ever-popular 4×4 awnings can be used in these instances.
Electric vs manual
Do you have mobility issues? Nearly all awnings require the ability to hold your arms up for extended periods while unwinding or rolling it up. An electric awning eliminates this fatigue in most cases, but you will need to have a caravan suitable for a roller awning.
Do you want to be able to hang accessories off it?
Do you want to be able to utilise your awning with accessories such as an awning clothesline? Then a roller awning will most likely be your best bet as more accessories are available for this type of awning.
What’s in a name?
The largest-selling motorhome and caravan awning brands in Australia are Fiamma, Dometic, Carefree and Aussie Traveller. Purchasing a popular model from these brands usually ensures parts are available when required.
Brand and models to consider
Sorted from cheapest to most expensive, here is a range of brands and models to consider when purchasing a new caravan awning or replacing your old one.
Thule Caravan Bag Awning
- Type: bag awning
- Cost: $530
- Size: 3m (other sizes available)
Thule Caravan Bag Awnings represent good value for money. They come in limited sizes and are light weight and both easy to install and pack away. Everything folds away neatly into the storage bag so losing poles is not a problem.
Fiamma Caravan Store Bag Awning 310
- Type: bag awning
- Cost: $834
- Size: 2.84m x 2.85m (other sizes available)
Available in widths from 1.62m to 4.14m, the Fiamma Caravan Store Bag Awning is specifically made for caravans and minivans. It features a manual roll-out operation and an extra-wide roller tube, so it can be rewound without the fabric wrinkling. It also comes with a central rafter fixing kit and a second track for a privacy screen or LED lights.
Carefree Altitude Awning with LED Lightbar
- Type: roll out
- Cost: $940
- Size: 4m (other sizes available)
Available in a range of sizes from 3m to 6.4m, the Carefree Altitude Awning boasts features you would expect on a much higher-priced product. The Carefree Altitude caravan awning has ‘memory pitch’, so it extends out to the same pitch it was retracted from. Also, if you fork out extra to install a wireless awning control system (purchased separately), you’ll be able to control your awning’s extension, retraction, LED lighting and more with a mobile app.
Sunburst Classic Awning
- Type: roll out
- Cost: $1,150 ($750 awning + $400 frame)
- Size: 3m
Manufactured and assembled in Australia, the Sunburst Classic Caravan Awning offers four layers of high-quality vinyl for total block-out protection and a UV rating of 50+. The roller tube and fabric are sold separately so you’ll need to buy the frameset to mount it at the same time. Other sizes are also available.
Camec Roll Out Awning
- Type: roll out
- Cost: $1,151
- Size: 4.5m
The Camec Roll Out Awning is a manual caravan awning made from UV-treated vinyl. It features two foldaway arms that can be unclipped from the main housing and pegged at 90 degrees to the ground, thus removing the annoying angled supports that sometimes get in the way with roll out awnings.
Awnlux Roof Mounted Caravan Awning W-5800
- Type: box
- Cost: $1,220
- Size: 1.5m x 1m (other sizes available)
Although Awnlux has many larger awning sizes available for caravans, this one has a small 1.5m x 1m footprint, so it’s ideal for those with campervans or micro campers. This awning is mounted on the roof and comes with all fittings and hardware. The fabric is 100% PVC and made of high-quality 16oz vinyl, which is waterproof and thermally insulated.
Aussie Traveller Tourer Plus Awning
- Type: box
- Cost: $1,299
- Size: 3.5m
The Aussie Traveller Tourer Plus is a roof-mounted awning with an easy-to-use crank handle system for set-up. It includes three layers of vinyl PVC with mesh and a UV-coated protective layer up top.
Fiamma F45 S
- Type: box
- Cost: $1,651
- Size: 2.6m
The F45 is Fiamma’s best-selling caravan awning and the newest versions now have two tracks, allowing you to add a sun screen or LED lights. UV resistant, waterproof and washable, the canopy is available in five different colours. The Fiamma F45 S comes in multiple sizes.
Jillaroo Power Awning
- Type: roll out electric
- Cost: $2,065
- Size: 4m
The Jillaroo Power Awning has the clear advantage of being 12v powered, so no manual labour is required. However, this luxury does come with a price tag. Available in a range of sizes, this wall-mounted system comes with all required mounting brackets and is designed with maximum weather resistance in mind. Boasting four layers of vinyl, it also comes in a few different colour options.
Thule Mystic Electric
- Type: box electric
- Cost: $3,200 + mounting brackets
- Size: 4.5m
A box-style electric caravan awning is somewhat of a rarity. However, the Thule Mystic does indeed offer a 12v motor that allows you to open the awning without any effort. You can set the angle as you wish so it clears your van door when it’s open and cleaning is made easier due to the front profile, which has a drainage system to dispose of water and waste.
Our verdict on awnings for caravans
Caravan and motorhome awnings are not a one-size-fits-all approach and it all comes down to your individual needs and budget. Regardless of which type you choose, take the time to research and read customer reviews so you can make an informed decision when you decide to go ahead and purchase.
We wish you happy travels, memorable camping experiences and countless nights staring at the stars from under your brand-new awning. Here’s to many wonderful adventures ahead!
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