An awning enhances your outdoor comfort with our range of high-quality awnings, designed to create a more relaxing and enjoyable living space beside your caravan or motorhome. Offering exceptional versatility, they provide shade on sunny days, shelter from unexpected showers, and extra room for dining, lounging, or storage. Built with durable materials to withstand a variety of weather conditions, our awnings deliver long-lasting performance and added convenience. With expert guidance and professional fitting services, we help you choose the perfect awning to elevate every journey.
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awnings
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Awnings explained
What type of awning is best for my motorhome, wind-out, inflatable, or drive-away?
The best awning depends on your travel style, wind-out is quick and easy, inflatable offers more space, and drive-away adds flexibility for campsite freedom.
What type of awning is best for my motorhome, wind-out, inflatable, or drive-away?
The best awning depends on your travel style, wind-out is quick and easy, inflatable offers more space, and drive-away adds flexibility for campsite freedom.Choosing the right awning comes down to how you travel and how much effort you’re willing to put into setup. Wind-out awnings are permanently attached, quick to deploy, and ideal for short stops or day use. Inflatable awnings (also known as air awnings) provide enclosed, tent-like spaces for longer stays, with surprisingly fast setup and fewer poles, though they take up more storage space when packed.
Drive-away awnings are popular with campervans and motorhomes alike because they detach from the van, allowing you to drive off without dismantling your awning. They’re ideal for longer stays where you want to claim your pitch, but they can be bulkier and more complex to connect and seal. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritise speed, space, or independence from your vehicle.
Can I leave my awning up in bad weather?
Most awnings can handle light to moderate weather, but strong wind or heavy rain can cause damage if they’re not properly secured or taken down in time.
Can I leave my awning up in bad weather?
Most awnings can handle light to moderate weather, but strong wind or heavy rain can cause damage if they’re not properly secured or taken down in time.Awnings are designed to handle typical outdoor conditions, but they are not indestructible. Most standard motorhome awnings will hold up well in light rain and gentle winds, especially if they’re well-pitched with proper slope and securely fastened using storm straps and tie-downs. However, in strong wind or sudden storms, awnings can act like sails putting strain on poles or fabric, which can tear, collapse, or even damage your motorhome itself.
For this reason, many seasoned travellers recommend rolling in wind-out awnings or taking down freestanding ones if wind gusts exceed 25–30mph. Inflatable awnings generally perform better in wind (no metal poles to bend), but still aren’t invincible. If you’re leaving the pitch or heading out for the day, it’s always safest to pack it away or secure it with extra guy lines and straps.
Is an awning waterproof or just water-resistant?
Most awnings are water-resistant by default, but not all are fully waterproof unless treated or made with premium materials.
Is an awning waterproof or just water-resistant?
Most awnings are water-resistant by default, but not all are fully waterproof unless treated or made with premium materials.Most motorhome awnings are made from polyester or acrylic fabrics that offer good water resistance, which means they can handle light to moderate rain without leaking. However, unless the seams are sealed and the fabric is rated as waterproof (usually with a hydrostatic head rating of 3,000mm or more), heavy or prolonged rain can eventually seep through. This is particularly true for older awnings that may have lost their original waterproof coating.
To ensure maximum protection, many motorhomers treat their awning with a reproofing spray every season or after heavy use. For better performance, look for awnings with taped seams, PU or silicone-coated fabrics, and a decent waterproof rating. Floor mats or awning carpets can also help reduce damp from the ground in wet conditions.
Will an awning fit my specific motorhome?
Fit depends on your vehicle height, awning rail type, and available space, so it’s essential to check measurements before buying.
Will an awning fit my specific motorhome?
Fit depends on your vehicle height, awning rail type, and available space, so it’s essential to check measurements before buying.Not all awnings are universal. The height of your motorhome, the presence (or absence) of an awning rail, and the available pitch space all affect whether an awning will fit correctly. Most manufacturers provide a height range (e.g. 235–250cm) that their awnings are designed for, so measuring from the ground to your awning rail or roofline is the first step. If your motorhome is unusually tall or short, you’ll need to choose a model that specifically fits your height range.
Also consider how the awning connects: some use kador strips with a rail, others use straps thrown over the roof or magnetic connectors. If you already have a Fiamma or Thule wind-out awning cassette, you can often add an awning tent that attaches directly to the casing. Always double-check the connection method and dimensions, a poor fit can lead to water ingress, wind flapping, or uneven tension.
How easy is it to set up and take down on my own?
Smaller wind-out and inflatable awnings are manageable solo, but larger drive-away models may require two people, especially in wind.
How easy is it to set up and take down on my own?
Smaller wind-out and inflatable awnings are manageable solo, but larger drive-away models may require two people, especially in wind.Ease of setup varies widely depending on the awning type and size. Wind-out awnings are the quickest to deploy often in just a few minutes and are ideal for solo travellers or quick stops. Inflatable awnings are also fairly easy, as they involve pumping up air beams rather than inserting poles, and many can be handled by one person after some practice.
Drive-away awnings and larger full awning tents tend to take more time and are usually easier to manage with two people. Pegging out the footprint evenly, adjusting for slope, and fitting the tunnel section to your van can be awkward alone, especially in breezy conditions. If you’re travelling solo and want minimal faff, look for awnings with quick-inflate tech, colour-coded poles, or pre-attached guy lines to speed things up.
Do I need to buy extra accessories like storm straps, carpets, or side panels?
Some accessories are optional, but storm straps, draught skirts, and a good groundsheet are highly recommended for comfort and stability.
Do I need to buy extra accessories like storm straps, carpets, or side panels?
Some accessories are optional, but storm straps, draught skirts, and a good groundsheet are highly recommended for comfort and stability.While most awning kits come with the basics, a few key accessories can make a big difference. Storm straps are essential in anything more than a light breeze, helping to prevent wind damage and keep the awning stable. A draught skirt (which seals the gap under your van) can make the interior feel much warmer and prevent flapping or cold air from entering. Awning carpets or groundsheets improve comfort underfoot and reduce mud during wet weather, but make sure they’re breathable to avoid damaging grass pitches.
Side panels, front panels, and mesh screens can also be purchased separately for modular awnings, allowing you to build a semi-enclosed space for cooking, storage, or relaxing. If you plan to use your awning in all seasons or for extended stays, these extras are well worth the investment. Just make sure any add-ons are compatible with your specific awning model.
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Our Team
Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.
Thank you for trusting us with your investment.
Oakleigh Wood
Director
Eliot Carey
Manager
Tracey Allen
Service Advisor
Nick Marshall
Caravan Technician
Andy Carter
Caravan technician
Nick Clifford
Valeter
Joe Wonnacott
Senior technician
Rob Housham
driver
“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”
Jake and Carol Smith