The Complete Guide to Correctly Sizing a Caravan Awning

One of the most commonly asked questions i get is about how do i go about correctly sizing a caravan awning? Finding the right size awning for your caravan can make all the difference in your comfort and convenience while traveling. Whether you’re looking to add more space for outdoor relaxation or need extra room for storage, a correctly sized awning can enhance your caravanning experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about correctly sizing a caravan awning and help you discover the perfect fit for your needs.

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Why Correct Sizing Matters (Yes, it matters guys!!)

The right awning size ensures a snug, secure fit to your caravan, which is essential for stability and weather protection. If the awning is too small or too large, it can cause problems like improper tension, gaps that let in rain or wind, and even structural issues over time.

Selecting the correct size also guarantees you’ll make the most out of the additional space, whether for lounging, dining, or storing your outdoor gear. Let’s dive into how you can get the correct measurements and select the best awning for your caravan.

Types of Caravan Awnings

Before we get into the details of sizing, it’s helpful to understand the different types of caravan awnings:

• Full Awnings: These cover the entire length of your caravan, creating a significant amount of extra space. Full awnings are ideal for longer holidays or if you need space for activities like dining, relaxing, or even sleeping.
• Porch Awnings: Smaller and quicker to set up, porch awnings cover only a portion of your caravan and are perfect for short trips or when you don’t need as much space.
• Inflatable Awnings: Known for their ease of setup, inflatable awnings use air-filled tubes instead of traditional poles. These are great for those who want a fast, hassle-free installation but still want a durable, stable awning.

No matter which type you choose, correct sizing remains crucial to ensure your awning fits well and performs its function properly. If you’re unsure which type is right for you, explore our wide range of options at A and E Leisure, where we offer solutions for every caravanner’s needs.

Understanding Awning Size and the A-Measurement

The most important measurement when selecting an awning is the A-measurement. This refers to the perimeter measurement around the caravan where the awning will attach, forming a complete enclosure. The A-measurement determines what size awning you need to buy and ensures it will fit your caravan correctly.

Most manufacturers provide the A-measurement in the caravan’s manual, but if it’s not available or you want to double-check, it’s easy to measure yourself. Here’s how:

How to Measure Your Caravan Awning Size (A-Measurement)

Step 1: Level the Caravan

Before you begin, ensure your caravan is on level ground. An unlevel caravan can result in incorrect measurements, leading to an awning that doesn’t fit properly.

Step 2: Use a Flexible Tape Measure

You’ll need a long, flexible tape measure or string can work. Start at the ground at one end of the awning rail (the track that runs along the top edge of the caravan) and measure up along the rail, over the top of the caravan, and down to the ground on the other side. This full perimeter measurement is your caravan’s A-measurement.

Step 3: Cross-Check with the Manufacturer

While most manufacturers provide this information in the manual, it’s a good idea to measure it yourself, especially if you’ve made any modifications to the caravan.

Choosing the Right Awning Based on Your A-Measurement

Once you have your A-measurement, it’s time to match it with the appropriate awning size. Most manufacturers use standard size ranges, so you’ll need to find a size chart that corresponds to your caravan’s A-measurement. For example, if your A-measurement is 875 cm, you might need an awning size 10 or 11, depending on the brand.

At A and E Leisure, we make it simple by offering an easy-to-use size guide on each awning product page. Just enter your A-measurement or caravan model, and we’ll show you the best options that fit perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sizing a Caravan Awning

Getting the right awning size isn’t just about measuring correctly. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not Leveling the Caravan: Even a slight tilt can throw off your measurements, leading to an awning that doesn’t fit snugly. Always ensure your caravan is level before measuring.
• Not Considering Awning Rail Features: Be sure to measure over any protrusions or irregularities, such as wheel arches, that could affect the fit.
• Ignoring Manufacturer Size Guides: Each manufacturer may have slightly different size charts, so be sure to cross-check your measurements against their guide to get the correct size.

At A and E Leisure, we’ve helped thousands of caravanners avoid these mistakes, ensuring they leave with an awning that fits perfectly and functions seamlessly.

We have done hundreds of awning reviews and you can find some here:
– Camptech Starline 390 Motorhome Awning Review
– Isabella Air Cirrus North 400 Review

Discovering the Right Awning for Your Needs

While correctly sizing a caravan awning is the most crucial part of the process, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right one for your lifestyle:

• Material: Lightweight polyester awnings are perfect for summer trips, while heavier materials like PVC are great for year-round use, especially in windy or rainy conditions.
• Ease of Setup: Inflatable awnings are ideal if you want quick and easy setup, while pole-based models may take more time but offer traditional stability.
• Weather Resistance: Depending on where you’re caravanning, you’ll want to consider factors like UV protection, wind resistance, and waterproofing. At A and E Leisure, we offer a wide range of durable, weather-resistant awnings that will keep you protected no matter the conditions.

Top FAQs on Caravan Awning Sizing

To make things even easier, here are answers to some of the most common questions about awning sizing:

1. How do I find my caravan’s A-measurement if I can’t measure it? If you can’t measure your caravan or aren’t confident in your measurement, check your caravan’s manual or look it up online. Most manufacturers list the A-measurement by model and year.

The most common tool that retailers use to try and help fid you caravan A frame size is using the Isabella Awning Size Guide.

2. Can I use a porch awning if my A-measurement is too large for a full awning? Yes, porch awnings are often a great alternative for caravanners with larger caravans who don’t need the full coverage of a traditional awning. A and E Leisure stocks several porch awnings that fit a variety of A-measurements.

3. Does the type of caravan I own affect the awning size? Yes, different caravan designs and models can have varying A-measurements. Always make sure to measure your specific caravan or consult its manual to ensure you’re buying the right size.

Get the Perfect Fit at A and E Leisure

Finding the correct size for your caravan awning doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll have an awning that fits perfectly, providing comfort, protection, and extra space.

At A and E Leisure, we offer a wide range of awnings to suit every caravan size, type, and style. With options for full awnings, porch awnings, and inflatable models, we’re your one-stop shop for all your caravan awning needs. Plus, our easy-to-use size guide will help you find the perfect match based on your A-measurement.

So, whether you’re planning a summer getaway or an all-season adventure, let A and E Leisure help you find the right awning for your caravan. Browse our collection today or get in touch with our team for expert advice on sizing and selection.