Caravan Awnings
Caravan awnings come in many different shapes and sizes despite their fairly uniform purpose. Ranging from the all-purpose awnings and porches to the smaller sun-canopies and add-on annexes, these tent-like structures can vary in quality and construction, largely depending on budget.
Basic Features
The basic awning design includes a frame of vertical and horizontal poles constructed out of aluminium, steel or fibreglass. Different brands choose different materials for their frames, with zinc-coated steel and carbon fibre-max being especially popular. Precision of manufacture is important with awning frames: cheaper brands will have a less precise fit and so have a weaker structure; more expensive brands will (or should) have frames made from elements that fit better, therefore giving a more sturdy, hardwearing and weatherproof basic structure.
The other basic element of the awning is its roof and walls, though different designs may have less or more covered walls than others. The roof and walls are generally manufactured out of a strong, water-proof fabric (usually polyester or acrylic, sometimes with a PVC coating), with TenCate polyester and PVC-coated 'rip-stop' polyester the two most popular types. The emphasis placed on the fabric used is its ability to withstand the elements and everyday wear and tear. Look for anti-fading, UV-protected, tear-resistant and water-proofed fabrics. Again, cheaper brands will tend to have less resistant and resilient roof and wall fabric, though this is not always the case so it is worth shopping around.
Awnings are generally erected with the help of pegs or hooks and sometimes ropes and cables. Often it can be better to look for a design that has additional support ropes built into the structure rather than the stand-alone pole units, as these ropes can provide extra resistance in strong winds: it is perhaps possible to compensate for deficiencies in frame resilience with additional anchor ropes, but an awning intended to provide true long term potential should have both a strong basic frame and adequate anchor ropes.
Additional Features
Aside from the basics, many modern awnings come with additional design features that improve the comfort and usability of the structure. Most of the roofs of awnings now include heat-reflective sheets that act as insulation to keep out the heat on hot days, essential for caravan owners considering travelling or settling in warmer climes.
For awnings with three or more covered walls, windows and doors are also popular - some are made from fine netting, letting the air through and improving ventilation, whilst others are made from clear plastic and can be zipped open. These are features are essential for awnings fixed to caravans that are permanently or semi-permanently habited: with the awning acting as an extra room, the ventilation and other benefits gained from windows and doors can make the difference between an additional space and a real extra living area.
Awning carpets are another modern feature that is used most often in semi-permanent set-ups, providing an effective level of additional comfort. Additional safety features are another element to bear in mind with modern science providing items such as the safe-lock and storm-belt system (a seat-belt like rope-design that helps hold the awning down under strong winds).