How To Measure A Caravan Awning
Back in July, we shared a blog all about protecting your awning, where our own team member Bernard passed on his best advice for keeping your setup safe from the elements. This time, he’s back with even more practical tips to make life easier for every caravanner.
One of the smartest things you can do when you first get your caravan is to keep a record of some key details:
- The size of your awning.
- The location of your sullage hose outlet.
- The box size for a caravan cover.
Having these notes handy can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle when it comes to upgrades or replacements.
In this week’s blog, Bernard tackles one of the most common questions we hear in-store: How do I measure my awning correctly?
Whether you’re setting up for the first time or just double-checking before a new purchase, we’ll walk you through the process. Plus, Bernard shares his insights on two essential extras, Anti-Flap Bars and Roof Rafters!
👉 Missed our blog on how to protect and secure your awning? Catch up here.
How To Measure Your Caravan Awning Correctly
Many of our customers assume the size of their caravan, directly relates to the size of the awning. This is not the case. Awnings are and can often be several feet smaller than the van, depending on the placement of tunnel boots, pull out kitchens and pop top latches.
For this reason all barrel awnings are measured from the centre line of the support arms. Both Dometic and Carefree have mounting bolts for the barrel at the top of the side arms, and this is the perfect point to measure from.
When brands like CGEAR, CAMEC, and SUPEX advertise their privacy screen sizes (e.g. 15ft, 16ft), they're typically referring to the overall awning size. However, the actual screen will be slightly shorter to account for the roller mechanism and to leave space for tie-down straps.
The same goes for cable clotheslines fixed to the awning arms.
Anti Flap Bars
You may also want to add anti-flap bars to reduce wind buffeting. These come in fixed lengths or as a universal kit like the Anti-Flap Kit Pro+ in black or in white. To choose the right one, measure from the wall to the awning barrel when fully extended.
For cassette awnings, additional fittings may be needed.
Rafter Bars
Rafter bars help prevent awning sag caused by rain or stretched vinyl over time. Most are universal (2.1–2.7m) but vary in curve. Generally, as your awning gets older, the vinyl tends to stretch a bit. Hence people with older vans, may need to replace their rafter bars with a much deeper curved rafter bar to allow for this.
Attachment & Fixture
When it comes to cassette awnings each brand has varying attachment points and fixture need for the Anti-Flap Kits and Rafter Bar Mounts. This can vary from removing spigot points, attaching different end brackets and cutting down or altering the aluminium arm itself.
Like many things to do with your caravan it’s all about having the right specifications - from awnings, to hoses, to bearings.