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Caravan Awning Information

A caravan awning is similar to a frame tent apart from his is attached to the side of a caravan.  It is a fabric structure that is supported by framework of polls with one-sided directly attached to the caravan by the awning rail or channel.  The latest caravan awnings are made from polyester or acrylic materials that are waterproof and stain resistant.  Polls use to be made from steel which added great stability to the yawning were found to be very heavy the latest designs have polls made from aluminium or fibreglass which are much lighter and extremely flexible.

Awnings for caravans provide much needed additional space on family camping trips, with the length of the awning being the same as the caravan.  Caravan Porch awnings are also available and they are generally just an area around the door that is useful for storage.  A caravan porch awning is often used when the duration of the time in the caravan does not warrant the assembly of the full size awning.  When it is practical to assemble, the awning adds much needed space for cooking and dining, storage, and even sleeping space, with special inner tent compartments available.

Caravan awnings are extremely easy to set up as the fourth side of the cuboid shape connects directly to the side of the caravan by use of a runner channel.  Once this part is in place, you can rest assured that the awning will not blow away in blustery conditions!  The framework then needs to be erected in the form of a set of poles, in a similar way in which a frame tent would be erected.  Once the framework with the canvas material is erected to the proper shape it is pegged down for security against the elements.  Although this may seem daunting at first, your local dealer will be happy to show you how to erect and dissemble your awning before you purchase.  Caravan porch awnings use exactly the same fittings as the normal awning but only provide a percentage of additional floor space as the name suggests.

Another additional benefit of a caravan awning is that the front and side panels can be removed, leaving just a shell.  This is perfect in warmer climates for airflow and shade.  Instead of taking out whole panels you can also get mesh panels that also allow airflow but restrict the number of bugs that come in to the awning space.  These are great when you wish to dine outside without the bother of bugs and also when relaxing in the evening when the bugs come out.

Used caravan awnings are a great, cheaper alternative to brand new awnings as they can be very expensive, especially when buying a caravan and all the associated accessories for the first time.  They are usually widely available because different awnings fit different size caravans and they are not always interchangeable.  This gives caravanners looking to save money a great option and the best bargains are normally found out of season (The season is generally Easter to October although you can go caravanning all year round).  The best place to find caravan awnings for sale would be from fellow caravanner friends, local dealerships or EBay.

Popular Caravan awning manufacturers are Pullman, Isabella, Eurovent, Apache, Bradcot, Dorema, Suncamp and Fiamma.  These all make standard awnings as well as porch awnings and vary in price, size and style.

Every Thought Of Buying A Static Caravan?

Static caravans are very similar to holiday apartments or even small flats.  Many people who buy a static caravan do it not only for their own holidays but also as a way to make money renting it out to other people who are looking for a cheap holiday.

Modern static caravans include all the mod cons that you would find at home, making them an ideal home from home residence.  They always come with a fully fitted kitchen that includes a full gas oven, fridge freezer, running water and plenty of kitchen cabinets for storage.  The lounge area often boasts plenty of seating, either fixed or a normal three piece suite, and a dinner table so that you can eat comfortably as a family.  All the mod cons can be introduced such as sky TV, plasma televisions and DVD and audio systems so whilst you are there you feel very comfortable.  If you have a big family then that is not a problem when holidaying in a static caravan.  Models are available that have anywhere between 2 and 5 bedrooms providing sufficient sleeping area for anything up to 10 people.  They also come complete with fully fitted bathrooms, similar to that of a flat, that include a WC, shower and sink, and sometimes even a bath depending on the size of model you go for.  Luxury models may also include central heating and double glazing so you can spend even longer at your static throughout the year.

Static caravans are usually placed in one location as they are relatively expensive to move and re-site.  This means great attention should be paid to where you wish to spend your holidays.  Considerations that need to be addressed are things like:

-          How long you wish to spend travelling to get to your caravan?

-          What duration would your visit to the caravan be?

-          What are the local amenities and attractions in the local vicinity of your caravan?

When you have chosen a general location you may wish to visit all the caravan parks in the area to see which one you like the best.  Important things to check would be;

-          Which plots are available to you?

-          When is there closed season?

-          What facilities do they have on the park?

-          What are the site costs?

-          Do they have any stipulations such as age of caravan, pets etc

Buying a static caravan is by no means expensive if chosen wisely but they do have some associate running costs that new owners should be aware of.  This list is by no means complete, but it will give you a general idea;

-          Site fees need to be paid to the caravan park on which your static is sited.  These vary massively due to location, amenities, length of open season etc.  Ask each individual park for an up to date price list.

-          Your static will use both gas and electricity.  Check to see if the electric hook up is included in your site fees.  Gas normally comes in a bottle which we almost definitely a separate cost.

-          Static Caravan Insurance is needed to cover you much in the same way house insurance is needed.  It will cover you from weather damage, vandalism and accidental damage but you need to read your policy to check its limitations and exclusions.

-          General maintenance may be required much the same as a house or flat.

Static caravans holidays can also make you money by renting them out to families and friends when you are not using them.  This normally covers the cost of siteing them and can even earn you a nice passive income if you choose to use your own caravan only in the off season.