Posted by Holly Walton on 11th Nov 2024

Key Features to Look for When Purchasing a Campervan Awning

Campervan awnings are an excellent addition for those who love the freedom of outdoor adventures, offering additional living space, shade, and protection from the elements. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to campervanning, choosing the right awning can greatly enhance your camping experience. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a guide on the essential features to look for when purchasing a campervan awning. By understanding these key aspects, you can select an awning that fits your needs, enhances your comfort, and complements your campervan setup perfectly.

1. Compatibility with Your Campervan

The first and most important feature to consider when purchasing a campervan awning is its compatibility with your vehicle. Campervans come in different sizes and heights, so choosing an awning designed to fit your specific make and model is crucial. Measure your van’s attachment height and length to ensure a good fit.

For instance, the OLPRO Loopo Breeze Campervan Awning is designed for campervans with attachment heights between 190cm and 250cm, making it compatible with most standard campervans. Always double-check the height range and connection type before purchasing.

Expert Tip: The Camping and Caravanning Club advises, "Before buying an awning, measure your campervans rail height and width. An incompatible awning may not provide a proper seal, leading to potential weather issues or difficulties in setup."

2. Ease of Setup: Quick and Convenient Assembly

Whether you’re planning a short stay or a long trip, ease of setup is an important consideration. Many modern campervan awnings feature inflatable structures, also known as air beam technology, which significantly reduces the time and effort required for setup. These awnings can be inflated in minutes and often come with a pump for added convenience.

The OLPRO Cocoon Breeze Campervan Awning uses this inflatable technology, allowing you to set up quickly and enjoy your camping experience more. If you prefer a more traditional approach, look for models with color-coded poles and straightforward assembly instructions to minimise hassle.

Industry Insight: Sarah Thompson, an outdoor gear specialist, notes, "Inflatable awnings are becoming increasingly popular for their ease of setup and sturdy design. They provide the strength of traditional pole systems while cutting down setup time significantly."

3. Weather Resistance and Durability

An awning’s ability to withstand various weather conditions is crucial, especially in regions with unpredictable climates. A good campervan awning should be made from high-quality, waterproof materials with a high hydrostatic head rating (3000mm or above) to protect against heavy rain. Additionally, features like taped seams, durable zips, and reinforced guy lines will ensure that your awning stands strong in wind and rain.

OLPRO’s Uno Breeze V2 Campervan Awning offers an impressive 5000mm hydrostatic head rating, ensuring excellent water resistance. It’s constructed with durable, UV-protected fabric to withstand exposure to the sun while maintaining its strength over time.

Key Features for Weather Resistance:

Hydrostatic Head Rating: Look for a rating of 3000mm or above.
UV Protection: UV-protected fabric helps the awning last longer under sun exposure.
Reinforced Guy Lines and Pegs: Essential for stability in windy conditions.

4. Space and Layout: Maximising Comfort and Functionality

The purpose of a campervan awning is to extend your living space, so consider how much room you need and how the layout of the awning will fit your needs. Think about whether you want a simple shelter for dining and relaxing or a larger setup with multiple compartments for sleeping or storing equipment.

The OLPRO Cocoon Breeze V2 Campervan Awning is an excellent example of a versatile option, offering multiple rooms, including a sleeping pod and a spacious living area. Such layouts provide flexibility and make the awning more functional, especially for families or groups who need extra space.

Camping Pro Advice: "An awning with multiple compartments allows you to separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, giving you more options and privacy when you’re on a longer trip," suggests Alex Brown, a seasoned camper and outdoor gear reviewer.

Considerations for Space and Layout:

Number of Rooms: More rooms provide flexibility and privacy.
Floor Plan: Open living spaces are great for dining and socialising.
Standing Height: Ensure the awning has enough headroom for comfort.

5. Ventilation and Climate Control

Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining a comfortable environment inside your awning, particularly during warm weather or when cooking. Look for models with large windows, mesh panels, and adjustable vents that promote airflow while keeping bugs out. This is especially important for preventing condensation build-up overnight.

OLPRO’s Loopo Breeze Campervan Awning is equipped with large windows and multiple vents that provide excellent airflow. This design ensures the interior stays cool during the day while reducing condensation at night.

Tip for Ventilation: The British Camping Association advises, "Always choose an awning with multiple ventilation points to allow cross-breeze airflow. This helps keep the interior fresh and comfortable, even during hot summer months."

6. Versatility and Modular Design

Versatility is key when choosing a campervan awning. Modular designs with detachable components or extensions allow you to customise your setup according to your needs. Some awnings come with optional extras such as sleeping pods, sun canopies, or inner tents, giving you the freedom to expand or reduce your space as required.

Modular Features to Look For:

Detachable Sleeping Pods: Convert your awning from a simple shelter to a multi-room setup.
Removable Panels: Provide additional sun protection or ventilation when needed.
Extendable Canopies: Perfect for creating shaded areas outside the main awning.

7. Weight and Portability

If you plan to move around frequently, weight and portability are important considerations. Some campervan awnings are designed to be lightweight and compact for easy transport and storage. Inflatable awnings typically offer a great balance between weight and sturdiness, making them a practical choice for road trips.

When browsing OLPRO’s collection, the Cubo Breeze Campervan Awning stands out for its compact and lightweight design. It’s ideal for those who want an awning that’s easy to carry and set up without sacrificing space.

Portable Camping Insight: "For those who like to stay mobile, lightweight and compact awnings are essential. Inflatable models are perfect for quick setups and pack downs, ensuring you can hit the road swiftly," says outdoor expert Jenny Green.

Portable Features to Prioritise:

Compact Pack Size: Ensure the awning packs down small for easy storage.
Lightweight Materials: Choose models that are easy to transport.
Carry Bags: Opt for awnings that come with convenient, durable carry bags.