How To Put Up A Caravan Porch Awning?

One of the best things about caravanning is that you get to travel to places you have never been and bring your own accommodation. A simple way to expand the space available to you in your caravan is by setting up a caravan porch awning. Caravan awnings can be a good way to ensure more storage space or a nice semi-outdoor space for relaxing. They are also quite simple to set up. 

Caravan awnings are lightweight and easy to handle, so most can even be set up by a single person, especially if they are electrical. This type requires that you just throw a switch and the awning opens by itself. However, if you have the manual version, when setting up, ensure that:

• You choose a flat site for stability and comfort
• The area is not too windy
• The area offers some shade so the fabric is not easily damaged by too much UV exposure
• You avoid setting up right beneath trees that are likely to drop leaves and branches on your awning
• You make use of the pegs and straps to better secure the awning in place
• If setting up in a sandy place, that you have suitable pegs

While most caravan awnings can be set up by one person, the job moves along faster and easier when there are two of you, so try to find another pair of helping hands. Otherwise, you can do it on your own but will need to work on one side at a time. 

How to put up a Caravan Awning?

If you have a roll-out awning, all you need to do is unlock the travel lock and then loosen the brace knob on both arms. This frees the arms so you can extend them and pull out the awning. 

You should have a ratchet dog located to the right side of the awning. Use this to position the awning in the roll-out position. Depending on the make of the awning, this may also be done with a latch. All you need to do is slide it up and the awning will be positioned for rollout. 

Next, check for a strap that should also be located on the right side of the awning. It may be rolled up like the awning, so appear to have a short length. If you cannot reach the strap, use a hook pole to draw it down. All you need to do is pull on the strap to its limit and bring out the awning completely.

You then need to slide the poles and lock them in position. Do this on both sides of the awning. Raise the poles as high as you find comfortable. Then lock and tighten the knobs located at the centre of the arms on the sides of the awning, on both sides as well.  

You can usually achieve a nice level height for the awning while the poles are still attached to the caravan. However, you can also opt to pull them all the way out and peg them to the ground. Some people prefer this 90° angling of the poles to the awning. It allows them to more easily pass through the sides of the awning. It can also reduce the pressure of the outward pull on the awning. 

More tips

If it is rainy, do not pull out the poles. Leaving the awning at a tilt will allow the water to slide off easily rather than pooling on top. Plus, it provides a good opportunity to be inspecting the fabric for any damage. If it gets wet and you have to close it before it dries, be sure to open it up as soon as the weather allows or you get home to dry it properly. 

Avoid hanging anything on your awning as this can weaken its structure can cause parts to collapse or bend. It is also best to avoid leaving your awning open when it gets too windy. Not just because the sound of flapping fabric can be irritating, but the force can also damage the frame. If you want to leave it open, use a tensioner bracket to increase the tension but do not allow the fabric to be overstretched. This can weaken it and cause it to tear easily.