Towing & Trailer

The main function of an awning is to provide protection from the rain and sun. They are considered vital to the function of a caravan and not only protect you from the elements but the van itself as well. By shading half the van, energy costs can be reduced as air conditioning may not have to be used as much.

For caravans there are three types of awnings you can install:

• Manual roll-out caravan awning. These are extended by physically moving the awning barrel out to its desired width and retracting the legs or frameset from the van and moving them to the appropriate position under the barrel.
• Wind-out awnings. There are lighter-weight than roll-out awnings and as such may not stand up to strong winds as well. They are extended by using a crank handle to wind out and extend the awning. Legs drop down from inside the lead-bar of the awning.
• Electric caravan awnings. Extended by simply using a remote to control how far the awning is extended. These do not have support legs, instead relying on a structure of arms that give them rigidity.
• Cassette Awnings. This style of caravan awning has the vinyl enclosed in an cassette installed on the caravan or RV. These awnings can come in manual or electric and are supported by legs.
• Window Awnings: Window awnings provide a stylish and functional solution for adding shade, enhancing privacy, and elevating the aesthetic appeal of your space while effectively shielding your windows from the sun's glare.

Xtend Outdoors uses Austrong Awning Vinyl HD (Heavy Duty) for our awning vinyl. This vinyl is a super-strong ripstop material which won’t tear, fade or warp, it is far superior to traditional awning materials, as the Austrong Vinyl is non-laminated which means it won’t separate into different layers as time goes by. 

Xtend Outdoors specialises in replacing awning vinyl. Our expert installers can come and fit brand new vinyl to your awning to give it a new lease of life! Old awnings are often cracked, warped, split, delaminated or smelly, whilst the mechanism and hardware is still in good condition. Replacing the fabric is a great way to save on the full cost of replacing the entire awning.

Four measurements are taken for an awning fitment:

• Awning width – measure along the sail track or side of the caravan.
• Awning height – how high the awning needs to sit on a particular vehicle.
• Vinyl projection – Measure the maximum projection suitable for the awning.
• Vinyl length – Measure the frameset, from the centre of awning arm to centre of awning arm.

Awning costs vary depending on what size you require, as well as the awning type.It is also important to consider the cost of awning accessories such as an anti flap kit and other caravan accessories.

All awnings we sell are waterproof, and will protect your van side from rain. We recommend fitting curved roof rafters to prevent water pooling, and an anti-flap kit can stop the awning from flapping in the breeze.

Awnings can be hosed down to remove any loose dirt or particles. Scrubbing with a soft brush can remove any stubborn marks. Do not use any harsh cleaning agents as they may damage your awning.

Xtend Outdoors specialises in fitting awnings to unique vans. If you have a special requirement, please get in touch to see how we can help you.

Awning installation is a relatively quick process and should take no longer than 1-2 hours.

To determine the correct awning size for your caravan, you will need to measure the full length of your awning rail. This is the rail that the awning attaches to on the side of your caravan. Once you have this measurement, you can consult us for more information.There are a range of roll-out awning sizes available from6ft to 25ft.

Most caravan awnings can withstand a breeze up to 29-38km/h.

To open a caravan awning:

1. Release the awning lever.
2. Extend the awning arms.
3. Adjust the awning height.
4. Lock in the awning arms.

Replacing a caravan awning is a very meticulous job and not one to take on yourself unless you have the expertise and knowledge. An awning is a structural component and requires professional installers to ensure thecaravanawning is secure and safely installed for maximum use. Get in touch with us if you need your awning replaced, so we can take care of the job efficiently and effectively.

Caravan awning accessories are essential for making your caravan trip more comfortable and enjoyable. These awning accessories can include awning anti flap kits, curved roof rafters, de-flappers, clotheslines, shade walls, privacy screens and more. Other caravan accessories you’ll need during your travels include bedding, chairs, tables, cooking equipment and more.