Motorhome Awnings- A quick guide

Many motorhome owners enjoy the benefits of adding an awning to their vehicles. This simple addition can give a whole lot of pleasure and functionality at little cost. With so many kinds available these days, a little searching can yield some positive results. The big question is, what kind do i go for? Well the answer depends on what you intend to use the awning for, and the size of your motohome. Not all awnings will fit all kinds of motorhomes. You need to be well aware of this when you are looking.  You can save a whole lot of time if you do this first. Another relevant question is the price and the specification. Prices vary depending on the style and design, as is the case with most things in today's world. Obviously the higher the specification the more the price will be. You need to know what use the awning is going to get and look for something appropriate.

First up are the retractable awnings, which are the easiest to set up, and are generally the least expensive to buy. As the name suggests they are extendable, and most modern kinds are actually built into the side of the motorhome. To unfold is just a case of pressing a button, it is that easy. For those who are not lucky enough to have one of these, there are the manual versions. You simply unhitch the awning from it's storage box and bring it down using a winding arm. You can buy motor kits that will make this automatic if you wish. Any reputable dealer will be able to fit one for you, but at a price of course. Modern technology has come a long way, and the awning manufacturers have created lightweight and durable designs that mean you can enjoy your camping trips with minimal fuss or hassle.

These are larger than the retractable awnings and offer you a bit more space. Many people use them to store things in, such as wet clothes or dirty boots. Really, you can use them for anything you want. They are designed to fit to the side of the motorhome and come with the necessary attachments to do this. In no time at all you can have your own little porch entrance, which is ideal for a bit of protection from the sun, and also the wind and rain. You can modify these porches to something a bit more practical by adding on some windows and doors. There are also front and side panels that can be used to make them bigger if needed. Ergonomic designs are all the rage at the moment, and some of styles are very flashy and tasteful.

The free standing awnings are by far the most popular with campers all round the world. As the name suggests they stand on their own next to the motorhome. The big advantage is that you can leave the camp site and go off on your travels without having to take the awning down and pack it back up again. This gives the freedom to visit places on your holiday, and saves so much time. If you have set it up correctly you should be able to drive back into camp and park your motorhome next to it. Make sure it is securely fitted because the last thing you need is to return and find it sprawled all over the site. High winds are a big problem here, and it may be better to take it down if the gusts start picking up a bit.

These are the daddy of all awnings, and give you the most flexibility and space. They are very big and more difficult to set up, but the benefits are huge. You can have some designs that are over 4 metres long and wide, with all the windows and doors you will ever need for your holiday. Some can sleep up to 8 people in total comfort. You may need to buy some inner tents and compartments for this, but when your done you can have a large family home for not much extra cash. Buying used can save you even more money, but if you do this make sure you inspect the awning when it is set up to check for any damage or rips.