Complete Buyers Guide to Caravan Awnings

A caravan awning can double your van’s living space and transform your adventures. It creates an outdoor living area that’s protected from the elements, giving you more room to spread out beyond your caravan’s four walls.

But not all caravan awnings are the same. So which style of caravan awning should you buy? What size? And which accessories? Read on for our caravan awning buyer’s guide:

 

Types Of Caravan Awning

Caravan awnings can be divided into these main types:

 

Roll Out Awnings 

Roll out awnings are one of the most popular and versatile awning styles for caravans, offering a sturdy and reliable outdoor shelter that's built to last. They consist of two main components: a roller tube with vinyl fabric and a hardware kit with strong aluminium or powder-coated arms that mount permanently to the side wall of your caravan. These awnings are manually rolled out using a pull strap, although electric models are also available for added convenience. Designed for easy deployment by just one person, they feature adjustable legs that can be pegged to the ground or attached to the van wall for added stability. Roll out awnings are available in a wide range of sizes to suit all caravan types, and you can replace just the vinyl or the entire roller tube without needing to change the arms. If you're after a durable, weather-resistant, and easy-to-use awning solution, a roll out awning is a top choice.

 

Box Awnings 

Box awnings are a sleek, space-saving solution for caravan and camper owners who want quick shade with minimal fuss. Housed in a hard cassette that mounts to the roof or wall of your vehicle using sturdy brackets, the awning and arms neatly retract inside the cassette when not in use, keeping everything clean and protected. Deployment is simple and can be done by a single person using either a manual winder or an electric motor, depending on the model. The all-aluminium construction offers excellent weather resistance while remaining lightweight—perfect for compact setups. Adjustable legs provide stability and can be pegged to the ground or attached to the van wall. Available in a wide range of sizes, box awnings are a premium choice for those looking to upgrade from a bag awning or complete a professional build. Popular models include the Fiamma F45, ideal for Jayco campers and caravans, the Fiamma F80S for roof-mounted installs such as bus conversions, and the Thule 4200, known for its sleek design and suitability for smaller vans.

 

Bag Awnings 

Bag awnings are a lightweight and budget-friendly option, perfect for casual campers or those new to caravan travel. The fabric is encased in a soft bag and easily attaches to your van via the sail track, making installation simple and fuss-free. Depending on the model, the fabric can be rolled out manually by hand or with the help of a roller bar. While they are lightweight and affordable, setting up a bag awning may require two people, especially in windy conditions. Despite their simplicity, they still offer sturdy performance and reliable shade when set up correctly. A great option for those looking for value without sacrificing function, bag awnings are available in a range of sizes to suit different setups. 

 

What Size Caravan Awning?

Do you need enough space for your whole family to enjoy the great outdoors or are you a solo traveller? Our tip is to go big! You can never have enough space to spread out and enjoy outdoor living. Maybe you want to put an outdoor kitchen under cover to enjoy family dinners outdoors. If so, you’ll need enough space for a BBQ and table setting. If you are after a large awning the Dometic 8700 manual roll out awning are from 10-19ft.

 

Measuring For An Awning

Measuring for a new or existing caravan awning is an essential step to ensure a perfect fit and smooth installation. If you're replacing an existing roll out awning, the process is simple—fully extend the awning and measure from the centre of one arm to the centre of the other. This is the standard method used across all brands and does not involve measuring the fabric itself. Use this diagram (applies to all roll out awnings):

For box or cassette awnings, sizing is generally based on the outer length of the cassette, which typically increases in 0.5-metre increments. When measuring for a new cassette awning, it's important to consider your available mounting space and ensure there’s enough clearance around windows, doors, and other external fittings—especially if you plan to use side walls or annexes. Proper measuring helps avoid installation issues and ensures your awning performs exactly as it should.

 

How Will The Awning Be Mounted?

When choosing a caravan awning, it's important to consider how it will be mounted to your vehicle. While most roll out and box awnings are compatible with a wide range of caravans and RVs, the right mounting option depends on your setup and travel style. Bag awnings are ideal for lighter applications such as minivans, wind-up camper trailers, and even full-height motorhomes or caravans, offering an easy and versatile mounting solution via a sail track. If you're planning a roof-mounted installation, the Fiamma F80S is a great choice—it features a compact design with minimal protrusion, perfect for buses and motorhomes. For a wall-mounted option, the Fiamma F45 is especially popular among pop-top caravan owners, as it doesn’t require support hardware down the wall and provides a streamlined, easy-to-use setup.

 

Top Caravan Awning Brands

When it comes to choosing a reliable caravan awning, there are several trusted brands on the market, each offering different styles, sizes, and mounting options to suit every setup.

Dometic is a well-known name in the industry, with the current 8700 Roll Out Awning available in sizes from 10ft to 19ft and in Charcoal Black or Polar White. While older ranges like the 8300 and 8500 are now discontinued, replacement vinyl and tubes can still be matched to existing hardware. Just check for a sticker inside the roller tube or a grey catch on the leg to identify the model. Arms must be purchased separately and selected based on van height—short for pop tops, long for full-height caravans.

 

Carefree offers both manual and electric awnings, including the popular Fiesta, Eclipse, and Altitude roll-out ranges, along with the Freedom cassette range. The Fiesta is a favourite among Aussie travellers, known for its durability and optional LED lighting. Electric models like the Eclipse and Altitude feature scissor-style arms for easy setup, with white-only hardware sold separately. Freedom cassette awnings are 12V electric and roof-mounted only, available in silver or blue.

Thule is a leading brand in cassette awnings, offering sleek, European-designed options like the 4200 (manual, lightweight) and 5200 (manual or electric), both available in black or white. These come with wall-mount brackets but can be adapted to various install styles. Thule awnings are known for quality and versatility and are compatible with some Fiamma brackets.

Fiamma produces a wide range of cassette and bag awnings. The F45 S and L wall-mounted cassettes are manual as standard, with electric motor upgrade options. Available in Black, White, or Titanium, these are great for camper trailers and caravans. The F80 S, formerly the F65, is roof-mounted and suited to buses or high-roof vans. For smaller vans or 4WDs, the F35 and Caravanstore bag awnings are lightweight options installed via sail track. Fiamma offers specialised brackets for curved or flat surfaces, and the 3–3.5m awnings are ideal replacements for Jayco bag awnings.

Aussie Traveller delivers value and quality across both roll out and cassette styles. The Tourer is a basic but affordable option, while the Sunburst Classic and Sunburst Eclipse offer upgraded durability and colour choices. The ATRV cassette awning is wall-mounted and budget-friendly, whereas the Tourer Plus is a more robust version available in both roof and wall-mounted variants.

 

Lippert is a growing name in Australia, offering Solera Roll Out Awnings from 10 to 24ft in a Black/White fade vinyl. These are comparable in price and design to Dometic and Carefree, with black arms available for pop tops and full-height vans.

 

Top Caravan Awning Features to Look For

When comparing awnings, keep an eye out for these handy features:

• Locking systems to securely close your awning when travelling

• Smooth-running gear for hassle-free setup

• Telescopic cranks that adapt to various van heights

• Integrated LED lighting, such as in the Carefree LED Awning, for outdoor ambience at night

 

New Awning Or Replacing An Existing One?

If you're simply replacing your current awning, the good news is that roll out awnings are available without the arms, so you only need to replace the fabric and roller—saving time and money.

Upgrading a Dometic awning?

• The Dometic 8700 awning is compatible with existing 8300 and 8500 arms.

• This means you can upgrade without needing to buy new hardware, as long as your current arms are in good condition.

Looking for replacement vinyl?

• Aussie Traveller manufactures custom vinyl replacements to suit all roll out awning brands. Just choose your size (6ft to 25ft) and preferred colour—designed to fit your existing setup perfectly.

 

What Accessories Do You Need?

The right accessories can help you get the most from your awning setup.

For Roll Out Awnings:

• New installation? You’ll need to choose the correct arms to suit your van.

• Replacing an old awning? Choose a model that’s compatible with your existing arms.

For Box Awnings:

• Some models come with wall mounting brackets, but if you’re installing to a campervan or non-standard wall, you’ll need to purchase brackets separately to suit your specific vehicle.

Recommended Accessories:

• Anti-Flap Kits – Keep your awning secure and reduce flapping in the wind. They also make it easier to add privacy screens.

• Curved Roof Rafters – Help maintain fabric tension and encourage water runoff during rain.

• Tie Down Straps – A must-have to secure your awning in windy or stormy weather.

 

Caravan Awning FAQs

1. What are the different types of caravan awnings?
The main types of caravan awnings include roll out awnings, box (cassette) awnings, bag awnings, and inflatable awnings. Each type suits different caravan setups, budgets, and installation preferences.

2. How do I measure for a caravan awning replacement?
For roll out awnings, measure from the centre of one arm to the centre of the other (not the fabric). Box or cassette awnings are measured based on the length of the outer cassette, usually available in half-metre increments.

3. Can I install a caravan awning myself?
Bag awnings and some roll out awnings can be installed DIY if you’re confident using a sail track or basic tools. However, cassette and electric awnings are best installed by a professional, especially if brackets or wiring are involved.

4. Can I replace the vinyl or roller tube without replacing the entire awning?
Yes, for many roll out awnings like Dometic and Carefree models, you can replace just the vinyl or roller tube if the hardware (arms) is still in good condition.

5. Do awnings come with legs or do I need to buy them separately?
Most awnings include adjustable legs that can be attached to the caravan wall or pegged to the ground. Some electric models and smaller cassette or bag awnings may have integrated or manual leg systems.

6. Are caravan awning arms and hardware interchangeable between brands?
No, awning hardware is brand-specific. For example, Dometic arms won’t fit Carefree or Fiamma awnings. Always match the correct brand and hardware type when replacing or upgrading parts.

7. Are caravan awnings waterproof?
Most caravan awnings are made from waterproof or water-resistant materials, designed to withstand light to moderate rain. However, water can pool on the awning fabric if it's not pitched at an angle. A helpful tip is to lower one leg of the awning slightly to allow rainwater to run off. In heavy rain or strong wind, it's recommended to pack the awning away to avoid damage to both the awning and your van.

8. What maintenance does a caravan awning require?
To keep your awning in top condition, always roll or wind it up when it’s dry to prevent mould and mildew from forming. If you need to pack it away wet, open it up again to dry at your next stop. Box awnings require occasional maintenance on gears and moving parts, as outlined in the manufacturer’s manual. Roll out awnings should also be checked regularly, with moving components kept clean and lubricated to ensure smooth operation and extend the life of the awning.

 

Choosing the right caravan awning can completely transform your camping experience—whether you're after extra shade, added living space, or a simple setup for weekend getaways. With options to suit every van type, travel style, and budget, there’s an awning out there for everyone. Ready to shop? Compare our caravan awnings from top brands like Dometic, Carefree, Fiamma, Thule, and more. Need help making the right choice? Call our friendly product experts on 1800 787 278 for personalised advice and expert recommendations.

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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.

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