Awnings for Motorhomes : Create Shade, Space, and Comfort Wherever You Park
At Mobile RV Maintenance, we’ve helped countless motorhome owners choose, install, and maintain their awnings. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering adding or upgrading an awning on your motorhome.
Awnings do far more than add style to your vehicle. Heres why so many UK and European motorhome owners wouldnt be without one:
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Shade and shelter: Keep the sun off your windows (reducing interior heat) or stay dry when enjoying a cup of tea in light rain.
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Extra living space: With a full enclosure or privacy screens, you effectively double your usable floor area. Great for pets, bikes, or dining setups.
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Added privacy: Side panels or mesh screens give you a cozy, more secluded outdoor area, even on busy sites.
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Protect your gear: Store muddy boots, outdoor furniture, or wet clothes under cover.
Types of Motorhome Awnings
Motorhome awnings come in several styles, each with its own advantages.
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Roll-out or cassette awnings: Mounted permanently to your roof or side wall. Brands like Fiamma and Thule Omnistor dominate this market. They wind out easily, providing quick shelter with minimal fuss.
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Drive-away awnings: Freestanding tents that attach to your motorhomes side door, then can be zipped off and left standing if you want to take the van out. Perfect for longer stays.
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Inflatable awnings: Increasingly popular, these use air beams instead of poles, making setup quick and sturdy even in breezy conditions.
Choosing the Right Awning
Picking the right awning depends on how you travel.
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If you tour regularly and move site to site, a permanent cassette awning is hard to beat for ease and speed.
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If you like setting up a base for a week or two and exploring by car or on foot, a drive-away awning gives you a spacious camping room that stays in place when you drive off.
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Consider size and vehicle height, especially with high-top coachbuilt motorhomes or A-class RVs.
Its also smart to think about accessories: privacy rooms, LED lighting strips, tie-down storm kits, and awning mats can all elevate your outdoor living area.
Keeping Your Awning in Great Shape
An awning is an investment, and like any part of your motorhome, it needs a little care.
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Regularly clean the fabric with gentle soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade waterproof coatings.
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Let it dry fully before rolling it up to prevent mould and mildew.
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Inspect for tears or worn seals, and have small problems fixed before they become major issues.
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Always use tie-downs or storm straps if breezy weather is forecast wind can quickly turn an awning into an expensive kite.
Why Trust Mobile RV Maintenance?
From fitting brand-new cassette awnings to repairing bent arms, torn canopies, or faulty motors on electric units, Mobile RV Maintenance has years of experience with all kinds of awning systems. We can help you choose the perfect awning for your motorhome, supply quality accessories, and ensure everything is installed safely and securely.
We also offer annual awning checks as part of your habitation service, inspecting mounting points, seals, and mechanisms so your awning is always ready when you need it.
Ready to Expand Your Outdoor Living?
A well-fitted awning changes how you use your motorhome, giving you more space, more comfort, and more freedom to relax outdoors.
Get in touch with Mobile RV Maintenance today well help you pick the right system, handle expert installation, and keep it in top shape, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the view.