Choosing the right porch awning can transform your caravan experience — giving you extra space, shelter, and comfort.
But before you buy, it’s crucial to get the measurements right. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.
📏 What Is a Caravan Porch Awning?
A caravan porch awning is a smaller, more flexible version of a full awning.
It attaches to the side of your caravan and provides a sheltered area—perfect for muddy boots, pets, or just relaxing with a cuppa. Unlike full awnings, porch awnings only use a section of your caravan’s awning rail, so measuring correctly is key.
🧰 What You’ll Need to Measure
A tape measure (at least 3 metres long)
A notepad or phone to jot down your measurements
A step stool if your caravan is tall.
📐 Step-by-Step: How to Measure for a Porch Awning
1. Find the Straight Awning Rail
Look for the straight, horizontal section of your caravan’s awning rail — this is where your porch awning will attach.
🔎 Tip: Avoid measuring curved or sloped sections—they won’t support the awning properly.
2. Check for Positions of your caravan Windows
It is always a matter of compromise and bigger is not always better.
Look for position of the windows on the side of your caravan. Which one will remain in the awning, which ones out.
Choose carefully the position of the awning walls, where it will connect to your caravan.
🔎 Tip: Avoid the walls of the awning, covering partially windows.
3. Measure the Height
Measure from the ground to the awning rail.
This helps you choose an awning with the right height range (often listed as “fit height” or “attachment height”).
🏕️ Top 5 Caravan Porch Awnings to Consider in 2025
Looking to upgrade your caravan setup this year?
Whether you’re a weekend explorer or a seasonal camper, these five porch awnings offer the best in comfort, durability, and ease of use for 2025.
The Vega 2.0 is a top-tier inflatable awning with HydroTech® Cotton-Touch fabric, large panoramic windows, and a height-adjustable air frame. It fits both caravans and motorhomes, making it a versatile choice for touring.
This inflatable awning is ideal for caravaners, who want a large footprint without the hassle. The Fast Air Tech system inflates in under a minute, and the Quest Tec Pro 150D fabric, offers excellent weather protection and increased water resistance.
This awning features Klimatex all-weather fabric, a modular design with optional extensions, and freestanding capability. It’s ideal for caravanners who want flexibility and performance in one package.
Why we love it: Expandable, breathable, and stylish
The Quattro is a heavy-duty poled awning made with TenCate All Season fabric, perfect for long-term pitches. Its dual gradient roof ensures excellent water runoff and a sleek look.
Sizes: 380 cm & 430 cm
Why we love it: Built to last, ideal for seasonal use.
1: What size porch awning do I need for my caravan?
The size of your porch awning depends on the length of the straight section of your caravan’s awning rail. Most porch awnings require between 200 cm and 350 cm of straight rail to fit properly. If your rail is shorter or curved, you may need a compact model or consider a full awning instead. Always check the manufacturer’s size guide, and if in doubt, contact us—we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.
2. How do I measure my caravan for a porch awning?
Start by locating the straight, horizontal section of your caravan’s awning rail—this is where the porch awning will attach. Use a tape measure to record:
The length of the straight rail (not the curved parts)
The height from the ground to the rail
Position of Windows
These two measurements will help you choose an awning that fits securely and performs well in all weather conditions.
3. Can I use a porch awning on any caravan?
Porch awnings are designed to be versatile and easy to fit, but they do require a straight section of awning rail.
If your caravan has a very short or curved rail, some awnings may not fit correctly. In these cases, a full awning, drive away awning or rear (tailgate) awnings, might be a better option. We can help you assess your caravan and recommend the best solution.
4. What is the difference between a caravan porch awning and a full awning?
A porch awning covers only part of the caravan side.
Making it quicker to pitch, easier to put away and extremely compact for storage. Ideal for short stays or touring.
A full awning runs the entire length of the caravan.
This layout offers more space for storage, dining, or relaxing—but it takes longer to set up and is better suited for seasonal pitches. If you’re unsure which is right for you, we can help you compare options based on your travel style.
5. Are air porch awnings better than poled ones?
There is no simple answer to this question and both have their advantages:
Porch Air Awnings(Inflatable), are quicker to set up and offer all the conveniences of traditional poled awnings.
Poled Porch Awnings are bulkier and heavy options, and frame assembly is often time consuming.
If you value speed and convenience, go for air. If you want maximum durability, a poled awning might be the better choice. We stock both types and can help you choose based on your needs.
6. Do I need storm straps for my porch awning in the UK?
Yes, Yes and Yes — Storm Starts are Essential Accessory for Every Awning.
Especially if you’re camping in windy or coastal areas. Storm straps provide extra stability and help prevent damage during bad weather. All awnings manufacturers offer a range of storm straps and security equipment. As far as we go, we would always recommend you to purchase at least a part of storm straps.
7. What height should a porch awning fit?
Most porch awnings are designed to fit caravans with an awning rail height between 235 cm and 265 cm.
To be sure, measure from the ground to the awning rail at the point where the awning will attach. Choosing the correct height ensures a snug fit and prevents water pooling or draughts.
8. Can I leave a porch awning up all year?
Porch Awnings, classed as Seasonal, are built for extended camping and Year Round use.
However, not all models are suitable for winter weather. If you plan to leave your awning up for extended periods, look for one rated for seasonal or all-weather use—and don’t forget to check your site’s rules.
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