Your awning is what turns the side of your caravan from a wall into an outdoor living room. In a country where most of your time at camp is spent outside, the awning creates shade in summer, shelter from light rain, and a defined outdoor space that’s yours. Without it, you’re sitting in the sun or retreating inside the van. With it, you’ve effectively doubled your living space.
Why Awnings Matter
An awning isn’t a luxury on the Big Lap; it’s essential gear. Australia’s UV levels are among the highest in the world. Shade at camp isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. An awning also keeps direct sun off the van’s walls and windows, reducing interior temperature by 5 to 10°C. In rain, it gives you a sheltered outdoor cooking and living area. And socially, your awning space is where you’ll have sunset drinks, cook dinner, and chat with neighbours.
Types Of Awnings
Roll-Out Awnings
The most common factory-fitted type. A fabric awning stored in a case along the side of the van that rolls out manually or with a motor. Roll-out awnings provide quick shade (setup in 2 to 5 minutes) and pack away neatly. They come in various widths (typically 3 to 5 metres). The Dometic 8500 ($800 to $1,500) and Dometic 9200 ($1,200 to $2,000 with motor) are the most common factory-fitted options. The Fiamma F45 range ($600 to $1,200) is popular as a lighter-weight alternative, and the Carefree Freedom ($700 to $1,300) is well-regarded for its durability.
The limitation: roll-out awnings are vulnerable to wind. In gusts above 25 to 30km/h, they can be damaged or torn from the van. Always roll up your awning when leaving camp or when strong winds are forecast.
Bag Awnings
A more robust alternative that stores in a bag rather than a case. Takes longer to set up (15 to 30 minutes) but generally more wind-resistant and versatile. Popular with off-road travellers. The Darche Eclipse 270 ($500 to $800) wraps around the side and rear of the vehicle for maximum shade coverage. The Oztent Foxwing ($600 to $900) and Rhino-Rack Batwing ($500 to $700) are other popular options in this category.
Fixed Annexe Walls
Some travellers add permanent or semi-permanent annexe walls to their awning, creating an enclosed room. This extends the van’s living space significantly, providing a sheltered area for kids to play, a second bedroom (with a camp stretcher), or a mudroom for dirty gear. Annexes are covered in detail below.
Annexes & Privacy Screens
An annexe is an enclosed room attached to your awning. Privacy screens provide partial enclosure (typically mesh walls that block wind and provide privacy while allowing airflow). Both extend your usable space at camp.
Full annexe: Enclosed with walls, a floor, and sometimes a roof. Creates a separate room for sleeping, storage, or living. Ideal for families needing extra space. Setup time: 20 to 45 minutes. Weight: 10 to 25kg.
Privacy screens: Lighter, faster to set up, and provide wind protection and visual privacy without full enclosure. Good for casual use and shorter stays.
Anti-Flap Kits
Awning fabric flaps in even moderate wind, creating noise that can keep you (and your neighbours) awake all night. An anti-flap kit tensions the fabric between the awning arms, significantly reducing movement and noise. The Dometic Anti-Flap Kit ($50 to $80) uses curved rafters that clip between the awning arms. The Fiamma Rafter Pro ($40 to $60) works similarly. The Aussie Traveller Anti-Flap Bar ($60 to $90) is another popular Australian option. They’re easy to fit and make a dramatic difference to noise levels. If you don’t have one, get one before your first trip.
Care & Maintenance
Never roll up a wet awning. Mildew develops rapidly on damp fabric and is difficult to remove. If you must pack up in rain, unroll and dry the awning at your next camp as soon as conditions allow.
Clean periodically. A soft brush and warm soapy water remove dirt and bird droppings. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the waterproof coating.
Check hardware. Arms, springs, and mounting brackets take stress every time the awning is deployed. Check for loose bolts, worn springs, and cracked brackets periodically.
Wind awareness. Roll up the awning when leaving camp, even if you’re only gone for a few hours. Wind can pick up unexpectedly and damage an unattended awning in minutes.
- Your awning creates essential shade and extends your living space. It’s a must-use on the Big Lap.
- Roll up the awning in wind above 25 to 30km/h and always when leaving camp. Wind damage is the most common awning failure.
- An anti-flap kit ($30 to $80) dramatically reduces noise. Get one before your first trip.
- Never roll up a wet awning. Dry it at the next opportunity to prevent mildew.
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