VIDEO: Tips for using a caravan air awning

A caravan air awning can be perfect accessory for your touring holidays, offering extra living space, shelter, and storage. We know they can be a real pain to put up, so to get the most out of a caravan awning (and protect your investment), it pays to know the best ways to pitch, maintain, and pack it away.

In our latest video, we’ve teamed up with Nathan from leading caravan awning manufacturer Isabella, and he shares his expert know-how on getting the most out of your caravan air awning, as well as some top tips.

Watch the full video here:

Here are some of Nathan’s key takeaways for using a caravan air awning:

1. Lay a tarp or groundsheet

Before unrolling your awning, lay down a tarp or groundsheet to protect the caravan awning from dirt or abrasion.

Peg this down temporarily so it doesn’t blow away. On a hard standing pitch you can keep the tarp down and lay a carpet on top once your awning is set up. On grass pitches, check the site rules – many may not allow non-breathable groundsheets.

2. Lubricate the awning rail

Use an awning rail lubricant to make the awning easier to slide in – especially useful for air awnings or full awnings, which can be heavy.

This same lubricant can be used on sticky zips too!

3. Feed the awning into the rail

It’s easier with two people – one pushing, one pulling. For porch awnings, you might not need to start at the very end of the rail.

Top tip: Remove panels before feeding into the rail to reduce the weight if needed.

4. Connect the pump and inflate

Close all valves and partially inflate to help the awning stand upright. Then zip back in any panels that you might have removed while it’s semi-inflated.

Finish inflating to your awning’s recommended pressure (often around 7 PSI).

Top tips: Check the valves for dirt before inflating the awning – a blocked valve can slowly leak air.

5. Peg it out correctly

Lay your awning pegs out before you start. Begin pegging underneath the caravan at the back of the awning, then work around each corner.

Make sure the awning is taut but not overstretched. Use rock pegs for hard standings and appropriate pegs for your pitch type.

Top tip: Angle pegs at doors and cross pegs at panel joints for added strength.

6. Add storm straps and finishing touches

Attach guy lines or storm straps for windy weather and maximum strength, fit your inner curtains and lay your flooring.

Now it’s time for a well-earned brew!

Awning checks during your holiday

• Don’t rush setup, especially after a long tow. Wait for better weather or take a break before you start putting up the awning
• Over time, temperature fluctuations can lower pressure – keep an eye on it and top up if needed. At the start and end of the caravanning season mornings and nights can be cold but temperatures are hot during the day

• On hot days, reduce the PSI slightly to allow the air tubes to expand

• Nathan recommends checking your awning daily, particularly after strong winds or rain. Adjust pegs and guy lines if necessary, and always keep an eye on how the fabric is sitting – it should never be overly taut or sagging.
• Check the zips and cable ties of the air tubes for damage

• Take down a caravan air awning if stormy weather is forecast

Taking down your caravan air awning

When it’s time to pack up:

• Before you deflate and fold the awning away, try to make sure it’s clean and dry to prevent mould and damage. Use a groundsheet or mat to keep the fabric clean while folding.

• Release air before unpegging to let the pressure slowly drop

• Roll the awning towards the valves to push the last of the air out
• If the panels are still attached, fold them inwards onto the roof fabric
• Have the bag in front of the awning as you fold it up so you can see the dimensions you need the folded awning to be

Don’t forget, Caravan Guard’s specialist caravan insurance includes cover for storm damage to your awning and caravan. But it’s always best to pack it away if severe conditions are forecast to protect your awning, caravan and its contents.

Find out more about our award winning insurance cover, including storm damage cover for awnings, here: www.caravanguard.co.uk/touring-caravan-insurance

Over to you…

Do you have any tips for setting up, maintaining or packing away your air awning? Let us know in the comments below or under the video on You Tube…