How to choose the right caravan awning size

Key takeaways

• The A-measurement decides the size. Measure along the rail path with a soft tape, not a straight line across the van.
• Size numbers vary by brand. Always confirm against the product size chart before you buy.
• Porches need two extra checks. Height from ground to rail, and the usable length of rail along the side wall.
• Full awning or porch depends on how you travel. Full awnings suit longer stays; porches suit tourers who move every day or two.
• Do not reuse an old size. Remeasure rather than buying the same size as a previous caravan.

Choosing a caravan awning that actually fits is one of those jobs that looks simple until you are standing on a wet pitch with a bag that will not zip closed. Get the size right and you gain dry living space, a tidy entrance, and somewhere to store muddy boots without cluttering the van. Get it wrong and you fight flapping fabric, wasted money, and a porch that never quite sits flush against the side.

This guide walks through how UK caravanners measure for awnings, what the common size bands mean, and how to decide between a full awning and a porch. It is written for real pitches, British weather, and the kit you will find in the CamperNV awnings collection.

Why awning size matters more than you think

An awning is an extension of your living space. If it is too short for the caravan wall, you leave awkward gaps. If it is too long, the fabric bunches, the tension looks uneven, and doors or windows can sit in the wrong place. Size also affects how the awning behaves in wind and rain. A well matched awning sheds water cleanly and stays quieter overnight.

Size also shapes how you use the space. A compact porch is ideal for quick stops and kit storage. A larger full awning suits longer holidays, dining under cover, and giving children somewhere dry to play. Matching length and depth to how you travel saves frustration every time you pitch.

How to take the A-measurement on a caravan

Most caravan awning size charts use the A-measurement. It is the distance around the awning rail from ground level on one side, up over the roof line following the rail, and back down to ground level on the other side. You measure along the rail path, not a straight line across the van.

Practical tips for an accurate A-measurement:

• Use a soft tape so it follows the curve of the rail.
• Start at ground level beside the nearside wheel arch or side wall, not halfway up the body.
• Follow the awning channel continuously over the roof and down the offside.
• Finish at the matching ground point on the opposite side.
• Note the figure in centimetres. Manufacturers publish size bands against these centimetre ranges.

If your caravan handbook lists an A-measurement, use it as a cross-check. When handbook and tape disagree, trust a careful fresh measurement on your own van, especially after any bodywork changes or after fitting a different rail.

Typical awning size bands (sizes 4 to 22)

Brands group A-measurements into numbered sizes. Exact bands can vary slightly by manufacturer, so always confirm against the product size chart before you buy. The table below shows the kind of ranges many UK full and porch awnings use as a starting point.

If your measurement sits on a boundary, read the brand chart carefully. Some charts prefer you to size up for a looser fit. Others expect you to stay within a precise window. When in doubt, the CamperNV team can talk through the chart for the model you have in mind on 0330 122 7773.

Porch awnings: height and length measurements

Porch awnings often need extra checks beyond the A-measurement. Many porches hang from a section of rail rather than wrapping the whole caravan. You still need the correct overall size band, but you also need to confirm:

• Height (H): from ground to the awning rail or connection point where the porch attaches.
• Length (L): the usable run of rail where the porch will sit, usually along one side wall.

Measure H with the van level on a typical pitch. Soft ground or a tilted stance can throw the figure off. For L, leave clear space around doors, fridge vents, and windows you want to keep free. A porch that blocks the main door or sits over a heater exhaust is not a success, even if the size number looks correct on paper.

Full awning vs porch awning: which suits your trips?

A full awning wraps a large stretch of the caravan and creates a proper extra room. It shines on longer stays, seasonal pitches, and family trips where you want dining space, storage, and shelter in one go. Full awnings take longer to pitch and pack, so they suit caravanners who stay put for several nights.

A porch awning is lighter and quicker. It gives you an entrance lobby, somewhere for wet gear, and a small covered area for chairs. Tourers who move site every day or two usually prefer a porch because it is easier to put up and take down without eating into travel time.

Sizing tips before you order

• Measure twice on different days if you can. Fabric stretch and tape slip are common.
• Check door positions against the awning panel layout in the product photos or floorplan.
• Allow for optional annexes. An annex can change how much clear wall space you need.
• Think about pitch type. Exposed coastal sites reward a well tensioned, correctly sized canopy more than sheltered woodland pitches.
• Keep the original size label or A-measurement note with your van documents for the next upgrade.

Common mistakes to avoid

People often measure only the side wall length and call that the awning size. That figure is useful for porch placement, but it is not the A-measurement. Another frequent error is buying the same size as a previous caravan without remeasuring. Vans of similar berth counts can have very different rail paths.

Also watch for "universal" claims. A flexible porch can cover a useful range, but it still has height and length limits. Read the chart, then match it to your tape readings rather than assuming one size fits every twin-axle or every compact two-berth.

FAQ: caravan awning sizing

Do I need the same size for every brand?

No. Size numbers are a shared shorthand, but each brand publishes its own centimetre bands. Always check the chart for the exact model, especially when switching between air and poled designs.

What if my A-measurement falls between two sizes?

Use the manufacturer guidance first. If the chart is silent, speak to a retailer who stocks that brand. A slightly roomier size can work if you can tension the fabric properly. A size that is clearly short will rarely improve with guy lines alone.

Can I use a porch if I already own a full awning?

Yes. Many caravanners keep both. The full awning covers longer holidays. The porch handles weekend tours and shoulder-season trips when you want less kit.

Does free UK shipping apply if I order the wrong size?

CamperNV offers free delivery on all orders to UK mainland addresses, but sizing mistakes are best avoided upfront. Measure carefully, read the chart, and call 0330 122 7773 if you want a second opinion before checkout. Our contact page is there if you prefer to write in.

Ready to choose your awning?

Once you have a reliable A-measurement (and H and L for porches), browsing becomes much simpler. Explore full and porch options in the CamperNV awnings collection, then match fabric weight, air or pole frame, and annex options to how you travel. If you would like help reading a size chart against your tape notes, the CamperNV Experts team is on 0330 122 7773.