Awning Size Help Guide

Caravan Awning Size Guide

Choosing a caravan awning shouldn’t be stressful. With so many styles, sizes, and fitting types out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, but the right information makes all the difference.

Whether you’re after a full-size awning for long-term touring, a quick-fit porch awning for weekends away, or a modern inflatable model for quick pitching, getting the size right is essential. An awning that fits perfectly enhances your camping experience with better shelter, improved weather resistance, and quicker setup.

This definitive guide will help you understand how caravan awning sizes are calculated, how to measure your van accurately, and how to choose the best type of awning for your needs. And, with flexible, user-friendly designs across our entire caravan awning range, you’re sure to find a solution that works for your vehicle and your adventures.

Why Awning Size Matters

Getting the size right isn’t just about looks, it’s about performance.

✅ Proper fit means:

• Better shelter from wind and rain

• Reduced draughts and temperature loss

• Easier and quicker setup

• Less strain on fabric and fittings

✅ Poor fit can lead to:

• Rainwater pooling in sagging sections

• Fabric stretching or damage

• Frustrating pitch adjustments

• Gaps where insects or cold air get in

Ultimately, your awning is your extra room on wheels. So, making sure it fits properly ensures it performs like one, too.

How to Measure Your Caravan for an Awning

Knowing your A-measurement is key to choosing the right awning size. This refers to the length from the ground, up and around your caravan’s awning rail, and back down to the ground.

What Tools You’ll Need

• A flexible tape measure (at least 10 metres long)

• A notepad and pen

• A spirit level (optional, but helpful if your pitch isn’t flat)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Position your caravan on level ground
   If your drive or pitch isn’t level, try to adjust using levelling ramps. Accurate measurement depends on the van being horizontal.

2. Locate your awning rail
   Most UK caravans have a built-in channel or rail running along the side — this is where your awning attaches.

3. Measure from ground to ground via the rail
   Start at the ground at the rear wheel arch, run the tape through the rail (using a second person helps), and measure down to the ground at the front wheel arch.

   This is your A-measurement in centimetres.

4. Round up to the nearest size bracket
   Check OLPRO's Guide to Driveaway Awnings here. 

Understanding Awning Sizes 

Most of our Caravan Awnings are suited to fit caravans between the height of 250cm - 290cm. If your caravan fits within this bracket, your caravan will be a suitable fit for our range of Caravan Awnings.

If your caravan doesn't fit within our Caravan Awning height range, we recommend looking at alternative awnings that might be a close fit such as Drive Away Awnings. We advise you to contact us if you are unsure on which Awning would be a suitable fit for you.

Different Types of Caravan Awnings

Not all awnings are created equal — here’s what makes each type unique:

Porch Awnings

• Attaches partially along the rail (usually 2–3 metres)

• Doesn’t rely on A-measurement – fits based on rail height

• Ideal for short breaks, festivals, or additional gear space

• Easy to pitch and remove

• Browse our poled porch awnings for options

Inflatable Awnings

• Use air beams instead of poles – quicker to pitch

• Flexible fit and easy setup

• Available in full and porch designs

• More forgiving in fit and easier to adjust

• See our popular Breeze Inflatable Awnings

Common FAQs About Awning Sizes

Q: What if I’m between awning sizes?
A: If your A-measurement falls between sizes, it’s safest to round up and use storm straps or pegging ladders for flexibility.

Q: Do inflatable awnings fit differently?
A: Slightly — they’re more forgiving and easier to adjust thanks to their flexible beam structure. Ideal if you camp in mixed terrain.

Q: Are all awnings universal fit?
A: Not quite. While many use standard beading and height ranges, some caravans (especially older models) have unique rail setups. Always double-check the awning’s height compatibility.

Q: Do all of the awnings come with fittings?
A: Yes – most come with guy lines, pegs, and beading attached. However, please take note of the listing description, as sometimes the used. awning do not included all fitting, however we do try our best to include all parts from the used awnings. Some porch awnings include optional draught skirts or pump kits (for inflatable versions). Again, please check the product listings for full details.

Still Not Sure What Size Awning You Need?

Choosing the right awning should enhance your holidays, not complicate them.

If you’re still unsure, don’t guess.
✅ Send us an email with the van make/model/year and we can provide you with the correct awning size needed for your van.
✅ Explore our flexible, size-friendly awnings
✅ Use our size guide or contact us for help or advice.