Caravan & Motorhomes: How to Measure & Fit an Awning

Adding an awning to your caravan, campervan, or motorhome creates extra living space, protects against the elements, and enhances your camping experience. But choosing the right awning and fitting it correctly can be tricky if you're unsure where to start.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• How to measure a caravan awning and how to measure a motorhome awning
• How to attach an awning to a campervan or motorhome
• How to fit an awning rail to a campervan or motorhome
• What awning fits my caravan or motorhome
• How much does it cost to fit an awning to a motorhome

Let’s get started!

Step 1: How to Measure for a Caravan or Motorhome Awning

Before buying an awning, accurate measurements are essential to ensure a secure and weatherproof fit.

How to Measure a Caravan Awning

1. Find Your A-Measurement

   • The A-measurement is the distance from the ground, up and around the caravan’s awning rail, and back to the ground.
   • Check your caravan manual or measure manually using a non-stretchable tape measure.

2. Check the Awning Rail Height

   • Most caravan awnings fit awning rails between 235cm – 250cm.

Looking for a lightweight caravan awning? The OLPRO View Lite 260 Caravan Awning is a compact yet spacious option, ideal for quick setups.

How to Measure a Motorhome Awning

1. Measure the Awning Rail Height

   • Measure from the ground to the top of the awning rail.
   • Most motorhome awnings fit heights between 180cm – 300cm.

2. Consider Vehicle Length

   • Larger motorhomes may require inflatable awnings for extra stability and coverage.

Need more space? The OLPRO Cubo XL Motorhome Awning is designed for motorhomes, and offers maximum living space.

Step 2: How to Attach an Awning to a Campervan or Motorhome

Choosing the right attachment method is key to securing your awning.

How to Attach an Awning to a Campervan

1. Slide the Beading into the Awning Rail

   • If your campervan has a built-in awning rail, slide the beading into the rail for a quick fit.

2. Use a Drive-Away Awning Kit

   • A drive-away kit (kador strip + figure-of-eight connectors) allows you to detach and drive away while leaving your awning in place.

3. Tie-Over Straps

   • Some awnings, like the OLPRO Hive Breeze® Campervan Awning, use secure guy ropes for a stable setup even without a rail.

How to Attach an Awning to a Motorhome

1. Attach to a Wind-Out Canopy

   • If your motorhome has a Fiamma, Thule, or Dometic wind-out awning, you can connect an awning using an awning fixing kit.

2. Use an Awning Rail

   • If your motorhome has an awning rail, slide the beading in for a tight fit.

Browse our range of awning accessories for hassle-free attachment solutions.

Step 3: How to Fit an Awning Rail to a Campervan or Motorhome

How to Fit an Awning Rail to a Campervan

1. Choose the Right Rail

   • Options include C-channel rails and multi-rail systems.

2. Clean & Mark the Surface

   • Ensure the vehicle surface is clean and dry before attaching the rail.

3. Fix with Screws or Adhesive

   • Some awning rails require drilling, while others bond with strong adhesive.

How to Fit an Awning Rail to a Motorhome

1. Measure & Align the Rail

   • Use a spirit level to position it correctly.

2. Fix Using Sealant & Screws

   • Apply sealant around screw holes to prevent leaks.

Step 4: How to Fit an Awning to a Motorhome or Campervan

Once your awning rail is installed, follow these steps for an easy setup.

How to Fit an Awning to a Motorhome

1. Lay the awning flat and unfold it.
2. Attach it to the rail or canopy system.
3. Secure the base with pegs and adjust guy ropes.
4. Use storm straps for added stability.

How to Fit an Awning to a Campervan

• If using a drive-away awning, mark your parking position to reconnect easily.
• For pole & clamp systems, tighten all clamps evenly for a firm grip.

Need extra durability? The OLPRO Hive Breeze® Campervan Awning features inflatable beams, making it one of the most stable drive-away awnings available.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're wondering how to measure a caravan awning, how to attach an awning to a motorhome, or how to fit an awning rail to a campervan, this guide has you covered!

Ready to upgrade your camping setup? Explore our top awning picks.
OLPRO View Lite 260 Caravan Awning – Lightweight & easy to set up.
OLPRO Hive Breeze® Campervan Awning – Spacious & inflatable for quick setup.
OLPRO Cubo XL Motorhome Awning – Ideal for large motorhomes.

Not sure which awning is best for your vehicle? Browse OLPRO's full range of awnings & accessories today!