Extended Awning vs Load Length Awning

For tradespeople, service engineers and mobile businesses, the right vehicle awning can make a world of difference. Whether you’re protecting stock from the weather, creating a sheltered workspace or simply making day-to-day tasks easier, choosing the right style of awning is key.

At Broadview, our two most popular designs are the Extended Awning and the Load Length Awning. Each offer unique advantages depending on how you use your van. Here’s a clear breakdown of what sets them apart and which one will best support the way you work.

What Is an Extended Awning?

An Extended Awning is designed to give you the maximum amount of covered space beside your vehicle. It projects further out than the standard width of the van, creating a larger sheltered area for working, loading or setting up equipment. The awning extends further over the front of the van's roofline with a special fixing system provided according to your van make, model, roof line, wheelbase and year.

Key Benefits:

• Significantly larger coverage area
• Ideal for tasks that spill outside the van
• Great for market setups, mobile workshops or outdoor service areas
• Provides room for tables, tools or stock
• Creates a comfortable sheltered space for long on-site jobs

Who It's Best For:

• Mobile Workshops & Trades Working Beside the Van: Carpenters, locksmiths, electricians and mobile repair services who operate directly out of the van benefit from the extra elbow room.
• Market Traders & Caterers: Perfect for stalls, food vans and pop-up retail where customers stand beside the vehicle.
• Outdoor Events, Exhibitions & Demonstrations: Extra space makes setup easier and more professional.
• Vans Used as Chill-Out or Break Areas: Ideal for those using their van for leisure or sport as well as work.

If your motto is “the more covered space, the better”, the Extended Awning is likely the one for you.

What Is a Load Length Awning?

A Load Length Awning matches the usable load length of the van, giving you a streamlined, practical shelter that covers exactly the area where you enter and exit the loading doors - no more, no less.

Key Benefits:

• Sleek, compact design
• Ideal in tight spaces such as narrow streets or small car parks
• Offers clean, no-fuss weather protection
• Quick to deploy and perfect for frequent stops
• Designed to match the van body with a tidy, integrated look

Who It's Best For:

• Delivery Drivers: Covers the exact loading area - ideal for parcels, groceries, medication deliveries and logistical drops.
• Service & Maintenance Engineers: Perfect for plumbers, heating engineers, telecoms engineers and others frequently jumping in and out.
• Trades Working in Built-Up Areas: If your routes take you into residential streets, business parks or urban areas, the compact footprint prevents obstruction.
• Quick Call-Out and Emergency Services: Efficient shelter for short visits - no wasted space, no hassle.

If you value efficiency, simplicity and a tidy footprint, a Load Length Awning is the smarter choice.

Extended vs Load Length: Quick Comparison

Which One Should You Choose?

Ask yourself:

1. How much space do I need beside my van?

If your work sets up outside the vehicle - choose Extended.

If you mostly enter/exit the load area - choose Load Length.

2. Where do I usually park?

Narrow streets, tight drives or busy car parks? Load Length.

Open spaces or market pitches? Extended.

3. Do I work long hours on-site?

Long jobs with tools or displays? Extended.

Quick calls or rapid service visits? Load Length.

4. Do I need room for customers?

Serving the public? Extended.

Carrying out service work? Load Length.

Once you know which one’s right, you can buy online or give us a call on 01202 679012 for more advice and guidance. Or simply complete the enquiry form and we will call you back.