Combining the convenience of a house with the freedom of the outdoors, motorhomes are the perfect way to reconnect with nature while you travel. When you can attach an awning to your motorhome, you can take this even further.
Not only do awnings offer protection from the sun, wind, and rain, but they open up extra covered space for you and your family to enjoy. You can use this space for relaxing, dining, storing belongings — even sleeping! Once you’re done with your awning, it can be conveniently tucked away for later use.
There are plenty of vehicle awnings on the market, so it can be tricky knowing which will work best for your specific needs. We’ve put together some top tips for deciding on the perfect vehicle awning for you.
1. Consider What You’ll Use Your Motorhome Awning For
Before you start shopping around, it's helpful to have an idea of what you plan to use your awning for.
Are you thinking of using it as shade on sunny days? A simple overhead awning will work fine. On the other hand, if you’re looking to use your awning for additional living space or storage, you’ll need greater shelter from the elements.
Some awnings, like our Anexe Pro 1, come with attachable waterproof panels that drop down. These will repel rain and keep you and your belongings dry if the weather turns.
- Shade only: A lightweight overhead canopy is plenty for sunny show days.
- Extra living or storage space: Opt for a model with side walls or zip-in panels to block wind and drizzle.
- All-weather events: Look for awnings, such as the Anexe Pro 1, that accept drop-down waterproof panels — ideal when the British sky turns stubborn.
2. Measure the Size of Your Motorhome
It’s important to check you’re buying the right size awning. If your awning is too small, you won’t be making the most out of your motorhome’s size; too big, and it won’t fit onto your vehicle’s roof.
Make sure to measure the length and width of your motorhome before buying, and double check the awning you’re interested in comes in the right size.
Broadview’s awnings are available in any length from 1.4 m to 7.0 m, with projections of 1.00 m, 1.50 m, 2.00 m, 2.50 m, 3.0 m, 3.50 m, or 3.75 m. This makes them ideal for nearly any motorhome size. Take a look at our case studies to see all the different sizes our awnings come in.
3. Check the Awning’s Strength
When you buy a new awning, the last thing you want is for it to collapse under a light rainfall!
Before you buy, check the awning’s rain and wind resistance. Some cheaper models aren't able to withstand much more than a light breeze — unless you only want to use your awning on clear days with little wind, these aren’t worth investing in.
All of Broadview’s awnings are made of heavy-duty, flame-retardant vinyl fabric. Our 3.5 m length fabric and metal arms are tested to withstand Force 6 on the Beaufort scale, meaning they can offer high protection even in strong breezes. Because we set our awnings at an angle between 5° – 35° from back to front (depending on the mounting height), rain easily rolls off them.
- Fabric: Heavy-duty, flame-retardant vinyl shrugs off UV and grime.
- Frame: Metal arms rated to Force 6 on the Beaufort scale keep the canopy steady in a brisk coastal breeze.
- Pitch angle: Set between 5°–35° so rain sheets straight off.
- Budget units may flap at the first gust; robust materials pay for themselves in peace of mind.
Reliable Vehicle Awnings from Broadview
At Broadview, we provide long-lasting, high-performance awnings for motorhomes, camper vans, and RVs.
We offer a comprehensive service complete with design, delivery, and installation, and will ensure your awning is perfectly matched to your specific vehicle model. Choose from 30 colours and a range of optional extras, including LED lighting, side panels, and even remote-controlled motors for opening and closing.
Get a quote by filling out our online form or calling our team on 012026 79012!
