If you use your van as a mobile workplace, your vehicle is more than just a way of getting from A to B. It's your workshop, equipment store, office or base of operations. But working from a van can become difficult when the weather turns. Rain, strong sunlight and wind can make outdoor jobs uncomfortable, delay work and put equipment at risk.
A van awning provides a practical solution, creating a sheltered workspace alongside your vehicle whenever you need it.
But with different sizes, designs, materials and mounting options available, how do you choose the right one?
In this guide, we answer the most common questions about van awnings and explain what to consider before investing in one.
What is a van awning?
A van awning is a retractable or deployable canopy fitted to the side of a van or other commercial vehicle. When extended, it creates a covered area alongside the vehicle, providing protection from rain and sun and giving you additional usable workspace.
Commercial van awnings can be particularly useful for mobile technicians, tradespeople, emergency services, catering businesses, fleets and other businesses that need to work at different locations.
Unlike a conventional gazebo, a vehicle awning is permanently attached to your vehicle and can be deployed quickly wherever the job takes you.
At Broadview, our vehicle awnings are made to measure for the specific vehicle, rather than relying on a generic one-size-fits-all solution.
What are the benefits of a van awning?
A well-designed van awning can transform the way you work from your vehicle:
- Protection from the weather: The biggest benefit is protection from rain, wind and strong sunlight. Broadview's commercial awnings are designed for outdoor use, with waterproof, UV-resistant and flame-retardant materials available. Depending on the model and specification, our awnings can accommodate strong wind conditions.
- Create additional workspace: Your van might be packed with tools and equipment, but there isn't always enough room to actually work inside it. An awning creates a covered workspace outside the vehicle, giving you more room to carry out repairs, installations, preparation and other jobs.
- Keep working in poor weather: Rain doesn't have to mean stopping work or rescheduling a customer. A suitable van awning allows you to create a dry working area at the job location.
- Protect equipment and customers: An awning can provide shelter for equipment, materials and customers, helping you create a more professional working environment.
- Promote your business: Your van is already a mobile advertising opportunity. Adding your company logo, colours and graphics to the awning can extend your branding beyond the vehicle itself. Broadview can provide branded awnings using digital print, vinyl graphics or screen printing.
- Improve productivity: For mobile businesses, being able to set up a usable workspace quickly can mean less time spent dealing with the weather and more time getting the job done.
Which type of van awning is best?
The best van awning depends on what you use your vehicle for, how much workspace you need and the type of conditions you'll be working in.
For many tradespeople and mobile technicians, a pull-out van awning is an excellent choice. It provides a quick way to create a dry, shaded workspace alongside the vehicle and can be operated manually or with an optional motor.
For applications requiring more enclosed space, side and front panels can be added to create a more protected working area.
We also offer specialist awning solutions for fleets, motorsport, equestrian, events, catering and other commercial applications.
When choosing an awning, consider:
- The make and model of your vehicle
- The available mounting area
- Required awning width
- Required projection
- Whether you need an enclosed workspace
- How frequently you'll use it
- Whether you need manual or motorised operation
- Whether you want integrated lighting
- Whether you require branding
- The weather conditions in which you'll be working
How much does a van awning cost?
The cost of a van awning varies considerably and the final price can depend on:
- Your vehicle make and model
- Awning width and projection
- The type of awning
- Fabric and hardware specification
- Manual or motorised operation
- Side and front enclosures
- Branding and graphics
- Additional support legs
- LED lighting
- Storm protection
- Installation requirements
A standard lightweight leisure awning and a heavy-duty commercial awning designed for daily use are very different products, so it's important to compare like-for-like specifications.
At Broadview, we recommend discussing your vehicle and intended use with our team so we can specify the right solution and provide a tailored quotation.
Do I need a roof rack or roof bars?
Not necessarily.
Broadview's commercial van awnings can be mounted using vehicle-specific brackets designed for the particular van, meaning a roof rack or generic roof bars aren't necessarily required. This is one of the advantages of choosing a bespoke commercial awning rather
than adapting a universal leisure awning. The mounting solution can be designed around the vehicle's body and dimensions.
We'll advise you on the most appropriate mounting solution for your particular vehicle.
Can a van awning be fitted to my van?
In most cases, yes.
We manufacture bespoke awnings for a wide range of commercial vehicles, including Ford, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Renault, Vauxhall, Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot, IVECO and MAN vehicles.
Because the awnings are made to suit the vehicle, we can take into account its dimensions, roofline, body configuration and intended use. If you're unsure whether your particular vehicle can accommodate an awning, contact our team and we'll assess your requirements.
Can I add my company branding to a van awning?
Yes, a branded awning can turn your mobile workspace into another valuable advertising opportunity. We can incorporate company logos, colours, graphics and messaging into the awning fabric. Options include digital print, vinyl graphics and screen printing.
For fleet operators, branding can also be coordinated across multiple vehicles to create a consistent professional appearance.
Can a van awning withstand wind and rain?
A properly specified commercial van awning is designed to provide protection from the elements.
Our waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics available. Depending on the product and specification, awnings can be engineered to cope with significant wind conditions. It's important to remember that no awning should be treated as indestructible, particularly in extreme weather. Correct installation, use and deployment according to the manufacturer's guidance are essential.
For demanding commercial applications, we can also specify additional support legs and storm rafter bars to increase stability.
Can I work underneath a van awning?
Yes. In fact, creating a usable outdoor workspace is one of the main reasons businesses invest in commercial van awnings. An awning can provide a sheltered area for activities such as:
- Vehicle repairs
- Windscreen replacement
- Equipment installation
- Electrical and technical work
- Mobile catering
- Event preparation
- Motorsport preparation
- Trade and utility work
For additional protection, side and front enclosures can be added to create a more enclosed room alongside the vehicle.
Which van awning is best for my trade?
The right awning depends on how you use your vehicle, for example:
Mobile Technicians
A pull-out commercial awning can provide a dry workspace alongside the van, allowing technicians to continue working when conditions aren't ideal.
Tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, installers and other mobile trades can benefit from additional covered space for tools, materials and on-site work.
Windscreen Technicians
An awning can provide essential protection from rain and sunlight when carrying out vehicle glass repairs away from the workshop. Broadview has supplied awnings for mobile windscreen repair businesses.
Event, Catering and Food Businesses
A branded awning can create additional preparation, serving or customer space while providing protection from the elements.
Emergency Services
For emergency and specialist response vehicles, an awning can provide a rapidly deployable sheltered workspace at the scene.
Motorsport
Awnings provide valuable covered space for preparing vehicles, equipment and racing gear at events.
Equestrian
Vehicle awnings can create shelter alongside horseboxes and trailers for horses, riders and equipment.
Fleets
For businesses operating multiple service vehicles, bespoke awnings can be specified to suit the fleet's vehicle models, branding and operational requirements.
Can a van awning be installed on a Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter or other popular vans?
Yes, we provide bespoke awnings for many of the UK's most popular commercial vehicles, including:
The exact awning specification will depend on your vehicle's model, wheelbase, roof configuration and intended use. If your vehicle isn't listed, don't assume an awning isn't possible. We can assess individual vehicle requirements and has experience creating bespoke solutions for a wide range of commercial vehicles.
How long does installation take?
Installation time depends on the vehicle, awning and specification.
For many commercial van awnings, We offer a factory installation service, with fitting carried out by our team at our Dorset facility. Some installations can be completed within a single working day, although the exact timescale will be confirmed when your vehicle and awning requirements have been assessed.
If you are purchasing an awning for a fleet, we'll discuss your installation requirements and agree a suitable process around your operational needs.
Are bespoke van awnings worth it?
For businesses that rely on their vehicles every day, a bespoke commercial awning can be a worthwhile investment. A universal awning may appear cheaper initially, but a commercial vehicle used daily has very different requirements from a leisure vehicle used occasionally.
A bespoke awning can provide:
- A better fit – designed around the specific dimensions and configuration of your vehicle.
- Greater durability – commercial-grade materials and hardware designed for regular use.
- Better functionality – the width, projection and configuration can be matched to the work you actually do.
- Professional appearance – colours, branding and graphics can be incorporated into the design.
- Greater flexibility – options such as enclosures, motorisation, LED lighting, additional support legs and storm bars can be added where required.
Ultimately, the question isn't simply "How much does a van awning cost?" but "What will the right van awning enable my business to do?"
If an awning allows you to work in conditions where you would otherwise have to stop, reschedule or work inefficiently, it can quickly become a valuable business tool rather than simply another vehicle accessory.
Choosing the right van awning
The right van awning should be designed around your vehicle, your work and the conditions you operate in.
Before choosing one, consider:
- What will you use the awning for?
- How much covered workspace do you need?
- What is your vehicle's make, model and configuration?
- Will you use it every day or occasionally?
- Do you need side or front enclosures?
- Would motorised operation make sense?
- Do you need integrated lighting?
- Do you want your company branding incorporated?
- What level of weather protection do you require?
- Will the awning need to form part of a wider fleet specification?
Getting these questions right at the start will help ensure you invest in an awning that genuinely works for your business.
Why choose Broadview Vehicle Awnings?
With more than 55 years' experience, we specialise in designing, supplying and installing premium vehicle awnings for commercial and specialist applications.
Every vehicle is different, which is why we take a bespoke approach to each project. From the initial consultation and design through to manufacture and fitting, we'll help you create an awning that suits your vehicle and the way you work.
Our awnings are used by businesses across a wide range of sectors, including mobile technicians, trades, fleets, emergency services, motorsport, equestrian and events.
Need more workspace? Need better weather protection? Need to keep working when the weather doesn't cooperate?
Talk to the Broadview Vehicle Awnings team about a bespoke solution for your vehicle and get a free quote today. Call us on 01202 679012 or complete the enquiry form and we will be in touch.
