Owner guides
5 best caravan awnings in Australia: complete guide
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A caravan awning is the best way to expand your living space and make the most of the great outdoors. To help you choose the right product for your needs, our camping experts have created this list of the best caravan awnings in Australia.
In compiling this list, we’ve considered the features, sizing options, pricing, pros and cons of each caravan awning. We’ve also thrown in links to online retailers around Australia. But please note we make no affiliate commission off of this article.
Making our shortlist of the best caravan awnings in Australia are:
Carefree Fiesta - Best caravan awning overall.
Dometic 8700 - Best value caravan awning.
Carefree Altitude - Best 12V power caravan awning.
Fiamma F45S - Most durable caravan awning.
Dometic Rally Air Pro - Best enclosed caravan awning.
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Best caravan awnings in Australia
1. Carefree Fiesta - Best caravan awning overall
The Carefree Fiesta is one of the most popular and readily available caravan awnings in Australia. It’s built its reputation on being particularly durable and rigid.
It has a roll-out design that is relatively easy to set up (takes about 2-3 minutes). Simply extend out the awning, adjust its angle and then secure it in place by raising or lowering the supportive metal brackets. The in-built canopy clamps will help to ensure that your awning remains tight and wrinkle-free (providing added rigidity).
The awning itself is made of vinyl and treated with Vinyl Weatherguard. Because it is double-wrapped and multi-layered , the awning should last longer than competitors who use a single-weight design. There are also several optional extras which can increase the longevity of the caravan awning, including PolyWeave vinyl and FLXguard Protection (heavy-duty Weatherguard).
Pros:
Good value.
Weatherguard vinyl is highly durable.
Remote lock and storage locks provide additional security when travelling.
Built-in canopy clamps provide added rigidity.
Durable heavy-duty brackets and arm channels.
Relatively easy to set up (takes 2-3 minutes).
Available in multiple colours.
Optional extras available.
Cons:
Costs slightly more than other roll-out caravan awnings.
Requires slightly more set-up than other caravan awning options.
Awning type: Roll-out
Sizing options
Width: 305cm (10ft) - 488cm (16ft)
Extension: 221cm (7.25ft) - 236cm (7.75ft)
Colour options:
Triple black shale
Blue shale fade
Burgundy shale fade
Silver shale fade
Price: $720 - $900
Where to buy in Australia:
2. Dometic 8700 - Best value caravan awning
The Dometic 8700 is one of the best-value caravan awnings in Australia. It is also highly adjustable and can be extended to almost any length or angle.
It has a roll-out design that is relatively easy to set up (takes about 2-3 minutes) - simply use the secure locking system to extend out the awning as far as you like. Then adjust the angle of the awning by raising or lowering the supportive metal shafts via the ergonomically designed vinyl cushioned lift handles.
As well as being affordable and easy to use , the Dometic 8700 is also durable. The awning itself is made out of heavy-duty vinyl and treated with UV protection so that it can withstand exposure to the harsh Australian sun. Plus, the product is also treated with mould prevention and comes with a one-year warranty.
Pros:
Great value.
Total control when extending and angling.
Heavy-duty vinyl with UV protection.
Durable die-casted components and metal shafts.
Patented Easy Lock Flipper provides additional security when travelling.
Stylish valance suits modern vehicles.
Relatively easy to set up (takes 2-3 minutes)
Available in two colours.
Cons:
Requires slightly more set-up than other caravan awning options.
Awning type: Roll-out
Sizing options
Width: 305cm (10ft) - 488cm (16ft)
Extension: 230cm (7.5ft)
Colour options:
Charcoal black
Polar white
Price: $650 - $880
Where to buy in Australia:
3. Carefree Altitude - Best 12V power caravan awning
The Carefree Altitude is one of the best and most readily available 12V caravan awnings in Australia. It is packed full of features that you won’t find on other power awnings, making it perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Once connected to the caravan’s 12V power system , the awning can be extended or retracted with a single touch of the button. Alternatively, you can use the controller or the Carefree Connects app on your smartphone to control the caravan awning via Bluetooth.
The Carefree Altitude also boasts memory pitch , meaning that the caravan awning will self-level and deploy to a set position every time you use it. Plus, it has advanced motion sensors that will automatically retract your awning to protect it from wind and rain.
It even features bright LED lighting , so you can illuminate the outside area when dining and entertaining in the evenings. These lights are dimmable so that you can control the ambience and can be adjusted via the app on your smartphone.
Finally, the Carefree Altitude caravan awning uses scissor-arm technology for maximum strength and durability. This also increases stability and rigidity when the awning is extended.
Pros:
More modern features than other caravan awnings.
Control via switch, controller or smartphone.
Ambient LED lighting controlled by smartphone.
Motion sensor auto-reclines awning in wind and rain.
Scissor-arm technology improves durability and rigidity.
Memory pitch deploys awning to the same position every time.
Easiest caravan awning to set up (less than 1 minute)
Available in two colours.
Cons:
More features mean more likelihood of needing repair or replacement.
Pricing doesn’t include the cost of hardware and Bluetooth controls.
Most expensive caravan awning option.
Awning type: 12V power
Sizing options
Width: 305cm (10ft) - 640cm (21ft)
Extension: 224cm (7.35ft)
Colour options:
Silverfade white
Black reverse fade
Price: $840 - $1,350
Where to buy in Australia:
4. Fiamma F45 - Most durable caravan awning
The Fiamma F45 is one of the most durable caravan awnings in Australia. It lives up to Fiamma’s strong reputation, offering a range of features that will extend the life of the product.
The F45 caravan awning has a wind-out design. To set it up, simply use the winch loop handle to wind out the awning fully. Then slide out the legs and set them to an appropriate height to support the front of the awning. The entire set-up process takes about (2 - 3 minutes).
The F45 features an extra strong extruded aluminium case , meaning that the awning is better protected from the elements when secured in the travel position (as opposed to awnings with no casing).
It also boasts dual shock absorbers to reduce stress on the awning, reinforced arm s to keep the fabric tensioned and reinforced metal legs. Plus the vinyl canopy is UV resistant, waterproof and washable.
Pros:
Extra strong extruded aluminium case
UV resistant, waterproof and washable vinyl canopy.
Dual shock absorbers.
Reinforced arms.
Reinforced metal legs.
Available in multiple colours.
Optional LED lights and electric motor.
Relatively easy to set up (takes 2-3 minutes)
Cons:
Costs slightly more than other caravan awning options.
Awning type: Wind-out
Sizing options
Width: 185cm (6ft) - 448cm (14.7ft)
Extension: 100cm (3.3ft) - 250cm (8.2ft)
Colour options:
Polar white
Titanium
Deep black
Price: $1,000 - $2,290
Where to buy in Australia:
5. Dometic Rally Air Pro - Best enclosed caravan awning
The Dometic Rally Air Pro is the best-selling air awning in the world and one of the best full caravan awnings in Australia. It’s been made popular due to its versatility, durability and comfortable design.
Setting up the Dometic Rally Air Pro is slightly more complicated than other caravan awnings and takes about 10-minutes. However, the effort is worth it for the added protection of the awning walls.
An air pump is included with the product. However, note that the Dometic Rally Air Pro needs to attach to a pre-existing awning on your caravan (such as the Dometic 8700 above).
The polyester fabric material is double coated to last longer than the average awning and an apex ventilation system increases air circulation to make the space more comfortable on hot summer days.
Pros:
Tough and lightweight Weathershield Pro material.
Crystal clear windows.
Apex ventilation increases air circulation and reduces condensation.
Single point inflation airframe technology.
The multi-height system fits most motorhomes.
Zip-out front panels.
Provides more shelter than other caravan awnings.
Can be used as a tent extension of your caravan.
Cons:
More difficult to set up (takes 5-10 minutes).
More expensive than other caravan awning options.
Awning type: Full/inflatable
Sizing options
Width: 200cm (6.5ft) - 390cm (12.8ft)
Extension: 250cm (8.2ft)
Colour options: Dark blue.
Price: $1,420 - $2,180
Where to buy in Australia:
Types of awnings
There are five main types of caravans awnings available in Australia. The main difference between each type of awning is the way in which it is set up:
Roll-out caravan awnings - Manually pulled out from the casing using a handle and then secured in place using supportive metal brackets (attached to the caravan). Requires one to two people to set up.
Wind-out caravan awnings - A winch handle attaches to the casing and is turned to wind the awning out or back in. Legs then slide or fold out and are supported by the ground. Requires one person to set up.
12V power caravan awnings - The caravan awning has a motor that is connected to the 12V power system. The awning can be controlled with the push of a button. This is the easiest type of caravan awning to set up.
Enclosed awnings - This type of awning has walls and is normally set up like a tent (perfect for outdoor storage or extra living space). Most of the time, this type of awning needs to be attached to a pre-existing pull-out or wind-out awning on your caravan. Requires one to two people to set up.
Inflatable awnings - Instead of using metal brackets and legs, this type of caravan awning is inflated using an air pump. It is then pegged into the ground like a tent. Requires one to two people to set up.
Test the best caravan awnings before your buy
It’s easy to get things wrong when choosing between the best caravan awnings. You don’t want to buy an awning that you later find to be too small, too large or lacking in features.
That’s why we always recommend that you ‘try before you buy’.
Use Camplify to try out privately-owned caravans for hire, many of which feature awnings. Test to see whether that particular awning is what you want before investing in your own.
And whilst you’re at it, you can hire and try the best family caravan.
Once you have your own caravan awning installed, begin making money by hiring out your caravan on Camplify!
Earn income by hiring out your caravan
There’s a quick and easy way to start earning an income from your caravan - hire it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!
Holidaymakers love caravan rentals that have a nice big awning for outdoor dining and entertaining!
Why Camplify?
Each year, heaps of Aussies earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.
And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 NRMA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
It’s completely free to list your van.
If you’re interested in making money from home after you retire from van life, why not try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year?
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.