Is it worth getting an awning on a campervan?
As the cost of living crisis rumbles on, many of us look for ways to enjoy days out and holidays without the expensive costs of travelling abroad. As I write this blog post, I'm looking at booking a honeymoon, as I am getting married in August, and having scanned all the usual holiday booking sites, our budget isn't going to be achievable! It's peak season for holidaymakers, and as such, the costs of accommodation and flights are through the roof! Therefore we are looking closer to home for a holiday and camping has come up as a really cost-effective way to explore the UK.
Now I'm not a natural camper! It's only in the last decade that I've embraced camping as an option for a few nights away, mainly because my wife-to-be meets up at least once a year, often twice, with her old university friends and their families, and we all go camping, which is cheap, fun and great way to get back to nature and enjoy each others company.
Now, that's fine for a few nights, but we're looking at a couple of weeks away, and if I'm honest, I can really see myself under canvas for that whole time; luckily, we have a bit of a plan! I drive a Ford Transit cab van, which is a van with a sliding rear door and seats in the back, not unlike a normal car, but on a bigger scale with a lot more room in the back! That's going to give us more room to play with, which means we could be far more comfortable than if we just pitched a tent. We can add a van awning to the van, which will give us much more space. Van awnings provide shelter and protection from the elements, extending the usable space of the van.
A van awning is a versatile accessory designed to provide shelter and protection for outdoor activities while travelling in a van. The vehicle awning attaches to the side of your vehicle to give you extra room, as it can offer you a bigger living area, so even if you are still going to pitch a tent, you have another area with an inner tent, that you can use on camping trips to use, which is very useful during inclement weather, as it means you can use this area for shelter without everyone having to stay in the tent, or having to get in the van to stay dry, as that can be miserable!
The retractable or roll-out awnings, which just attach to the side of your van, come in a range of different sizes, which allows you to choose the right awning for your needs. If you don't need much space, or you are using it only for short stays, you can use one of the smaller awnings available, but for longer trips, such as the one we are planning, where we might have a need for additional space, that a larger pitch can accommodate, so we could invest in a full awning which will be an easy way to add a lot of extra space to our usable area whilst we are camping; there's nothing worse than feeling cramped whilst camping, especially if you're away for a while!
There's a wide selection of awnings available these days. I don't have an actual camper van, so that's a little more limiting on the products we can use; I don't want to have to buy a camper van as that's an unnecessary expense and not in our budget if we could afford that, we'd be jetting off on a Caribbean honeymoon, even smaller campervans are really expensive! I've had a look at various types of van awnings online, and I'm looking at a porch awning that fits alongside your vehicle, and this side awning connects directly to the door side of your campervan or van, allowing a seamless entranceway to the van and then back into the awning, maximising pitch space and aligning with the direction of your van.
It has a separate entrance door, with extra awning carpets and a ground sheet, so we're not directly on the grass, and I'd like one of the inflatable awnings so we don't have to spend ages putting the awning up, as it inflates, which is fast and easy! I'm also looking at a driveaway awning which enables you to secure the awning to the van without the need for permanent fixtures, making it convenient to detach and reattach whenever you need to move the vehicle. This is useful for when you want to take the van out for a trip, as you can simply detach the awning from the van, and that will close up the awning, and the awning will stay erected, so you can drive away and leave the awning structure in position and simply re-attach it when you get back.
We're initially looking at using the awning in August, so it needs to be suitable for summer use, and as it's likely to be warm, we'll benefit from lightweight fabric, which will help keep the awning cool on hot days, but will benefit from being high quality when we are, I'm sure, affected by windy conditions and wet weather! It will also be suitable for use in cold weather, which is handy as we often go camping in September with our friends, and that can be a bit nippy!
Like all good things, they aren't always cheap! With purchases such as awnings, you have to consider them to be an investment! If we were going to spend £1,000 on a hotel room for our honeymoon, then that's £1,000 that you've spent and won't get any more use out of once you've checked out. If you spend £1,000 on an awning, you'll still get your accommodation, but once you've packed it up after the holiday, you've got it for the next holiday, then the next, and the next, and so each time you've used it, you've made good use of your investment, and that purchase has become an asset that continues to provide value over time. Sure, the initial outlay might seem significant, but when you consider the countless adventures and memories that your awning will facilitate, the cost per use dwindles into insignificance, after all many of us blow a grand on a new phone and think nothing of getting another one a year or so later, so why not invest that money in spending time with friends and family, in the great outdoors, I know which one brings me more joy! Moreover, think of the flexibility and freedom that comes with having your own portable shelter wherever you roam. No more scrambling to book last-minute accommodations or settling for crowded campsites. With your trusty awning in tow, you have the power to create new memories of a fab camping trip time and time again. So, while the price tag may give you pause, remember that investing in quality gear like an awning isn't just about the immediate gratification—it's about sowing the seeds for a lifetime of unforgettable experiences and endless possibilities on the open road.
Benefits of using a camper van awning
Extending Your Living Space
Picture this: you pull up to a breathtaking camping spot, but the interior of your van feels cramped, and the thought of spending extended periods cooped up inside isn't appealing. Enter van awnings, your ticket to expanding your living space effortlessly. These versatile shelters provide a covered outdoor area adjacent to your van, creating an inviting space to relax, dine, or socialise, all while being shielded from the elements. With ample room to stretch out and enjoy the surroundings, van awnings transform your camping experience from confined to expansive.
Protection from the Elements
Mother Nature's unpredictability is part of the charm of outdoor adventures, but it can also present challenges. Van awnings serve as your first line of defence against the elements, offering shade from the scorching sun on hot summer days and shelter from rain showers or strong winds. Whether you're seeking refuge from the sweltering heat or huddling together during a sudden downpour, your van awning provides a reliable sanctuary, allowing you to continue enjoying the outdoors in comfort.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
Investing in a van awning may seem like a significant upfront expense, but it's a decision that pays dividends over time. Consider the alternative: constantly shelling out money for campsite fees or accommodation to escape unfavourable weather conditions or cramped quarters. With a van awning, you have the freedom to set up camp wherever your heart desires, minimising reliance on paid accommodations and maximising your budget for other travel expenses. Over time, the cost savings accrued from reduced reliance on commercial facilities offset the initial investment, making van awnings a savvy financial choice for frequent travellers.
Enhanced Comfort and Convenience
Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves and the crisp morning air, stepping outside your van to savour a freshly brewed cup of coffee under the shade of your awning. Van awnings enhance the overall comfort and convenience of your camping experience, providing a designated outdoor space for cooking, dining, or simply unwinding amidst nature's beauty. From impromptu picnics to evening gatherings around a campfire, your awning serves as the hub of outdoor activity, fostering moments of connection and relaxation that are synonymous with the camping lifestyle.
In conclusion, van awnings are indispensable companions for adventurers who cherish the freedom of van life and the joys of camping. From expanding living space to providing protection from the elements and enhancing comfort on the road, these versatile shelters offer a myriad of benefits that enrich your outdoor experiences. While the initial investment may seem daunting, the long-term cost-effectiveness and enhanced quality of travel make van awnings a worthwhile addition to any camper's arsenal. So, the next time you hit the road in your van, don't forget to pack your awning and prepare to embark on unforgettable adventures with comfort and style.