Which awning is right for your caravan?
An awning is much more than just extra space. It often becomes the family’s gathering place on a camping holiday, with room for relaxing, meals, storage and spending time together. But which awning should you choose? It mainly depends on how you camp. Are you a permanent camper, a seasonal camper or a touring camper who often moves from one campsite to another? Do you want as much space as possible, or is quick and easy pitching more important?
Which awning should I choose?
You are a touring camper
When touring and frequently moving between campsites, low weight and easy pitching are typically more important than having the largest possible awning. In this case, a smaller A-measurement awning, a porch awning or an air awning can all be relevant options. Isabella has several awnings developed with touring in mind. Isabella has several awnings that are well suited to touring. Among the A-measurement awnings, Ambassador, Capri and Ventura Pacific are relevant options, while Magnum and Minor are compact porch awnings. Air awnings can also be an obvious choice if you want easy pitching.
Choose a touring awning if you:
- often move between different campsites
- want an awning that is easy to handle
- want to spend less time pitching and taking down your awning
- do not necessarily need maximum floor space
You want easy pitching – choose an air awning
In an air awning, inflatable air tubes replace most of the traditional frame. This makes air awnings particularly suitable for campers who want easy pitching and prefer to avoid handling a large traditional frame. Air awnings are available in different sizes and types. Ventura AIR Nova is, for example, an A-measurement air awning that follows the entire awning rail of the caravan, while Ventura AIR Aura only covers part of the caravan. Isabella AIR Cirrus, Ventura AIR Dove and Ventura AIR Vivo are other air-based solutions in the range. This means that you need to consider both the size of the awning and whether you prefer air tubes or a traditional frame.
Choose an air awning if you:
- want easy pitching
- prefer to avoid a large traditional frame
- travel often
- want a flexible solution
You want a smaller and more flexible awning
A porch awning only covers part of the length of the caravan. This makes it more compact and often quicker to pitch and take down than a large A-measurement awning. It can be a good solution if you want extra living space but do not need an awning along the entire length of the caravan. Porch awnings are suitable for both touring campers and campers who want a smaller solution for a permanent pitch. Isabella offers, among others, Magnum, Minor, Universal and Winter, as well as Ventura AIR Aura.
Choose a porch awning if you:
- want a more compact awning
- want easier pitching
- often go on shorter camping trips
- do not need an awning along the entire length of the caravan
You want easy pitching – choose an air awning
In an air awning, inflatable air tubes replace most of the traditional frame. This makes air awnings particularly suitable for campers who want easy pitching and prefer to avoid handling a large traditional frame. Air awnings are available in different sizes and types. Ventura AIR Nova is, for example, an A-measurement air awning that follows the entire awning rail of the caravan, while Ventura AIR Aura only covers part of the caravan. Isabella AIR Cirrus, Ventura AIR Dove and Ventura AIR Vivo are other air-based solutions in the range. This means you need to consider both the size of the awning and whether you prefer air tubes or a traditional frame.
Choose an air awning if you:
- want easy pitching
- prefer to avoid a large traditional frame
- travel often
- want a flexible solution
You camp during the winter
Winter camping places different demands on your awning than camping during the summer. Isabella Winter and Universal are porch awnings developed for use in demanding weather conditions. They feature, among other things, a special roof angle that helps reduce the build-up of snow. Winter is the more compact of the two solutions, while Universal provides more space.
Would you like to use your seasonal awning, such as Ambassador, Commodore, Nordic, Forum or Penta during the winter period (from week 43 to week 11)? We recommend that you contact your insurance company to make sure your awning is covered during the winter period. Read more about winter securing of seasonal awnings here.
You have a permanent pitch and want a permanent solution that can stay up all year round
If you are a permanent camper looking for a more permanent solution, take a look at Isabella VILLA. VILLA is a freestanding year-round awning that stands on a solid floor and can remain standing even when the caravan is driven away. This makes VILLA a different type of solution from a traditional seasonal awning. VILLA is therefore particularly suitable if your permanent pitch at the campsite serves as your regular holiday base and you want a permanent and spacious living area around your caravan.
Frequently asked questions about choosing an awning
What is an A-measurement? add
The A-measurement is used to find the correct size A-measurement awning for your caravan.
The measurement runs from the ground on one side of the caravan, through the entire awning rail and down to the ground on the other side. Isabella has an A-measurement finder where you can select the make, model and year of your caravan to find the A-measurement that fits your caravan.
Find your caravan's A-measurement
If you already know the A-measurement, you can search directly for awnings in the correct size.
What is the difference between an A-measurement awning and a porch awning? add
The main difference is how much of the caravan the awning follows.
An A-measurement awning is fitted into the entire awning rail of the caravan and follows the length of the caravan. This gives you maximum use of the space in front of the caravan.
A porch awning is only fitted into part of the awning rail. It is therefore more compact and typically easier and quicker to pitch and take down.
Choose an A-measurement awning if space and comfort are your top priorities.
Choose a porch awning if flexibility and easy handling are your top priorities.
Do you have a caravan with special dimensions? add
Not all caravans are suitable for a standard awning. Isabella therefore offers special awnings and customised solutions for selected caravans with unique dimensions or constructions.
Which awning is best for a permanent camper? add
How do I find the right awning size? add
For an A-measurement awning, you need to know the A-measurement of your caravan. Isabella has an A-measurement finder, where you can search by caravan model and year. For porch awnings and air awnings, you need to check the dimensions and fitting requirements of the individual model.
Can I extend my awning? add
Once you have found the right awning, you can customise it with annexes, sun canopies, wind out canopies, fronts, curtains and other accessories.
Do you have assembly guides? add
Find guides on choosing a frame, pitching, cleaning and maintaining your Isabella awning.