The 7 best motorhome awnings on the market

So, you’re looking to expand your space when pitching up in your motorhome. But where to start when there are so many different motorhome awnings out there?

Here, you’ll find a quick guide to the different types of motorhome awnings available, making it easy for you to choose a model that best suits you and your vehicle.

We’ve also rounded up some of the best motorhome awnings on the market so that you can create an amazing outdoor experience for you and your guests on your next trip.

 

Types of motorhome awnings

1. Traditional motorhome awnings

Traditional motorhome awnings are typically made from heavyweight fabrics and are more of a permanent set-up than modern drive-away options.

Unless you’re willing to pack them down each time you leave your pitch, however, they render your motorhome unmovable for the duration of your stay.

2. Drive-away motorhome awnings

These are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow you to leave your pitch without packing them away.

They’re usually much easier to assemble than traditional motorhome awnings and inflatable versions are the new trend. Some can be set up in just 10 minutes.

Drive-away awnings typically come with a tunnel section that disconnects from your motorhome awning rail in seconds before you set off for the day.

3. Canopy-style motorhome awnings

Canopy-style awnings are based around the door of your motorhome. If your vehicle has one, it stems from the awning rail, but if not, it can be drilled onto the exterior wall.

There are two types of canopy motorhome awnings—wind-out and roll-out. Wind-out awnings are electronic and usually more expensive, whereas roll-outs require manual set-up but can be more budget-friendly.

4. Tailgate motorhome awnings

These are the smallest, most budget-friendly option, often seen on campervans. They do exactly what they say on the tin and stem from the vehicle’s tailgate.

Most modern products work as a drive-away awning and can be left standing on your pitch whilst you’re out adventuring.

 

The best motorhome awnings for your next holiday

1. Vango Galli CC II Air Beam Tall drive-away motorhome awning, RRP £1,025

Enjoying your motorhome adventures as a family? If so, consider expanding your indoor space with a drive-away awning to give you more room and accommodate some extra home comforts.

This awning from Vango Galli is ideal for families due to the large available space. There’s the option of adding a two-berth or four-berth sleeping compartment, so you can house your guests in the awning overnight or use it as a space to socialise.

It comes with a sewn-in groundsheet for ease of use, which keeps pests out without sacrificing ventilation, thanks to the AirZone vent panels.

The inflatable air beam structure means this motorhome awning can be pitched in as little as 15 minutes. Its tunnel is easily detachable, so you can enjoy your motorhome holiday as soon as you arrive at your site.

 

2. Kampa Domestic Pop AIR Pro 365 drive-away awning, RRP £1,140

Inflatable motorhome awnings are growing in popularity as they’re easy and convenient to assemble—gone are the days of wrestling with poles and pegs!

This model from Kampa has single-point inflation AirFrame technology, so it’s a breeze to set up.

The large windows and zip-out front panel give the awning an open, airy feel, making it a homely space for you and your guests to socialise. The raised inflatable roof only adds to this with its impressive internal headroom.

Its Weathershield Pro material makes it completely waterproof yet lightweight, so it’s easy to pack away and travel with when not in use.

 

3. Vango Airhub Hexaway II Tall drive-away motorhome awning, £820

Pitching time got you down? This inflatable drive-away motorhome awning can be set up in 10 minutes, making it perhaps the most convenient option on our list.

It also comes with an oversized carry bag to make it easily transportable, despite its size.

The skylight windows are a nice touch, as they allow you to make the most of the natural light during the day and stargaze at night, giving you the ultimate camping experience from the comfort of your own space.

The connecting tunnel creates a seamless entrance from your motorhome but can be easily rolled away if you’re heading out for the day. There are also two separate entrances for easy access or to open the space to the outdoors.

 

4. Outdoor Revolution Cayman Tail Low F/G awning, £299

Tailgate awnings are ideal for smaller motorhomes, campervans, or those shopping on a tighter budget.

This model from Outdoor Revolution is particularly versatile, as it comes with twin piping, allowing it to fit to different rails or wind-out awnings. It can even be used as a drive-away awning.

It also comes with the option to add a two-person inner tent (sold separately). This is useful if you’re travelling as a family or want to invite guests along on your trip.

The only downside to this awning is that it’s designed for use during the warmer months, so you’ll want to look elsewhere if you’re camping in autumn or winter. However, it does have a sewn-in groundsheet, which is useful for keeping your space comfortable and insect-free.

 

5. Fiamma F45S wind-out motorhome awning, £516.31

This wind-out model from Fiamma is a contender for the title of best motorhome awning thanks to its convenient nature.

It attaches to your vehicle and then folds out thanks to its drop-down legs and automatically extending arms, giving you a sheltered area outside your motorhome in seconds.

You also have the option to add front or side panels for more privacy, which isn’t always an option with this type of motorhome awning.

The dual shock absorber and reinforced arms protect the awning and your vehicle’s wall in strong winds by absorbing any vibrations or force, so you needn’t worry about damage if the weather takes a turn.

 

6. Thule Omnistor 5200 roll-out motorhome awning, RRP £779

Roll-out motorhome awnings have a reputation for being difficult to assemble compared to their wind-out counterparts, but this product from Thule is as easy as they come.

The Thule Quick-Lock system helps you adjust the support legs to the correct height in seconds, and the adjustable pitch system allows you to set the incline as you wish.

The awning is designed with perfect fabric tension to increase wind resistance, protecting the product and your vehicle from damage. There are also integrated anti-rattling solutions to minimise noise.

Waterproofing isn’t an issue with this Thule motorhome awning either, as the fabric has welded joints that repel water. It’s also lightweight to increase tension and prevent puddles from forming on the roof.

 

7. Thule Omnistor 1200 roll-out motorhome awning, RRP £516

Another of the best motorhome awnings on the market is this budget-friendly model from Thule.

It can be used straight out of the box, as it requires no drilling and connects straight to your vehicle’s existing rail—it’s perfect if you’re looking for a last-minute purchase before heading on a trip.

The set-up is quick and easy thanks to the simultaneous swing-out of the support and tension legs. Its PVC-coated fabric is weatherproof and durable, so you needn’t worry about UV or rain wherever you travel.

As is always the case with Thule, the fabric tension is perfectly designed to prevent build-ups by allowing the water to run off the awning.

 

The best awnings for motorhomes: FAQs

How do I choose a motorhome awning?

The right motorhome awning for you and your vehicle depends on several different factors, such as:

• How you want to use your swing
• The size of the awning you want
• The size of your awning rail
• What material would be best (consider the weather)
• The type of awning you’d prefer

How much does it cost to fit an awning to a motorhome?

If you want your awning to be fitted professionally, this can cost anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand pounds, depending on the type of motorhome and awning you have. Generally, though, higher-end models cost more to install.

What awning fits my motorhome for free?

You can fit an awning to your motorhome yourself for free. In this case, you’ll need to measure the height of your awning rail (if your motorhome already has one) or the height of the awning attachment point (if you don’t have a rail). It’s wise to do your own research to find out which awning will fit your motorhome best and what will be the easiest type for you to install yourself.

 

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

Once you’ve found the perfect awning for your motorhome, you’re nearly ready for your next adventure! But you may want to consider getting motorhome insurance before setting off.

Through Ripe, you can protect your motorhome from theft, accidental damage, fire, flood, and more. You can also get cover for your motorhome equipment and accessories, giving you complete peace of mind on the road.

Find out more about specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe or get a quote online today.