Dorema are yet another well known motorhome and caravan awning manufacturer. They have pretty extensive ranges and a wide choice to choose from. The flagship dorema awning annex is the Highlander, which comes in two sizes, named the Highlander 1 and 2. The 1 is designed to fit motorhomes up to 250cms in height, and the 2 will fit up to 275cms. You can also buy an extension kit for the 2 that will increase it’s height to 320cms.

The Dorema Highlander is a free standing awning which has proved to be very popular in recent years. The newest version now comes with the Dorema 280 acrylic fabric. This upgrade gives it excellent quality and durability, one of the best on the market. The roof is made from polyester and it has a front panel that can be rolled down or zipped. There are side panels with doors on each panel. You also have windows at the front and sides. The rear panel can be rolled up to allow access to your motorhome.

The frame is made from galvanised steel, so it is built to last. The overall weight is around 24kgs for the Highlander 1, and 26kgs for the 2. Other useful features are that the awning legs are fully adjustable, and all the zips are covered to give a bit more protection from the elements, and also to protect the zips. The price for the Highlander 1 is around £400 and the 2 is about £450, but with the fabric upgrade these two dorema awnings should be worth the investment.

The Dorema Starcamp Traveller is next up, and Starcamp is the sister company of Dorema. The Traveller is also free standing and will fit motohomes up to 240cms in height. It is made from rip stop polyester and has various side panels with windows and doors. There is mesh ventilation to allow the air to circulate better. It has a tunnel to connect to the motorhome, and there is a large rear panel that can be zipped or rolled up for convenience. The poles and frame are made from fibre and steel, and it comes with an inner tent that can sleep two people. At only 18kgs it is lightweight, and the prices start at around £200.

The Dorema Starcamp Challenger motorhome awning is lower in price but still offers real value and quality. There are two sizes that will fit motorhomes either 250 or 275cms in height. It has acrylic walls and galvanized steel poles so it is similar to the Highlanders, but cheaper in price. The two side panels have windos and doors and it has a big rear panel for easy access. The price is about £315 for the smaller model, and around £350 for the larger one.

You can also buy Dorema porch awnings and tall annexes. The range is very large and comprehensive. Their reputation is second to none, and many people keep on choosing Dorema time after time. The after sales support is also very good, which is a big plus point.

The first awning is the Sunncamp Handy Moto 2009, which is a drive away porch model. It is designed to fit motorhomes up to 250cms and the actual height is 200cms. The main features are the roll up front door and the front window with vented panel. There is also a zip cover for the window and a roll up rear panel for easy access. The material is polyester, and it weighs just over 10kgs, so it is pretty light when you have stored it away. You can expect to pay around £125 for it if you look around a bit.

The second motorhome awning from Sunncamp is the Moto, which is a larger version of the Handy Moto. This is a tunnel style driveaway awning that comes with a two berth inner tent. There are quite a few extra features on this than with the Handy Moto. First off you get a front canopy door with two front canopy vents for extra security and protection. There are also two front windows with curtains and two side windows which also have curtains. The poles are made from steel and fibreglass, and you also get strong steel support bars for the internal structure. This helps to create a very solid awning. The inner tent and groundsheet are also included in the price, as are the support pegs. The awning material is polyester and it is designed for motorhomes up to 240cms high. The price is around £140, and if you can see what you get for this price compared to the entry level Handy Moto it represents great value for money for only an extra £15. A lot of features for only a little extra.

Next up is the Sunncamp Travel Cabin, which is a fairly large awning for the price. It features 3 doors and 3 windows, with a rear access panel that can zipped or rolled back into place. The dimensions are 3 metres by 3 metres, so you get a large living or storage space. The huge sized doors and windows offer great air circulation in hot weather. The poles are made from steel and fibreglass, and the awning material is made from polyester. It will fit motorhomes up to 240cms in height, and the weight is 14kgs. The price for this is about £125, which is good value for the size.

The 2009 Auton is a much more stylish design and has proved to be a big hit. It benefits from 3 canopy doors and windows and has an arched design that gives it excellent stability in windy conditions, which is probably why it has been such a success. It has a front canopy door with a covered vent and the windows all have vents and curtains. The poles are all made from fibreglass so they will be more durable than the steel poles found on the other Sunncamp awnings. It will fit motorhomes up to 240cms, and the actual dimensions are 280cms deep and 300cms wide. It weighs just over 11kgs, so this is a very lightweight model. The prices are around the £150 mark, which is good value for such a modern looking awning.

Moving up in price we have the Sunncamp Aspect drive away awning. It has a similar modern design like the Auton, but it can fit motorhomes up to 260cms. It has a front zip door that can also be rolled back for more ventilation, and a large front window with a zipped cover for more privacy if you want it. Two side windows are also included, and these have curtains and vents. The rear access panel can also be zipped or rolled out for easy access. The material is also polyester and the poles are steel and fibreglass. The price is about £155 and the pegs are included in the price.

The Maestro is the largest Sunncamp model is designed to fit larger coach built motorhomes from 240-270cms. It has a full zip out front panel and has another two side doors with curtains. There is also a fully adjustable rear tunnel. The awning has a coated polyester roof and acrylic walls. The frame is made from galvanised steel for added strength and durability. The price is about £330, and this reflects the extra quality you get. This is built to last.

Another advantage of the movelite is that it is very lightweight and it folds away easily after a little bit of practise. This is probably the best feature, as many motorhome awnings can be a real pain to store away, especially if you are doing it in a strong wind. You sometimes find the awning just will not fit into the storage unit no matter what you try. What should be a simple exercise can end up taking hours, and there have been many silly arguments over nothing on camp sites all over the world!

Because the movelite is made to be erected easily it is ideal for both short break weekends or longer stays. It is this versatility that makes it such a hit with owners. The movelite XL is 3 metres by 3 metres and is designed for motorhomes between 220-290cms. The main features of the movelite are the fully zipped front door, and the two side doors. The latest versions also have mesh screens to keep out flying insects, which can be a real pain sometimes.

The support poles are made from fibreglass and the canopy is made from revtex, which is very tough and waterproof. It is also very breathable so it will offer more comfort on very hot days and allow the air to circulate. The movelite XL has a unique anchoring system with good support and fixing points. To make things even easier there is the optional drive away fixing kit. This allows you to leave your awning in place by simply throwing the retainer straps over the motorhome and unclipping the anchors. You can then drive off and visit other places very quickly. When you return you simply put the straps back and re-attach them to your van and your done in no time at all.

A groundsheet is also included with pegs and guylines to fix the awning in place to the ground. The weight is just 10kgs and there is also a storage bag. The price is very reasonable as well, you can pick one up for around £200 for the XL, which compares favourably with other motorhome awnings.

The movelite XL Family is a new addition to the range and it features a four sleeper annex and inner tent. The price is about £250, and you get a very versatile and robust awning for the money. It is perfect for larger families or if you have unexpected visitors around. It is also designed to be easy to use despite the larger size. Practise at home before you set off to make the process as quick and efficient as possible. With room for an extra 4 people, along with room for two sleeping in the main canopy, you have the option for hosting many friends and family members for a little money. The family XL is a big seller at a cheap price, but with the quality to go with it. All in all, the movelite range offers excellent quality and versatility, highly recommended.

The omnistor 5002 is the entry level awning and as retractable arms as standard, and features sprung steel cables. It is designed to fit most motorhomes and there are various sizes available. The prices start at around £500, so it is a little bit expensive, but then again you are getting a quality product.

Next in the range is the Omnistor 6002, which is similar to the 5002, but is designed to fit on the on the roof edge of the motorhome rather than on the side. There is a wide range of adaptors and brackets for this awning, so it will fit almost anything. The prices start at around £550. The 6900 is a larger version of the 6002, built for bigger motorhomes, and the prices for this are around £900.

The Omnistor 8000 is a new design for larger vehicles, with a 2.75 metre projection. Because of the extra size it has arm tensioners to stop the awning flapping in windy weather. There is also a remote control option on this model for an extra price.

At the other end of the price range is the Omnistor 2000, which is a lightweight retractable awning that will fit smaller vehicles. Support legs come as standard with this model, and it is very easy to use. The prices are about £300 for this one, depending on the size you want.

If you want to create a bigger living or storage space then you can always modify these awnings with either the Omnistor Safari Room or the Safari Residence. The Safari Room is ideal for short stays and weekend breaks. It is very quick and easy to put up, and offers great protection. It is best used in fair weather conditions, but it still has good support. The Safari Residence is the flagship awning from Omnistor, and is desgined for any use. It can be used in most weather conditions due to the clamping profiles, and is a solid and comfortable choice. The quality of the materials mean this will last a long time and take some heavy punishment.

omnistor motorhome awning

These Omnistor Safari awnings can also be used with Fiamma awnings, so you have the option to create an even more elaborate space. Omnistor are a Belgian company and offer a good alternative to Fiamma. They have been around for a while now, due to their quality products and helpful sales team.

The most basic Fiamma awning is the F45i, which is basically a sunshade awning that can extend from the side of your motorhome. The plus point is that it is incredibly easy to use and comes in two colours, these being deluxe grey and ocean blue. The prices start at around £320 but you may be able to get a better deal if you shop around. There are also many adaptors and brackets available to fit virtually any motorhome, so be sure to check out the dimensions first, or ask the seller to advise you when you buy, they will be happy to help.

The Fiamma F45Ti L is designed for larger motorhomes, hence the L in the product title. The tension rafter is made from anodised aluminium so it will offer good weather protection and will not rust as quickly as other rafters. The prices start at about £600 and the weight is approx 35kg for the smallest awning size. The larger sizes also include reinforced articulated arms. A winch is also available too. There are also front and side panels available for both the F45i and F45Ti L, and you can expect to pay about £75 for these, but they also come with vinyl extensions that reach the floor. The materials are rot proof and washable, as well as offering good UV protection.

Fiamma also offer the patented Fiamma Zip for the F45i, which will allow you to create a completely enclosed space. The special zip system allows you to join the side panels to the fabric of the awning with ease. This is the big selling point for Fiamma, and is why their products are so well used by many motorhome owners. This awning comes with a front panel with a door and two side panels that have windows that can be opened, a big plus point for ventilation on hot sunny days. You will also get the necessary brackets, tension poles and a central tension rafter. The prices start at about £850 for the smaller sizes, and go up to over £1000 for larger sizes.

The Fiamma F65 fits onto your motorhome without any overhang because it is designed for modern motorhomes that have curved roofs. The F65S is a larger version of the F65, and it allows more more sunshade. These two are new for season.

The Privacy Room F45 allows you to create an enclosed living space quickly and easily by using Fiamma’s unique clip system. Side panels, front panels and extra windows can now be fitted with ease. Fiamma also state that the awning is one of the strongest on the market. You can even buy curtains for the windows for extra privacy. The Privacy Room F65 is a larger version and has roll down windows for extra ventilation on hot days.

You can also buy blockers for the F45 and F65 which offer more protection from sun, wind and rain. They are great when the rain is falling sideways! These blockers can also be fitted to other awnings from different manufacturers such as Omnistor, so you can invest in one safe in the knowledge it will fit most other awnings on the market.

Probably the best selling Fiamma awning is the patented Fiammastor which can be erected in under one minute. This awning will instantly double your living space. Side panels and front panels can be bought for the Fiammastor to make everything more private.

Fiamma also stock just about everything you will need to modify your motorhome. Many people choose them because their products are among the quickest to erect and offer durability and quality.

Porch motorhome awnings can be ideal for short stays or weekend breaks, or if you just need a smaller space outside of your motorhome. They can be used to store things such as dirty boots and clothes, or as somewhere to put small tables and chairs if you fancy sitting out in the shade. You can of course use this space for anything you like, the choice is yours.

Porch awnings can come with a whole host of accessories suc as mud flaps, groundsheets, mosquito nets, wind breakers, removable side panels and much more. The modern kinds are very ligtweight and easy to store so they don’t take up too much room in the motorhome when you are travelling around.

Like the full size awnings and annexes, the quality of the materials and supports is down to how much money you want to spend. Better quality materials will not rust or corrode, and will last longer than the cheaper types. They can fit to the side of the motorhome with easy to use clips, which will enable you to just unclip them and drive off, leaving the porch where it stands, like the driveaway awnings.

One of the most popular brands is Khyam who sell hundreds of porch awnings each season. The major selling point of Khyam is that they are easy to erect, in fact they claim you can erect their porch awnings in 15 minutes. This remains to be seen for most people! The prices start at around £350 and you get the Khyam clipping system that makes it easier to attach the awning to the side of the motorhome.

As always, be sure to check the dimensions of both your motorhome, and the actual awning so they will fit. You will be amazed at how many people get tis wrong and pay te price later on. If you are buying online then get in contact with the seller by phone and seek their advice, they should be knowledgable and helpful, afterall you are the customer.

Because porch awnings are smaller you need to take into account weather conditions as they will be more prone to flapping around due to the lightweight nature of them. You may find you need to replace them more often, but a good quality awning will last longer and may be more cost effective than replacing cheaper designs.

Some of the larger porch awnings have removable panels that allow you to add an annex to each side, creating a much larger living space, much like a full size awning or annex. This can come in handy if you have unexpected visitors. Just remember that as the size increases it will need more support, so make sure you have all the necessary accessories with you.

Porch awnings offer another alternative to the more bulky and expensive full size designs out there. They are also a perfect fit for smaller motorhomes.

This is why they have become so popular, because they give you more freedom. You don’t have to spend ages unhooking your camper or motorhome every time you want to go some place. The awning will hopefully be waiting for you when you return! You can then just drive up to the awning and re-attach your home to it, and you are back where you started in no time at all.

There are a multitude of designs and sizes to choose from, again, it all depends on your requirements. Also, be sure to measure and know the dimensions of your motorhome before you decide wich type of awning to purchase, to make certain it will be suitable and will fit. You can do this yourself, or get a dealer to do it for you. This is the most important factor in buying any motorhome awning, which is why i keep repeating it! The last thing you want is to have something that just will not fit after you have spent a good deal of money on it.

The disadvantage of a driveaway awning is that you do have to spend the time erecting it when you arrive at camp. However, once this is done, you will have the benefit of not having to store it away every time you decide to move, unless you are moving to another camp site. Another problem with a driveaway awning is that you need to store it and take it with you, so it will add extra weight and space when transporting it. Having said that, the latest awnings are very ligtweight and compact, and do not take up too much room.

There are lightweight and the more sturdy kinds of free standing driveaway motorhome awnings. Which you go for depends on the amount of use they are going to get, and the weather conditions you may face. The better quality kinds will last you longer then cheaper versions, which is the case in all things really, you tend to get what you pay for in the long run. The most popular driveaway awning is the Movelite and the Movelite XL. These are the biggest sellers at the moment, and many people have opted for their design and ease of use. Of course, you need to practise erecting them before you head off to camp. It may seem a little bit daunting when you first try to erect them, and the instructions can be very confusing at first. The only way around this is to get stuck in and have a go. The more you practise the quicker and easier it will become, but there are always problems at first, no matter how experienced you are. If you are struggling then the online forums can be a good place to seek valuable information. There are always fellow motorhome owners who will give you little tips and tricks to make life easier.

Make sure you secure the awning properly. You do not want to wake up and find your new awning half a mile away! The wind is the biggest pain for awnings, especially if it is windy when you are attempting to put it up. A little bit of practising at home when it is a bit breezy will stand you in good stead, so don’t be afraid to get stuck in.

The driveaway awnings are a great solution for an extra space, and they are invaluable for many people. Get to know the workings off by heart, and you will find your camping experience will be greatly enhanced.

Most of the modern camper vans and motorhomes now have these retractable awnings already fitted to the sides. You can also have them custom fitted if there is not one pre- installed by one of the many aftermarket companies out there, or even do it yourself if you feel you have the technical know how.

If you don’t want to spend any money you could just create your own awning by throwing a piece of fabric over a nearby support and then attach it to your motorhome. Various fabrics can be used such as basic canvas, cloth, polyester and vinyl. The amount of use your awning will get, and the weather conditions they may be subjected to should determine what type of material you should go for.

Good quality materials will last much longer than the cheaper kinds, and also offer more protection in the long run. There is an almost unlimited choice of colours and designs out there to suit any motorhome, and to suit all budgets as well.

The big advantage of a retractable awning is the simplicity and ease of use. The motorised versions are just about the quickest and easiest to use, but will be more expensive. Even so, the manual awnings are also simple to use. The roll up awnings are stored in a protective casing on the side of the motorhome when not in use. To release it, you just pull on the strap and it will extend out from the side of the vehicle. There will be sliding tracks to support and guide the awning out from the motorhome.

If you are looking for a retractable awning then make sure you look at the frame and the mechanism used to extend the awning. First and most importantly make sure they will fit your motorhome, but also look to make sure the torsion mechanics and the springs are protected. If they are not well protected then they will be exposed to the elements and can quickly corode, making them much more likely to fail and cause you problems in the future.

Stainless steel frames and the anodised aluminium frames will be more expensive, but will last much longer than plain old steel frames. The support tracks can also corrode, and this can stain the fabric of the awning, so make sure that these are made of good quality materials too.

The biggest problem with many retractable motorhome awnings is that they lack sufficient support on the edges when they are extended. This can cause real problems when it gets windy, as the sides will start to flap around. You will also find that these edges allow rain water to run into the middle of the awning roof when it rains, creating a large pool of water just above your head, and making it sag downwards, creating pressure on the support arms. You can buy a centre support for this, or buy de-flappers that will grip the awning and prevent it moving about.

These kinds of awnings are great if the weather is good, but we all know that is not always the case. The sun and rain do not fall to earth vertically, and so many people require protection from the side as well. The solution is a side curtain or panel that will protect you from this unwanted weather. Side panels or curtains are usually made from eather resistant materials such as PVC coated polyester, and are very good at blocking out the sun and harmful UV rays. The latest materials also allow some privacy, yet allow good visiblity through them.

If you find that the rain is blowing under the awning then you can even fit clear plastic side panels that will create an enclosed space and stop the rain from coming in. Some awnings have rain gutters already in place, but you then have the problem of falling rain water just beside you.

All in all, the choice of retractable motorhome awnings is huge, and they do vary a lot in quality and price. The main considerations are your needs, the ease of use and quality. Just make sure the awning will fit your motorhome first. Take the measurements beforehand. A lot of companies will even fit them for free at the many motorhome shows, or measure the dimensions for you. They will also give you the opportunity to get some good advice from fellow campers and industry professionals.

All these awnings come with their own pros and cons, and so it is important to make sure you buy just the right one for your needs and budget. You can spend a whole lot or a little, and there are hundreds of manufacturers out there to help you spend your money too. Prices vary tremendously from one to the other, so it pays to do some background research before you commit to investing in a motorhome awning.

The most popular awnings these days are the free standing or drive away type. The major advantage of a drive away awning is just that.. you can drive away, leaving the awning where it stands, then come back and simply re-attach your motorhome to it.

Retractable awnings offer shade from the sun or rain, and can be motorised for extra convenience. Many new motorhomes already have these installed from the start. More elaborate awnings offer comfortable living or storage space, and give you extra room to do with as you please. Modern awnings are made from various materials that can help to reduce heat from strong sunshine, or provide heating in colder weather.

The choice is yours and it all depends on what suits your requirements, and how often you use them. It is worth paying a bit more for a quality product that will last you a decent amount of time and be durable. The last thing you need is a poor quality motorhome awning that can spoil your holiday, and be cumbersome and difficult to live with.

There are many styles and sizes available from porch awnings, annexes and simple sunshade versions. The major brand names come from Movelite, Dorema, Starcamp, Fiamma and Omnistor, although there are many other quality manufacturers out there.

Convenience is probably the key ingredient in any motorhome awning, and the speed with which they can be erected is very important to many people. After a long journey the last thing you need is to be fighting and struggling with your accessories. These times can be a bit stressful, and many arguments have broken out over the smallest thing. So make sure you know the workings of the awning so you can attach and erect it like it was second nature. You should practice at home before you travel. This way, if there is bad weather on the way, you will not feel panicked and rushed when you need to do things in a hurry.

The freedom that awnings allow is the reason why they are so popular, and you can quickly and easily create your own little home away from home. You can even have fully floored and heated full size annexes that provide extra comfort for you and your guests. If you have a few friends round on your travels then more space is essential, and this is where a good quality motorhome awning comes into play. They need not cost the earth, but if you really want to do things in style then there are many companies that will cater to your needs.

There are many accessories to look out for too such as lighting strips, wall mounting brackets, sealing rubber, hold down kits and weter blockers. All these accessories can aid your enjoyment and are an important piece of the puzzle to know. All in all, make sure you look around and get good advice before you buy, and make sure you know the dimensions of your motorhome and awning, so there are no problems fitting them together!