More and more Aussies are exploring their own backyard — or even doing the full trip around Australia. If you’re about to do the ‘big lap’, smart planning is a must. In this blog, we’re breaking down why an awning is critical to any long-term caravan trip — and how to put one up. If you’re wondering, ‘What is an awning?’, no sweat — we’re taking this right from the top.

We’ve provided everything you need to get started — be sure to look into our other accessories while you’re here.

What Is an Awning & Why Is It So Important?

An awning is an extension that attaches to the side of your caravan to provide extra shelter and living space. Offering more than just shade, it’s a practical addition that makes life on the road more comfortable and adaptable to Australia’s varied conditions.

Types of Caravan Awnings

Caravan awnings come in different styles to suit travel preferences and trip lengths:

• Roll-out awnings: Perfect for touring, roll-out awnings extend quickly and are easy to set up at rest stops or campsites.
• Cassette awnings: Ideal for frequent travellers, cassette awnings are compact units that roll into a protective casing to keep the fabric secure.
• Inflatable awnings: Having air beams instead of poles, inflatable awnings are lighter, more convenient, and faster to pitch. They’re a solo traveller’s dream and perfect for quick getaways.

Why You Need an Awning

Awnings provide more than just shade. They also:

1. Expand living space: When a caravan’s your home base, you may feel like you’re cramped in a sardine tin. With an awning, you have a whole outdoor room where you can cook, dine, or relax — unrestricted.
2. Protect against weather: Much as we love our sunburnt country, no one is safe from her unpredictable conditions. But an awning can shield you from harsh rays in the outback, sudden showers along the coast, and gusty winds — wherever they strike.
3. Improve comfort: Caravans can get hot, so once you park them for the day, you likely want to air them out and relax outside. Erect an awning and you’ll have a sheltered outdoor space to chill and unwind after hours of travelling.

Meta V Parts supplies robust fittings and parts designed to withstand the challenges of long-haul trips, ensuring your awning performs reliably — wherever you set up camp.

How Do I Measure a Caravan Awning?

Below is a clear step-by-step guide for DIYers — or anyone who wants to double-check measurements before ordering an awning.

What Is the A-Measurement?

The A-measurement is the single most important number for full (wrap-around) caravan awnings — it’s the distance from the ground, up and around the caravan’s awning rail, and back down to the ground at the other side. Manufacturers quote full awnings by A-measurement, so it’s important to get this right before taking any further steps.

Must-Have Tools

• Long tape measure (≥10m) or a digital laser measure
• Non-stretch string or twine (recommended for A-measurement)
• A tent peg or marker to hold the string on the ground
• Assistant (makes the job easier and more accurate)
• Step ladder (if the rail is high)
• A camera or a phone to photograph the rail and any obstructions
• Notepad or a Notes app to record measurements in centimetres

Step-by-Step: Measuring the A-Measurement (Full Awnings)

1. Park the caravan on level ground and load normally. Make sure you take measurements of your level caravan with typical onsite loading; otherwise, the A-measurement can be off.
2. Identify the awning rail. This is the channel (bead/rail) running along the top edge of the sidewall where the awning bead slides in.
3. Peg a point on the ground directly below the rear end of the awning rail. This is your starting ground point.
4. Run the string through the awning rail. Fix the string at the rear ground point, feed it carefully through the awning rail from rear to front — follow the rail around any curves — then bring the string down to the ground at the front of the caravan and peg it. The string should follow the exact path the awning would take.
5. Measure the string. Remove the string and measure its full length using the tape — that length is your A-measurement. Record it to the nearest centimetre.

Why use string? A non-stretch string follows the rail’s curve and gives a true perimeter length, while a straight tape can miss curves and give an under-measurement.

Measuring Height for Porch/Roll-Out & Porch-Style Awnings

Porch, roll-out, or porch-style awnings rarely call for the A-measurement. Rather, they’re sized by rail height (the vertical height from the ground to the awning rail) and length (the rail or caravan length you want covered). Measure the height vertically to the top/centre of the awning rail and note the result in centimetres.

Cassette & Retractable Awnings

Cassette/retractable awnings are usually ordered by the cassette (ordering) width and the projection (how far the awning extends). Check the supplier’s specification sheet — the fabric canopy will be slightly narrower than the cassette width. If necessary, confirm both the cassette and canopy width. Still unsure? Contact the supplier with the caravan model, the awning rail height, and a photograph of the rail.

Practical Variations & Common Pitfalls

• If you’re between sizes, err on the larger side. Choosing the next size up allows greater flexibility when pitching on uneven ground. In fact, many guides recommend the larger size if you’re on the boundary.
• Don’t rely only on ‘shipping’ heights in manuals. The owner’s manual sometimes cites shipping or roof-mount heights (including aerials) rather than the practical awning rail height. If in doubt, measure.
• Typical awning rail heights can be a great guide. If your measurement falls within this ~235–250cm average, it’s likely correct; if it’s way off, double-check your measuring method and try again.
• Measure more than once. Double-, triple-, or even quadruple-check your numbers. If they differ, calculate their average and note any reasons for the discrepancy, such as uneven ground or a damaged rail.

What Size Awning Do I Need?

The ideal awning size will differ between solo travellers and families — but regardless of who (if anyone) is travelling with you, the right size will bring practicality, ease of use, and comfort. It’s important to consider not just the dimensions of your caravan, but also how you travel and where you plan to set up camp.

Riding Solo or with Company?

• Couples or solo travellers: A smaller, lighter awning is easier to pitch, store, and manage, especially if you’re doing short stays or relocating often. Roll-out or compact cassette awnings often suit this lifestyle.
• Families or groups: Larger awnings mean more space for dining, relaxation, or storage. Full or wrap-around awnings provide extra shelter for kids, pets, or multiple adults.

How’s the Weather Looking?

• Western Australia and coastal regions: To combat strong winds, choose a slightly smaller awning or one with reinforced brackets. Secure pegs and guy lines are essential.
• Queensland and tropical areas: To beat the heat — and higher sun exposure — you’ll need a larger awning that provides better shade and improves airflow. Consider fabrics with UV protection and good ventilation.
• Outback travel: The sun is especially unforgiving in the outback, and the dust is constant. Rather than prioritising maximum coverage, find an easy-to-clean awning made from durable materials.

Space vs Portability

• Larger awnings give more sheltered space but can be heavier and harder to manage, particularly for solo travellers.
• Smaller, lightweight options are quicker to erect, pack away, and store — ideal for regular touring. Choosing the right compromise between usable space and ease of handling is key.

Quality Components

Even the best-sized awning can underperform without strong components. Meta V Parts’ adjustable awning brackets and reinforced fittings provide stability and durability, helping your awning withstand varied Australian conditions.

Get Your Awning & Must-Have Camping Accessories at Meta V Parts

An awning may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re planning the ‘big lap’ — but you’re going to be glad it’s there once you get going. No adventurer wants to find themselves trapped in a tin can of a caravan — they want to feel the wind on their face, take in the sounds and smells, and view their holiday first-hand rather than through a tiny window. Paired with must-have car camping accessories, an awning is the ultimate compromise between fresh air and protection from the elements. And now you know what type of awning you need — and how to measure and erect it — the only thing left to do is to grab one.

Looking to fit an awning to your caravan? Find your perfect awning — and all the must-have camping accessories — at Meta V Parts. We have what you need to get you all around Australia — and back in one piece.