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quoteThere’s something in the air!
Inflatable awnings are on the up! Here’s our brief guide to this growing sector…
Pros and cons
Top tips
Insurance considerations
Star players
Pros and cons of inflatable awnings
The adage about awnings being the caravanning equivalent of a divorce in a bag is being consigned to history. Inflatable awnings – those with tubes that you pump air into to put them up – are gaining in popularity.
Inflatable awnings come with a manual pump – and it literally can take seconds to inflate fully before pegging it all out.
In truth, there’s not necessarily much time saved between putting up different types of awning by the time you’ve attached it to your caravan. But one of the major differences is main poles. No metal poles is a big plus in favour of inflatables.
The all-in-one nature of an inflatable awning will make it potentially bulkier and heavier than its poled counterpart so think about your payload margins.
Inflatable awnings are generally more expensive than more traditional awnings – but you might see the benefits as worthwhile.
Top tips
*Go and see a proper display of awnings to get a feel for what’s best for you. In particular, it will allow you to get a view from the inside of the awning looking out.
*Look for package deals that may involve adding extras such as carpets, footprints, annexes, inner tents etc.
*Check ventilation, upper and lower level as well as mesh at windows and doors. This will reduce the almost inevitable build-up of condensation, sometimes wrongly interpreted as a leak.
*Take out any removable door and window panels and you’ll find it easier to slip the main unit through your awning rail when you’re first putting it up.
*Single or multi-inflation points have advantages and disadvantages. Inflating the whole awning from one point is obviously that much easier, but downsides include the unlikely event of punctures/repairs to a generally more complex system that also includes extra pipes and valves.
*Other features to look out for range from adjustable pegging points for a more secure fit, thickness of the beams and the fabric (generally, the thicker the better, but that also means more weight), draught exclusion and more – as well as subjective aspects such as colours, doors, window locations.
*Finally, do make sure whatever you buy is going to fit your ‘van!
Insurance considerations
Hopefully, this has never happened to you, but when the winds pick up damage caused to your caravan by a wayward metal awning pole is a more regular occurrence than you might expect – often leading to insurance claims.
We’ve dealt with claims where awning poles have punctured the sides of the caravan or ripped through the awning material. Also tears sometimes occur when erecting or taking down the awning.
Inflatable awnings are far less likely to be damaged in stormy conditions, too. That’s because they simply flex, with nothing to get bent out of shape permanently.
Also if you’re switching from a traditional awning to an inflatable one, make sure any extra cost is reflected in your caravan insurance sums insured.
Star players
Quest Travel Smart Dorado 350
A lightweight (less than 10kg) and single air tube make this porch awning particularly easy to use – especially as it can be up in about 12 pumps. And its bag is deliberately oversized, to make packing away again just as straightforward.
The design features a split front panel and extra deep front windows with internal blinds. An optional canopy pole kit means you can use the front panels as canopies. As standard, either can be rolled up on sunny days.
It’s a lighter fabric, too, with a hydrostatic head (the measure of waterproofness) of 3000mm. Note, also, features like tie-back points and pockets in PVC, which means they won’t soak up water and or lead to potential leaks.
Some retailers sell this under the Westfield name. It’s the same awning.
Price from £321.95
Key features Hydrotech SL 190T polyester fabric, two side doors, double-action hand pump, ventilation flaps, draught skirt and wheel cover
Weight 9.7kg
Pack size 113cm x 28cm x 28cm
More info www.questleisure.com
SunnCamp Advance Air
Designed to look like a traditional awning, hence its more upright appearance, but boasting SunnCamp’s Air Volution technology and 300D fabric with a 6000mm hydrostatic head rating. It has a huge front window too, with a mesh ventilation panel directly above. The removable front panel has four door configurations, while the side panels are removable and interchange-able. Also included here is a zip-on/off sun canopy.
Sunncamp’s optional Advance Aire Annexe will fit to either side of this unit.
Price from £567
Key features 300D Pro-Tek fabric, vertical storm pole pockets, high-visibility guylines, storm buckles and straps, curtains and integral mesh window options, rear weather poles, draught skirt
Weight 25.7kg
Pack size 83cm x 79cm
More info www.sunncamp.co.uk
Outwell SmartAir Imperial Belize Reef
Outwell is the UK’s market leader in family tents, so it’s no surprise to see the Danish marque turning its attention to caravan awnings.
The main Outtex fabric here is Taslon, a tougher than average polyester that’s designed to mirror canvas. All the poles are interconnected, which means you can pump up the complete awning from any of the attachment points.
Tinted windows help deflect some of the sun’s glare as well as keeping things cooler inside, whilst still allowing excellent views out. The doors, meanwhile, have full mesh panelling.
Price from £899.99
Key features Outtex 6000 HD main fabric, 10,000mm hydrostatic head polyethylene zip-out groundsheet, draught skirt, tinted windows, zip-up curtains, storm guylines
Weight 29.9kg
Pack size 89cm x 39cm
More info www.outwell.com
Outdoor Revolution Oxygen CompactAirLite 420
This top-seller is also the largest model in the three-strong Oxygen CompactAirLite range from Outdoor revolution. This is a bit heavier than some, but it’s a particularly strong double ripstop main fabric. Plus, there’s a lifetime guarantee on the tubes.
There are also three extra roof support tubes that just attach with Velcro, should you want to increase overall stability. Storm straps also come as standard, while extra wide doors make this a bit more pushchair- and wheelchair-friendly than some.
A bedroom annexe is £239.
Price from £999
Key features 420 Denier double ripstop polyester, four single inflation point tubes, three roof support tubes, vortex ventilation, tinted windows, storm straps
Weight 25.9kg
Pack size 82cm x 52cm x 44cm
More info www.outdoor-revolution.com
Vango Kalari 520
Top-of-the-range from Vango, the major UK tentmaking company that’s been a pioneering force in latest inflatable technology.
This uses a 600D double Ripstop fabric and a 300D textured base, along with Vango’s AirSpeed valves located well above the ground, meaning less bending down to make attachments.
It also comes with a draught excluder strip and two wheel arch covers.
A bedroom annexe, at around £200, is an option worth considering.
The Kalari’s distinctive look is down to its pinnacle shape and curved front with big windows and zip-up curtains, plus flexi doors that can be opened to any level.
Price from £1,000
Key features Sentinel Luxe 600 fabric, vista front windows, zipped curtains, lantern hanging points, mesh side windows, PVC mud strip, webbing storm straps, rock pegs, bedroom pod option
Weight 40.4kg
Pack size 78cm x 47cm x 48cm
More info www.vango.co.uk
Kampa Ace Air 3000
Another flagship product, available in 300, 400 and 500 sizes, that tops a range of 12 models. All the poles here are interlinked, so you only need to attach your pump at one point to inflate the whole awning. Typical inflation time is under one minute, but – if you want quicker and easier – an electric pump is among the optional extras.
You can zip-out any of the three front panels, as well as either side doors, which also feature a No-see-um mesh. Alternatively, you can roll panels down to create a verandah effect.
Like all Kampa awnings, there’s also the Accessory Track feature – an extra section of beading to which you can attach organisers, a hanging rail etc.
Price from £1,071
Key features 300D Weathershield double-coated Oxford polyester fabric, adjustable height system, mudflap with eyelets, window curtains, roof skylights, draught skirt,
Weight 21kg
Pack size 85cm x 40cm x 40cm
More info www.kampa.co.uk
Over to you
Do inflatable awnings get you all pumped up or leave you feeling deflated…?! Feel free to add your any tips or stories about the pros and cons of inflatable caravan awnings in the comments box below.
My family is planning on taking a long road trip during the summer. Because of the size of my family, we are thinking of getting an annex for our RV. We think that this would allow us to spread out and not be sleeping on top of each other.
We just bought a Sunncamp Inceptor Air Plus 330 for £769, haven’t used it yet, but saw their inflatable range at the NEC and was very impressed https://www.qualitycaravanawnings.com/collections/sunncamp-caravan-awnings
Help!
We have a small Westfields inflatable porch awning and every time we inflate, the sides of the tube always have a bend. Are we not inflating it enough.? Tube feels very rigid and we are concerned overinflating it for fear of it bursting. Can anyone advise?
TIA
It’s worth using a pump which shows that you are inflating to the correct PSI – and make sure the tubes are not twisted before you inflate.
Lamps rally air 330, easy to put it up. Useless in strong wind with poles bending, roof dropping to the ground, and water looking on the roof. Used it for 2 years and tried everything possible to stop it happening. Result….. Don’t use it British weather unless it’s going to be fine. By the way we have been camping for over 40 years.
we have bought many awnings over the years. We have recently moved into the air tent and air awnings.
We have found the Kampa ones to be very good with lots of facilities and add on’s like, sabre lights, pads for protection against the caravan, limpets that attach to part of the caravan to stop all that air coming in etc.
the prices quoted can easily be beaten as well if you search around.
We have just bought the Dorado 350 & have to say have been very pleased with it in the dry! Having just completed a 16 day tour of Scotland, where we had some awful weather, we have noticed a problem where the storm pole attach at the air beam. Initially being told it was condensation we have now found a small floor in the stitching which allows rain to come in to the living area. When the pole is fitted it pushes the sleeve back and creates a small hole within the stitches. The quick fix is to bond with the repair kit glue and this will do the trick. We also have the poles at the rear to support against our caravan and can be fully erected in 25 minutes with carpet down too. One thing to note is the wheel cover is ideal for a single axle but not our twin.
We purchased a Kampa Ace air 400 and very pleased with it, obtained a double action pump for faster inflation and hearing comments about roof puddles and creased windows is no different to our top of the range Isabella that we sold in favour of the Kampa oh and the Kampa awning carpet is so nice too.
Hi Denis, How’s the Camptech, have you had chance to use it yet? We are thinking of getting a Camptech Motoair High.
Whilst I am aware that it is impossible to mention all possible air awnings and different permutations, but I recently purchased the Kampa Rally Pro Air 260
Bought a Kampa Ace Air 500 in Feb this year to replace a pole awning we used on a Coachman Amara 560/4, best thing have done, used it four times and it works very well. easy to put up and weighs less than the old awning with poles.
We also have a roof lining, air annex and led lights for same,brilliant.
Used in windy condition with tie down straps, all good no problems.
I bought a Vango Varkala 420 air awning this year. What a good decision, so much easier than the old Dorema one – no sorting out which pole goes where! So easy to inflate and peg out even in a wind that would have stopped us doing the old one!
Great quality and so versatile with openings.
We have a Kampa Air 400, it’s the first season we have used it. It’s okay in the fact of inflation but we are very disappointed in how stained it is due to rain and also we hav been unable to get the creases out of the windows. It does look a bit scruffy a bit disappointed..
I’m seriously considering a Quest Travel Smart and would be interested in anyone’s experience as to how tight the upright sticks to the sides of the van. Porch awnings are notoriously difficult ( for me!) to make water and wind tight at this point.
we bought a Kampa air awning at the start of the season and we are so pleased with it up and pegged in 12 mins with no moaning and cursing. we used to hate putting the awning up before we got this one. well worth the extra expense.
Bought a Vango air awing this year all done and dusted 15 min to put up brilliamt
Whilst I am aware that it is impossible to mention all possible air awnings and different permutations, but I recently purchased the Kampa Rally Pro Air 260 that had a starting price of around £600. Your article says that Kampa start at £1k+. This could be doing an injustice to Kampa as people may feel their starting price is beyond their budget and consequently not look at them. Either that or they may feel the cheaper ones weren’t worth a mention, but I can vouch for the one that I have.
We have the Sunncamp Rotonde 350 Air which has a single air tube across the front from and two seperate tubes either side but when the wind blows or heavy rain the centre of the main tube collapse inwards, I have tried putting an extending pole from side of caravan to tube but that is no use in windy conditions, contacted Sunncamp twice but they where very unhelpful, they said they had never heard of this happening before.
Asked a Sunncamp rep at a show and was advised to get a pole and place it right in the middle from ground to tube where it caves in.
I have now gone back to my faithful traditional awning with fibreglass poles which also has no guy ropes to trip over.
Still require loads more info on Air Awnings, such as
1:
Wind resistance during our more frequent experienced windy summer conditions
2:
Awning rail to ground MAX height, a key requirement when pitching our caravans on sloping pitches
We have a Doreema blow up awning,each strut is blown up seperately and from inside which can be awkward and a westfield cheaper awning which has one strut to blow up,we used each on the 2 last easter holidays when wind was atrocious and was amazed how well they withstood the elements,friend and other campers on site had awnings collapse and damage to poles etc. well worth having.
I have an inflatable porch awning. Overall I am pleased with it. But it does present a few problems.
1. It has no detachable panels. It is therefore difficult for one (elderly) person to thread through the awning rail, because if it’s weight.
2. It has 3 main inflatable tubes attached to the awning and 4 small inflatable tubes, detached from the awning. The inflation points of the 3 attached tubes are awkward to get to.
3. The pump supplied is awkward to operate.
4. I think this point must be relevant to all inflatable awnings. It is OK if the caravan is on a flat pitch. But if the caravan is on any appreciable front to back slope, the height of the inflatable awning cannot be adjusted either side, as can an awning with poles.
We bought a Kampa Fiesta Air Rally Pro 420 last year and it is the best awning we have had,I can’t understand how people can say they have
Pools on the roof and condensation we have not suffered either.
It is so easy to put up instead of all the poles you have with normal awnings while your doing this ours is up and we are sat down having a Cupa
All your experiences are sooooooo useful. Am new to caravanning (my bucket list! -big C!!!!) but love it. Such fun! Still deciding on an awning – little dogs go too. Thanks for all comments.
After only one trip out this year that ended in near tears trying to put up the traditional awning with one bad back and hubbys wrist tendonitus, I ditched it for the KAMPA ACE AIR 400, and we LOVE IT, we have an older ‘van that is slightly shaped on the roof which did cause gapping but overcame that easily once the furniture was in. The extra space and light are just amazing and leaving a gap in one “window” disperses any condesation. The ease of inflation (we have the electric two step pump) has given us the first day of our holidays back, if you make one investment this year, buy one 🙂
Recently bought a DOREMA MAGNUM ALL SEASON 520..FANTASTIC. Easy to put up,loads of room,NO CONDENSATION.All front panels roll up, so big and airy when its sunny (not very often in this country i know). Would highly recommend this awning 10/10 . ( oh its expensive though.over a grand )
We have been considering an air awning for a couple of years now. We have looked at many and been impressed. However since reading your very good reviews on them we have decided to stick with our traditional awning with fibre glass poles.
Bought a Vango Airbeam early this year and can not recommend it enough. Very well constructed and so easy to put up. It is a little on the heavy side but well worth the extra few pounds. Looked at other inflatable awnings but the quality of the Vango was far superior to the others.
I have a Kampa Rally Air and it is fantastic. It is so easy to put up. I once had the problem with pools of water on the roof but if you use the storm straps and tension the roof panels then the water will run off.
Ordered a Kampa 500 in the middle of May, due in 1st June it now the 1st July and still no awning. I go on holiday in a few days !! Don’t think I can blame the supplier but be sure to order well in advance.
I have a triton 430, just got my camptech low this morning at £369, its still in the box as I speak, the guy we deal with is jeff bowen awnings international, on http://www.bowenawnings.co.uk. the motoair loe is the one for eribas denis
I totally agree that the Kampa Ace is poorly designed and holds water in the roof panels as they are not taut or sloping enough, end up with big pools of rain water sagging down and eventually leaking into awning. I recently went to an awing specialist who had them all out on display, and as it was raining you could see the water pooling on the Kampa ones, and a few others, but the Vango was taut with a good slope, so we have swapped to that.
We’ve used one of these for a couple of seasons and they are remarkably easy to use, fast to erect, and strike. A worthwhile purchase.
Very informative. Thanks for this, we have decided we are as well off to keep our traditional awning.
thanks, I was not sure if I wanted to change but your articles have made up my mind, I will try a blow up one next season.
Bought a Kampa Ace Air 400 awning last year, what a disappointment. No one can ready you for the “condensation”. We have had to replace all the soft furnishings used in the awning as they were totally destroyed by the amount of water generated. I feel badly let down by Kampa and my local agent who sold me the awning. These things should not be on the market. Less than 1 year old it is now going to the local tip a sorry waste of money.
Sorry to hear that Phil. Ventilation is clearly an important factor when choosing any awning.
Sadly no comments on resistance of different models to strong winds and to pooling of rain on the roof panels. Both can be a problem with different inflatable designs.
As a person who hates putting up awnings, I am most impressed with the latest idea in awnings.
I have been without one for ages, but once the new van arrives. An air awning will be on the shopping list.
I think even I should be able to put up one of these.
Any inflatable awnings to fit eriba familia caravan
Not yet ready to buy one, maybe next year but good to see an unbiased comparison.