How to Measure Your Caravan Awning. The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to measure a caravan awning sounds simple, and most people assume it is. In reality, there’s a bit more to it.
If you’re measuring a caravan for its first awning, or working out how to measure your caravan awning size for a replacement, the key thing is getting the numbers right before you buy anything. Guessing will only end with fabric that doesn’t sit properly, screen walls that don’t line up, or an awning that never feels right no matter how many adjustments you make.
Measuring for a caravan awning isn’t complicated, but it does need to be done accurately. Once you’ve got your measurements, choosing the right awning, wall, or privacy screen is straightforward.
Why Accurate Measurement of Your Caravan Awning Is Important
It’s worth remembering that awnings, walls, and screens aren’t universal. They’re designed to fit standard measurements, not caravans by brand or model. Knowing your numbers first helps you to avoid buying something that doesn’t quite fit.
A poorly sized awning can:
- Sit loose, gape, or flap, even in light wind
- Put strain on poles, rails, and stitching
- Leave gaps when you add walls or screens
- Pool water when it rains
Understanding the Dimensions
There are three key measurements you’ll need to take before you purchase an awning. Before grabbing the tape, it’s useful to understand what you’re measuring, and why.
1. Awning length
This is the most important measurement, and the one people seem to get wrong. It determines the size of the awning itself, along with any front walls or screens that will attach to it.
Length is measured along the awning rail (also known as the sail track) that runs down the side of your caravan, usually above the side door.
2. Awning height
Height is measured from the ground up to the awning rail. It’s also important, because it affects the:
- Pole height, and any adjustments you’ll need to make to them
- Wall fit, and how screens will sit underneath the awning
3. Awning depth
Depth is how far the awning comes out from the side of the caravan. Deeper awnings give you more covered space, but they also weigh more and catch more wind.
Steps to Measuring Your Caravan Awning
This is the Tiegear tried-and-trusted method to measure for a caravan awning. It works just as well if you’re measuring for our Shield screens, or other awning walls, too. It’s simple enough for a solo caravanner to do on their own, and takes less than 5-minutes.
What you’ll need:
- A measuring tape
- Rope or string (or, a soft measuring tape)
Step 1: Park and level your caravan
Make sure your caravan is parked on flat, even ground, and is level from front to back. Measuring a caravan for an awning on uneven ground might hurt the accuracy of your dimensions.
Step 2: Locate the awning rail
Find the awning rail that runs along the side of your caravan. Usually, it sits above the side entry door. This is where your awning slides in.
Step 3: Take the ‘A’ measurement
This measurement is what most manufacturers use to size full awnings and walls.
To find the ‘A’ measurement:
- Thread your soft measuring tape, rope, or string through the awning rail
- Let both ends of the string hang down to the ground, on either side of the awning rail
- Secure one end of your string to the ground
- Pull the other end tight, and mark where it meets the ground
- Use your measuring tape to measure the distance between the two ground points
- That total length is your caravan’s ‘A’ measurement
If your van’s handbook lists this measurement, you can use that instead. Measuring it yourself is still a good idea, especially on older vans.
Step 4: Measure the height
Measure from the ground up to the awning rail. Do this at a couple of points along the van to be safe, as the ground clearance can vary slightly.
Step 5: Confirm the depth you want
Decide how much coverage you need. Deeper awnings are ideal for longer stays and family setups. Shallower awnings are quicker to manage and better in windy areas.
Bonus tip: Once you’ve got your measurements, write them down and keep them somewhere handy. You’ll probably need them again.
Measuring for Different Types of Caravan Awnings
Not all awnings and accessories are measured the same way. You’ll need to adjust your approach depending on the style and fit of your gear.
Roll-out and blade awnings
For roll-out styles, including blade awnings, length is based on the cassette size and mounting location. You’ll need to measure the rail-to-rail space carefully.
Front walls
Front walls are sized to match the length of your awning. If the length is wrong, nothing lines up properly.
Measure:
- Total awning length
- Height from ground to awning edge
Side walls
Side walls rely almost entirely on height and depth. Too short and you’ll have gaps, too long and the walls will bunch or drag.
Check the:
- Rail height, from the ground to the awning rail
-
Awning projection
The Tiegear Shield awning wall slides directly into your sail track, and comes in 14 different sizes. Knowing your exact awning length makes choosing the right size easy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring
Most issues come from rushing the job, or from taking a punt on the dimensions.
Avoid these costly mistakes:
- Measuring on uneven ground
- Guessing instead of measuring
- Forgetting to check the height clearance
- Assuming all caravans are standard (especially older rigs)
- Ignoring how the wind can affect a poorly fitted awning or wall
If your current awning flaps, sags, or pools water, it’s probably not the right size for your setup.
Find the Perfect Fit With Tiegear
When you know how to measure your caravan awning properly, choosing the right gear is simple.
Tiegear awnings, screen walls, and accessories are made for real-world setups. With clear sizing options across the range, you can match your measurements with confidence, for a setup that stays secure and comfortable on and off the beaten track.
Browse the SHIELD collection from Tiegear to find the right fit for your caravan and your style of travel.
