The comfort of living on the road in a caravan requires attention to details that can enhance the travelling experience. One such detail is the use of removable caravan window awnings. These versatile accessories offer several practical benefits, including increased privacy, reduced sun glare, and decreased heat penetration, all while being relatively easy to create for those who possess basic sewing skills.
These budget-friendly shades give your caravan a custom touch while enhancing your outdoor experience.
In this article, we’ll explain how easy it is to craft these budget-friendly shades, giving your caravan a custom touch while enhancing your outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just learning to sew, this is a project anyone can tackle. Let’s get started on transforming your caravan into the ultimate cozy retreat!
Enhanced Privacy
One of the primary advantages we opted to investigate removable caravan window awnings is their ability to offer enhanced privacy. We found that privacy became a concern when parked in a crowded campground or an unfamiliar location. Standard caravan windows can inadvertently expose the interior to passers-by or other campers. However, installing removable window awnings could shield our interior from view, creating a more secluded and secure environment. This added privacy makes us feel more comfortable and relaxed, whether enjoying a meal, resting, or sitting at the table writing articles for the next deadline.
Another significant benefit of removable window awnings is their effectiveness in reducing sun glare and minimising heat entry, a must-have when we’re up the northern end of the big island. Much like traditional homes, Caravans can become uncomfortably warm on bright, sunny days. The sunlight streaming through windows increases the internal temperature and creates excessive glare, making it difficult to see a computer screen. We’ve found that window awnings are an effective barrier between the sun’s rays and the interior, significantly cutting down on glare and blocking a substantial amount of heat.
Furthermore, the reduction in heat is particularly valuable for maintaining a comfortable living environment inside the caravan. Needless to say, excessive heat causes increased use of the air conditioning unit or fans, which strains the caravan’s power system, which is especially important when camping off-grid. By preventing the sun from directly hitting the windows, awnings help keep the internal temperature more stable and reduce the need for additional cooling measures, saving valuable battery power.
Removable caravan window awnings are relatively easy to make for those who enjoy DIY projects.
Sense of Accomplishment
Removable caravan window awnings are relatively easy to make for those who enjoy DIY projects. But you will need a basic understanding of sewing. Darning a hole in my sock is the extent of my sewing skills; I’ll hand it over to the Missus, who is far more qualified to discuss the dos and don’ts of sewing. However, the sense of accomplishment from creating something practical and useful for your caravan is truly rewarding.
Crafting these window awnings yourself requires minimal effort and typically involves measuring the dimensions of your caravan windows, cutting the fabric to size, and stitching it into place with simple fastenings for easy removal and attachment.
The materials needed for this project are inexpensive and widely available at most haberdashery stores.
Beware that caravan windows are not made accurately. We found a 10mm variance in window sizes, so be sure to measure each window individually.
Choosing Fabric
When choosing the fabric for your awnings, consider factors such as weather resistance, ease of cleaning, and aesthetic appeal. Any durable fabric, such as canvas or outdoor polyester, which are both weather-resistant and easy to clean, will work perfectly for window awnings. I chose a plain furniture material for the inner liner and one with a pattern that suits the colour of our van for the outer liner.
I then made a mock-up pattern from some leftover calico. This step was helpful as it allowed me to test the fit and fine-tune the function to suit our windows. Another advantage of this process is that I could experiment with the top-locating tab placement.
Beware that caravan windows are not made accurately. We found a 10mm variance in window sizes, so be sure to measure each window individually.
Once I had the pattern sorted, I laid it on top of the new material, cut out each awning, and sowed them together. Overall, it took about 12 hours from start to finish.
One handy time-saving tip is to do a section and then trial-fit the awning. This allows you to make any required adjustments and will also save you a lot of unpicking later if something doesn’t quite fit.
You don’t have to have scalloped ends on your awnings; that was a personal choice. But if you’re considering creating scalloped ends, here is how I made mine. I used a bowl from the kitchen and started in the centre of the awning, then evenly marked out the scallop pattern to each edge.
The base of the awning has a 25mm piece of elastic to secure it to the window, and the upper strap has a Velcro strip to secure the upper part of the window.
This DIY approach saves money compared to purchasing pre-made awnings and allows for customisation to fit specific needs and preferences.
Unfold the awning and make sure the Velcro straps are open and not attached to each other. Once you’ve done that, grab the top corners of the awning and slide it up the outside of the window until it reaches the top
How to install awning
The first thing you do is open your window far enough so that it stays open but has some flexibility to move. Then, unfold the awning and make sure the Velcro straps are open and not attached to each other. Once you’ve done that, grab the top corners of the awning and slide it up the outside of the window until it reaches the top. Slide the small straps over each corner of the window.
Then, place the bottom elastic strap over the window latches, and finally, grab the Velcro straps and attach them together. That’s it. There you go—that’s simple. The straightforward installation process ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of your awnings in no time.
Removing the awning is straightforward.
How to remove awning
Removing the awnings is as simple as, if not more, straightforward. Place the elastic strap on the outside of the window latch leavers. Then, grab the Velcro strap and pull it apart. Lift the awning up so the top locating straps are clear of the window. It will then lift off the window.
Removable caravan window awnings offer a practical and cost-effective solution to enhance travel privacy and comfort. By providing a shield against prying eyes, reducing sun glare, and minimising heat entry, these awnings contribute significantly to a more pleasant caravan experience. Their value is undeniable, making them a worthwhile addition to your caravan setup. Furthermore, the ease of making these awnings with readily available materials makes them an accessible option for those who prefer to undertake DIY projects.
