Full Awning vs Porch Awning is one of the biggest decisions many caravanners face when choosing the right touring setup. Both options can completely change your caravanning experience by adding extra shelter, storage, and living space. However, they suit very different touring styles depending on how often you travel, how long you stay on-site, and how much setup time you want.
Some caravanners prioritise maximum comfort on longer stays, while others prefer quicker setup and easier touring. Therefore, choosing the right awning depends entirely on your touring habits.
In this Full Awning vs Porch Awning guide, weâll compare the pros and cons of both options and help you decide which setup is best for your caravan adventures.
What Is a Full Caravan Awning?
A full caravan awning attaches along the entire length of the caravan awning rail from front to rear. As a result, it creates a large additional living space beside your caravan.
Full awnings are especially popular with families, seasonal caravanners, and anyone planning longer stays on-site.
Advantages of a Full Caravan Awning
- Creates a large extra living area
- Provides additional storage space
- Excellent for families and longer holidays
- Offers better shelter during poor weather
- Can include sleeping or dining areas
- Feels more like a permanent setup
Disadvantages of a Full Caravan Awning
- Heavier and bulkier to transport
- Takes longer to pitch and pack away
- Requires more storage space at home
- Usually costs more than porch awnings
- Needs a larger caravan pitch
What Is a Porch Caravan Awning?
A porch awning covers only part of the caravan awning rail rather than the full length. Therefore, it creates a smaller but more practical sheltered area.
Porch awnings are extremely popular with touring caravanners who regularly move between sites.
Advantages of a Porch Caravan Awning
- Quicker and easier to set up
- Lighter and easier to transport
- Ideal for touring and weekend breaks
- Usually cheaper than full awnings
- Works well on smaller pitches
- Requires less storage space
Disadvantages of a Porch Caravan Awning
- Provides less living space
- Offers reduced storage capacity
- Not ideal for larger families
- Can feel cramped on longer stays
Full Awning vs Porch Awning for Touring
When comparing Full Awning vs Porch Awning options for touring, porch awnings are usually the better choice.
Many caravanners prefer porch awnings because they reduce setup time significantly. Consequently, you can arrive on-site and relax much faster.
Porch awnings also make multi-stop trips easier because packing away becomes far less stressful.
If youâre new to caravanning, our First Caravan Trip Checklist guide is also worth reading before your first setup.
Many manufacturers now offer both traditional and air awning options, with brands such as Isabella and Telta producing a wide range of touring awnings for different caravan setups.
Full Awning vs Porch Awning for Longer Stays
For longer stays, full awnings often provide the better experience. The additional space makes a huge difference during extended trips.
Many caravanners use full awnings for dining, relaxing, drying clothes, or storing outdoor equipment. In poor weather, the extra sheltered area also becomes incredibly valuable.
If you regularly stay away for one or two weeks at a time, the additional comfort can easily outweigh the longer pitching time.
Air Awning vs Pole Awning
Both full awnings and porch awnings are available as traditional pole awnings or modern air awnings.
Air Awnings
- Inflatable beams instead of metal poles
- Usually faster to pitch
- Easier for solo caravanners
- Often more expensive
- Typically heavier when packed
Pole Awnings
- Traditional steel or fibreglass poles
- Usually cheaper to buy
- Can feel sturdier in strong winds
- Take longer to assemble
- Less beginner-friendly
Today, many touring caravanners prefer air awnings because they simplify setup considerably.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Awning
Before choosing between a full awning and a porch awning, think carefully about how you use your caravan.
Length of Stay
Short touring breaks usually suit porch awnings better. Meanwhile, longer stays often benefit from the extra comfort of a full awning.
Storage Space
Full awnings take up considerably more storage space both inside your caravan and at home.
Setup Time
If you dislike long setup routines, a porch awning will probably suit your touring style better.
Pitch Size
Some campsite pitches may not comfortably accommodate a large full awning.
Our How to Choose the Best Caravan Pitch guide explains more about selecting suitable pitches and campsite facilities.
Weather Conditions
Full awnings generally provide better shelter during poor British weather. However, they can also catch more wind if not secured properly.
Are Full Awnings Better for Seasonal Pitches?
If you keep your caravan on a seasonal pitch, a full awning is often the preferred choice.
Many seasonal caravanners treat the awning as a permanent extension of the caravan. Therefore, the additional storage and living space become extremely useful over time.
Nevertheless, always check your campsite rules regarding awning sizes and seasonal setups before booking.
Our Setup
Over time, weâve found ourselves using different awnings depending on the type of trip weâre doing.
For shorter stays and quick touring breaks, we use the Telta SkyLink 400. Itâs quick to set up, practical for moving between sites, and ideal when we donât want to spend ages pitching and packing away.
However, for stays of four nights or more, we usually switch to the Telta Lounge. The additional living space makes a huge difference on longer trips, especially when the weather turns or we simply want more room to relax.
Having used both styles regularly, we genuinely think the best choice comes down to your touring style rather than simply choosing the biggest awning available.
Our Verdict on Full Awning vs Porch Awning
Ultimately, the Full Awning vs Porch Awning debate comes down to how you caravan.
If you regularly move between sites, enjoy weekend breaks, or prefer quick setup, a porch awning will probably suit you best.
However, if you stay longer on-site, travel with family, or want maximum comfort and storage space, a full awning is usually worth the extra effort.
The best caravan awning is the one that fits your touring style, travel habits, and campsite routine.
Related Guides
- Caravan Setup Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Caravan Levelling Guide Explained Simply
- First Caravan Trip Checklist
- What to Pack for a Caravan Holiday
- How to Choose the Best Caravan Pitch
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One Response
What type of awning do you prefer when touring? đ
Full awning or porch awning?
Weâve used both over the years and honestlyâĻ it completely depends on the type of trip. Short touring breaks usually mean quick and easy setup, while longer stays make the extra living space hard to beat.
Would you choose a full awning or a porch awning for your touring setup? đ