5 August 2021

How to Measure your Motorhome to Fit the Right-Sized Awning

Thinking about buying an awning for your motorhome? Then you need to take the following measurements to make sure you order the size that fits correctly. Avoid disappointment, wasted time and having to return parcels – by taking these few simple steps.

First, make sure your motorhome is parked on a flat surface and is level. Next, get a tape-measure – and perhaps a pair of helping hands. Measure and note-down the following, referring to the above diagram to check what you’re measuring…

Measurement A:

Measure the height of your awning blind (in centimetres) to the actual blind slot – NOT to the casing around it. This is to determine which HEIGHT you need. Alternatively, measure to the rail. In either case, measure from the ground AT EACH END. The LONGER of the two dimensions is the important one. (Most motorhomes are higher at the back than the front. If your vehicle has a levelling system, have it in a neutral position while measuring.)

(As an example of where your motorhome height sits size-wise: Kampa Dometic camper & motorhome awnings are available in these heights:

2020 Models

VW: 180-210cm

S: 235-250cm

L: 250-265cm

XL: 265-280cm

XXL: 280-295cm

2021 Models

VW: 180-210cm

Drive-Aways: 220-300cm

S: 235-265cm (fits Caravans too)

M: 265-295cm

L: 295-325cm.)

Measurement B:

Next, determine which SIZE you can buy (eg. 260, 330, 390 etc) by vehicle awning length, front to back. To do this, measure the length of your awning BLIND or RAIL in centimetres – NOT its surrounding case. (You must have enough awning blind or rail to hold the size of awning that you intend to buy. E.g. the Kampa Motor Rally AIR PRO 260 XL is 260cm long, so your blind or rail needs to be at least this.)

Measurement C:

Next move, determine whether there’s sufficient space for an AIR TUBE to fit. It must fit against the vehicle without the door catching on it when being opened. Measure the distance between the awning blind (the slot in the casing again) or rail and the top of your door when closed. (You will need at least 12cm between the door and the blind or rail.)

Compare these 3 dimensions with those of the awning(s) being considered, and check that the awning’s walls would sit clear of your motorhome’s door, windows, storage hatches or anything else that protrudes. (Remember that a narrower awning can be positioned – more left or more right – on a wider awning blind or rail to help fit around potential obstructions.)

If you’ve taken the measurements from your motorhome accurately, and are happy that the dimensions of the awning of your choice are not conflicting, there should be no reason why it shouldn’t fit. If still in doubt, ask your retailer for advice. (We are always glad to assist and advise at Norwich Camping & Leisure – call 01603 717600 and ask for any of Jof, Jordi, Steve, Matt or Ryan, or email [email protected])

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Norwich Camping & Leisure Village, in Blofield, east of Norwich, Norfolk, has one of the UK’s largest outdoor displays of tents and awnings, plus indoor showroom displays of camping & caravanning equipment, outdoor clothing, garden furniture & buildings, barbecues and a fully-stocked garden centre.

Barbecue brands in stock: Weber; Napoleon; Outback; Campingaz; Broil King; Kadai; Grillstream; Kamado Joe; Ooni; Traeger; Cadac & Whistler.