Caravan screens are a super cool investment that'll up your adventure game. They'll give you shade and keep you dry when it's raining, plus they'll give you some much-needed privacy while you're chilling, cooking, and chowing down. If you're new to this and have no idea what type of caravan awning end privacy screen you need, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
What's a Caravan Privacy Screen?
A caravan privacy screen is a big piece of fabric you can attach to the side of your awning. It's kind of like a wall that gives you privacy and shade. Plus, it keeps the rain from getting inside your caravan. These screens are made of lightweight materials, so they're easy to pack up and take with you. They're perfect for when you want to have lunch, relax, or even change without people seeing you. And if you're just chilling out in your awning area, you'll be protected from the sun and rain. The best part is that these screens are super easy to attach to your awning, so they're a really practical thing to have for your caravan.
How do Privacy Screens Work?
There are two types of caravan awnings you can get: rollout and box. They need different caravan ends because they have different-sized mounting channels. When you want to set up a caravan screen, just slide the rope sewn into the long edge of the fabric along the mounting channel on your awning to hold the top edge in place. The bottom edge has eyelets or D-rings, and there are elastic fastening cords that you attach and peg into the ground like a tent. Most privacy screens sit 30-60cm above the ground, so don't worry if yours looks a little short. Setting it up takes just a minute, and packing it away is even faster. Just pull up the pegs, slide the rope out of the mounting guide, and pack it away.
What to Consider When Buying Screens and Awnings?
When you're buying a caravan awning end privacy screen, the most important thing to consider is the size. It's not a big deal if you end up with one that's a little too long, but if it's too short, you won't get the protection and privacy you need. You'll end up with gaps in the front and sides, which can be a real pain when it starts raining. So be sure to measure the awning from the middle of the two arms to get the right length for your privacy screen.
Another thing to keep in mind is to buy your caravan privacy screens from trusted brands and sellers. You want something that's made well, with materials that provide shade and UV protection. Ideally, you should look for screens that have been tested and approved by ARPANSA, the Australian government agency that regulates sun/shade products.
They should have a cover factor rating and Calculated Protection Factor rating, along with information on UVR block and shade rating factors. The caravan market is booming these days, so there are lots of businesses trying to get in on the action. But just because their prices are affordable doesn't mean they offer the best quality. So be sure to do your research and choose a reputable seller.
Measure Your Caravan Screen
When you're measuring a caravan privacy screen, it's important to be accurate so you don't end up with a screen that's too short. A lot of caravan owners think it's enough to just measure the width of the awning or the whole width of the awning bar, but that's not right. To get the right size, measure the distance between the two arms in the middle of the awning's roller bar. This will give you the full measurement you need.
How Many Screens Are Enough?
This really depends on your lifestyle. If you just want a bit of shade while you chill outside during the day, then one or two screens should do the trick. But if you're planning on spending more time outside, cooking, eating, napping, and all that stuff, then you'll definitely want to invest in a full set of screens to give you the privacy and protection you need. Now, keep in mind that while privacy screens are super easy to take down and move around, having too many of them can make things feel a bit too enclosed and dark. Unless you're trying to build a whole new room outside your caravan, I'd recommend sticking with just two screens - one for the long edge of your awning and one for the short edge that gets the most exposure to the weather.
Front vs Side Walls
When you're picking out screens, you'll notice that there are front walls and side walls. The front wall goes along the long edge of the awning and provides the most protection, while the side walls cover the ends of the outside space. The only difference between these two walls is their size and how they attach to your awning. Front walls are much longer than side walls and attach to the awning with a rope that slides through a mounting guide. Side walls have a square shape and attach to the arms of the awning with straps instead of a rope and mounting guide. They can also attach to the awning from different angles, depending on the type of caravan you have.
