Be weather-ready in your van – for sun or rain
Van Life Living in the UK can subject you to all sorts of weather, so a reliable sun canopy or awning is great for creating a comfortable shaded space or covered entranceway from the rain outside your camper van. Some sun canopies even offer additional side walls for added wind protection and privacy. This extends the purpose of a sun canopy offering sun, rain and wind protection with extra privacy, and who doesn’t want a little bit of extra privacy especially in a campsite. However, whether you prioritise ease of use, affordability or aesthetics, we list the most popular and used sun canopy brands for camper van living in the UK.
- Description: An inflatable sun canopy for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes. This awning is available in 2.5m and 3.5m widths.
- Main Features:
- Inflatable AirBeam Structure: Utilises a single beam for quick inflation and a sturdy setup.
- Sentinel Exclusive Fabric: Highly waterproof and durable, featuring ColourLok™ technology for a good level of UV resistance.
- Optional Sidewalls: Compatible with attachable sidewalls for added privacy or shade.
- Setup: Attach the canopy to your vehicle’s awning rail using the Kador strip, then inflate the single AirBeam using the included pump. The inflatable design simplifies setup compared to traditional pole canopies. Time taken for setup is about 5-10 minutes.
- Stockists in the UK:
Purely Outdoors
Clearcut Conversions
Norwich Camping & Leisure - Pros:
- Quick and easy setup due to the inflatable design.
- High-quality, durable materials suitable for various weather conditions.
- Optional sidewalls can be purchased for added wind protection and privacy.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other canopies.
- Inflatable structure requires careful handling to avoid punctures.
- Price Point: Price point is mid to high range compared to other sun canopies. Priced around £175- £225, depending on the retailer and size.
SunnCamp Sunnshield Universal Sun Canopy – budget-conscious sun canopy
- Description: A universal sun canopy designed to fit various campervans and campers. It’s a simple, lightweight solution for providing shade and shelter.
- Main Features:
- Pro-Tek 300-Denier Fabric: Offers a 6000mm Hydrostatic Head for a high level of water resistance.
- Dual Beading: Allows for direct attachment to the vehicle’s awning rail.
- Multiple Sizes: Available in different widths to suit various vehicle sizes.
- Setup: Slide the dual beading into the vehicle’s awning rail and secure the canopy with guy lines and pegs. Is designed for an easy setup.
- Stockists in the UK: Quality Caravan Awnings
- Pros:
- Budget-friendly option.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Good level of water resistance for unpredictable UK weather.
Cons:
- Lacks the advanced features of more premium canopies.
- May not be as durable in extreme weather conditions. No side protection.
Price Point: Affordable range around £110 – £135.
OLPRO Retro Sun Canopy – stylish canopy for van lifers that like the retro look
- Description: Stylish canopy with a retro design, providing shade and a distinctive look to your camper van setup.
- Main Features:
- Quick Setup: Designed for easy attachment and setup.
- UV Protection: Fabric provides protection from UV rays.
- Setup: Attaches to the camper van’s awning rail and is secured with poles, guy lines, and pegs. The setup is reasonably quick.
- Stockists in the UK: from OLPRO.
- Pros:
- Eye-catching design stands out at campsites.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
Cons:
- This retro design won’t appeal to all tastes.
- Limited additional features compared to other sun canopies. No side protection for wind or wind-driven rain.
Price Point: competitively priced online at around £135
Fiamma F35 Pro – roll out awning from camper van
- Description: compact and lightweight awning. It is manually operated and is very simple.
- Main Features:
- Manual Operation: No need for electricity or batteries. Just roll out from the camper van.
- Lightweight Aluminium Case: Durable and resistant to corrosion.
- Integrated Legs: Fold out from the front bar for support.
- Stockists in the UK:
Everything Fiamma
Perfect Awnings
Leisure shop direct
Agent Fiamma - Pros:
- Attached to the side of your camper, simply pull out, no other pump or mechanism is needed for installation.
- Constructed with anodised aluminium case for longevity.
Cons:
- May not provide as much coverage as larger awnings, with no side protection for wind or wind-driven rain.
- May not provide as much coverage as larger awnings, with no side protection for wind or wind-driven rain.
- Price Point: mid-range awning with a price point typically around £350- £450.
It’s worth considering a sun canopy, it can make for a really good investment against the UK’s harsh and changeable weather conditions.
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