The great awning argument: essential kit or expensive hassle?

Picture the scene. You've spent the day wrestling with a new awning, navigating a particularly stubborn pole while the British drizzle does its worst. You're cold, you're wet, and you're starting to think that the extra space just isn't worth the hernia. Now, picture this: you're sitting back in a comfy chair, a cold drink in hand, watching the sunset from the dry, sheltered comfort of your perfectly erected awning. It's your outdoor living room, your shield against the elements, your little slice of motorhome paradise.

Welcome, friend, to the great awning argument. In the world of motorhoming, few topics divide opinion quite like this one. For some, it's an absolutely essential piece of kit, as vital as a tank of fuel and a working kettle. For others, it's a costly, heavy, and ultimately pointless faff that they'd happily leave at home. So, who's right? Is an awning a must have, or are you better off without one?

In this corner: the awning admirers

For those in the pro awning camp, the benefits are as clear as a sunny day. First and foremost, it's about space. A good awning can literally double your living area, giving you a place to dine, relax, and store your gear without cluttering up the inside of your motorhome. In the famously unpredictable British weather, this is a game changer. It's a place to kick off muddy boots, dry wet dogs, and escape the rain without being cooped up inside.

If you're the type to stay on a site for more than a couple of nights, a drive away awning is a revelation. These clever tent like structures attach to your motorhome but can be left freestanding, allowing you to drive off for the day and explore, safe in the knowledge that your pitch is saved and your chairs are waiting for you. It's your home from home, from home. For families, or those who just value their personal space, it's an absolute non negotiable.

And in the other corner: the awning antagonists

Of course, for every awning admirer, there's an antagonist ready to tell you it's not all sunshine and roses. The most common complaint? The sheer hassle. Awnings, particularly the larger drive away models, can be heavy, bulky things to store. They take up precious payload and garage space that could be used for, you know, wine. Then there's the setup. While modern inflatable awnings have made things easier, erecting one can still be a test of patience, especially in wind or rain.

And let's talk about the dreaded pack away. There is no joy in wrestling a soaking wet, muddy canvas into a bag that suddenly seems three sizes too small. Forum members often joke that they have an awning, but "99 times out of 100 we drive away and leave it at home". The cost is another factor. A decent drive away awning can set you back anywhere from £400 to over £1,200. That's a lot of money for something that might spend most of its life in your garage.

So what are the options?

If you're tempted to dip your toe in the awning water, there are a few main types to consider. The simplest is the roll out canopy, like a Fiamma or Thule. These are permanently fixed to the side of your motorhome and simply wind out to provide a quick and easy sun or rain shelter. They're brilliant for short stops, but offer no protection from the wind.

Then you have the drive away awnings we've been talking about, which come in traditional poled or modern inflatable varieties. Inflatables are quicker to pitch but often heavier and bulkier. Finally, there are freestanding pop up shelters, like the popular Quest Screenhouse. These aren't attached to your motorhome at all but are incredibly quick to put up and provide a simple, sheltered space. Be warned though, some larger campsites don't allow them.

The verdict

So, is an awning an essential or a hassle? The truth is, it depends entirely on you and your travel style. If you're a long term tourer who likes to settle in one spot for a week or more, a drive away awning could genuinely transform your holidays, especially in the UK. The extra space and shelter can make all the difference.But if you're a weekend warrior, constantly on the move and chasing the horizon, the faff of putting up and taking down an awning will likely outweigh the benefits. For you, a simple wind out canopy for a bit of shade might be all you need. Ultimately, there's no right or wrong answer in the great awning argument. It's about weighing up the pros and cons and deciding what's right for your own adventures on the open road.