Whether you own a caravan, campervan, or motorhome, your awning plays a massive role in making your campsite setup comfortable.

But before you head off, it’s essential to give your awning a little care and attention. Proper awning maintenance will help prevent problems, extend its lifespan, and make pitching on-site much smoother.

In this guide, we’ll share our top tips for preparing your awning for the new season, including cleaning, waterproofing, and essential items to pack.

Check it over

The golden rule of awning care: always check your awning before arriving at the campsite. Whether it’s a brand-new model or one you stored away last winter, setting it up in advance will help you spot any issues.

What to check for:

  • Zips move freely without snagging
  • No fabric tears, holes, or stitching problems
  • No mould or mildew from storage
  • All parts (poles, beams, clips, pegs) are present and working

Pitch your awning

Whether you own a poled or inflatable awning, always assemble it at home before your trip. Doing a test run will save you time and frustration at the campsite while also giving you a chance to spot and fix any issues early.

Inflatable awnings are generally quick and easy to set up. Check your inflatable beams carefully and always carry a spare tube or repair kit. That way, if something does go wrong, you’ll be ready.

The same applies to poled awnings - if you discover a broken or missing part at the campsite, it can be difficult to fix without the correct spares. We recommend measuring your poles in advance and keeping a pole repair kit handy. If we don’t have the parts you need in stock, we can usually order them for you.

Keep it clean

If your awning has been in storage for six months or more, it’s worth giving it a clean before use. Nobody wants to camp among cobwebs! A quick clean will freshen it up and extend the life of the fabric.

The easiest way to clean is with the awning pitched. Start by brushing off any loose dirt. Then, using a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush, gently scrub the fabric before rinsing thoroughly. Always allow your awning to dry naturally—choose a dry day so it can air out thoroughly before packing it away.

Waterproofing

Over time, your awning’s waterproof coating can wear off. If water isn’t beading on the surface, it’s time to reapply a treatment. We stock a range of awning waterproofing sprays and solutions in our camping superstore. For a step-by-step guide, check out our article:

How to Waterproof your Tent

Create an Awning Checklist

An awning checklist is a simple yet effective way to ensure you have everything needed for a smooth setup. Confirm that you’ve got the correct number of pegs, that pegging points are intact, and that all parts are ready to go.

We have listed below some suggested essentials.

  • Pegs
  • Pump
  • Draft Skirt
  • Drivaway Kit
  • Spare poles/air beams
  • Carpet
  • Footprint
  • Tie Down Kit
  • Roof Liners
  • Annexe
  • Bedroom Inners
  • Upright Poles
  • Storm Straps

These items will make your awning setup more comfortable and reliable. To learn more about additional options, call our showroom and speak to one of our awning experts on 01452 742233.

A final note from us

That’s our guide on how to prepare your caravan or motorhome awning for the new season. By following these simple maintenance steps—checking, pitching, cleaning, waterproofing, and packing essentials—you’ll ensure your awning is ready for stress-free adventures. And remember: if you run into any awning issues, it’s always better to spot them before your trip so they can be fixed in time.

If you need further assistance, our expert team is always happy to help. You’ll find us just off the M5 at junction 13, perfect for any last-minute purchases. For awning-related queries, please contact our aftersales team at aftersales@attwoolls.magento24.sozowebdesign.com with a description of the issue and photo evidence, we’ll do our best to get you sorted.