The Best Roll-Out Awning for a Caravan

A traditional full awning is brilliant for a seasonal pitch, but it is a lot to put up and take down for a weekend away. If you want shade and shelter that is ready in seconds and rolls neatly away when you move on, a roll-out (wind-out) awning is the answer. This guide covers how to choose the right one for your caravan.


As a family-run Thule specialist, we help caravanners find the right awning every day.


What is a roll-out caravan awning?

A roll-out awning is a retractable canopy that lives in a slim cassette on the side of your caravan. You wind it out for instant shade and shelter over the doorway, and wind it back in when you are ready to travel - no poles, no pegging out, no fuss. It is the easy, everyday alternative to a full fabric awning, and you can still add sides or a tent room later if you want an enclosed space (more on that below).

The three ways a roll-out awning mounts

Thule Omnistor awnings fit a caravan in one of three ways, and the right one depends on your van:


  • Rail-mounted - the lightest, simplest option, which slides into your caravan's existing awning rail (the channel a traditional awning normally beads into). No brackets needed, and you can still switch back to a canopy or awning tent when you like. The Thule Omnistor 1200 is our recommended rail-mounted caravan awning.

  • Wall-mounted - fixed to the side wall with an adapter, for a more permanent, sturdy fit (Thule 4200 or 5200).

  • Roof-mounted - fitted on top with a model-specific adapter, ideal if wall space is limited (Thule 6300).


Not sure which suits your caravan? A quick photo of the side of your van tells us everything - just contact us.

Getting the size right

Thule roll-out awnings run from around 1.95m up to 6m, with projections up to 2.5m. The right length depends on the clear run along the side of your caravan. Measure that flat length and, if you are unsure, send it to us and we will confirm the correct size.

Manual or electric?

Most caravan roll-out awnings are manual - a quick, easy wind-out with a hand crank. On larger awnings, an electric motor is available if you would prefer one-touch operation.

Turn your canopy into a room

The beauty of a roll-out awning is that it can grow with you. Add Thule Rain, Sun & View Blockers for shade and privacy, or one of the Thule awning tents and Smart Panels to create a partial or fully enclosed living or dining area when you want it.

The right adapter matters

Wall and roof-mounted awnings need the correct adapter to sit properly against your caravan. We stock a full range of caravan awning adapters for roof, side-wall and rail mounting, developed with and approved by the manufacturers. Our Choosing a Caravan Awning Adapter guide explains how to pick the right one.

Why buy your caravan awning from Perfect Awnings

We are a family-run business specialising in genuine, award-winning Thule awnings, not a general retailer dabbling in everything. That means real expert support, our Price Match Promise, free UK delivery over £250, and the comprehensive Thule two-year warranty. Prefer to have it fitted? We can point you to our installation and repair service and its nationwide network of approved installers.

Caravan roll-out awning FAQs


What is the difference between a roll-out awning and a full awning? 

A roll-out awning is a retractable canopy that winds out in seconds for shade and shelter. A full awning is a separate fabric structure that pegs out to fully enclose the space. A roll-out is far quicker and easier for touring, and you can add sides or a tent room to it for extra enclosed space.


Will it fit my caravan's awning rail? 

The rail-mounted Thule 1200 is designed to slide into your caravan's existing awning rail. If you would prefer a wall or roof-mounted awning, we will supply the correct adapter.


What size do I need? 

It depends on the clear length along the side of your van. Measure that and contact us - we will confirm the right size.


Can I fit it myself? 

Many customers do. If you would prefer, we can arrange professional fitting through our nationwide network of approved installers.

Related caravan guides




Ready to find your caravan awning?

Browse the caravan and motorhome awning range, or call us on 02380 706542 or email sales@perfectawnings.co.uk - we are always happy to help you find the perfect awning at the perfect price.