Wall-Mounted vs Roof-Mounted Motorhome Awnings

When you choose a motorhome awning, one of the first decisions is how it attaches to your van - to the side wall, or to the roof. Both do the same job beautifully, but one will suit your motorhome better than the other. Here is how to tell which.


As a family-run Thule specialist, we fit both types every week, so this is our plain-English take.

Wall-mounted awnings

A wall-mounted awning fixes to the side wall of your motorhome, just below the roof line. It is the most common choice and, for most vans, the simplest and most cost-effective.


Best for: motorhomes with a good clear, flat run of side wall to mount to.


Pros:


  • Usually the most straightforward and best-value option

  • A big choice of sizes, from around 1.95m up to 6m

  • Comes with a standard flat adapter (with model-specific brackets available where needed)


Worth knowing: it needs enough uninterrupted wall space at the right height. If your side is broken up by tall windows, a service hatch or a garage door, that can limit where the awning sits - which is where a roof-mounted awning comes in.


Popular Thule wall-mounted awnings for motorhomes include the Thule Omnistor 4200, 5200 and 8000.

Roof-mounted awnings

A roof-mounted awning sits on top of your motorhome rather than on the side. It is a great choice when wall space is tight or when you would rather keep the side of the van clear.


Best for: motorhomes with limited or cluttered side walls, or where you want to free up the side for other uses.


Pros:


  • Solves the "not enough wall space" problem

  • Keeps the side wall clear

  • Looks clean and neat, and it works well on many coachbuilt and A-class motorhomes


Worth knowing: a roof-mounted awning needs a model-specific adapter to match your motorhome's roof profile - we stock a large range developed with, and approved by, the manufacturers. The main Thule roof-mounted options are the Thule Omnistor 6300 and 9200.

 Which should you choose?

As a rule of thumb:


  • Plenty of clear, flat side wall? A wall-mounted awning is usually the simplest, best-value answer.

  • Short on wall space, or a busy side with windows and hatches? A roof-mounted awning is the better fit.


If you are not sure which will work on your van, send us a photo of the side of your motorhome and the make and model, and we will tell you exactly what fits - just get in touch.

A quick word on adapters

Both types use an adapter to sit the awning correctly against your motorhome. Wall awnings come with a standard flat adapter; roof awnings use a model-specific one. We carry a full range of motorhome awning adapters, so whichever route you take, there is a correct fit.

Why buy from Perfect Awnings

We are a family-run business specialising in genuine, award-winning Thule awnings. That means real expert support, our Price Match Promise, free UK delivery over £250, and the comprehensive Thule two-year warranty on every awning. If you would rather have it fitted, we can point you to our installation and repair service and its nationwide network of approved installers.

FAQs


Is a roof-mounted awning better than a wall-mounted one? 

Neither is "better" - it depends on your van. Wall-mounted suits most motorhomes; roof-mounted is the answer when wall space is limited or cluttered.


Can any awning go on the roof? 

No - roof mounting uses specific roof-mounted models (such as the Thule 6300 and 9200) with a model-specific adapter. We will confirm what fits your motorhome.


Do I need a special adapter? 

Yes for roof-mounted (model-specific), and sometimes for wall-mounted depending on your bodywork. Tell us your make and model and we will sort the right one.

Related motorhome guides




Not sure which suits your motorhome?

Browse the caravan and motorhome awning range, or call us on 02380 706542 or email sales@perfectawnings.co.uk. Send us a photo of your van and we will recommend the perfect awning at the perfect price.