Caravan Shade

How to select the right privacy screen size for your caravan

07 Dec 2025 By RVSUNSHADES

Choosing the correct privacy screen size ensures perfect fit, maximum shade, and proper tension under your awning. Follow the steps below to match your caravan awning with the correct side wall or end wall screen.

1. Measure Your Awning Size (for Side Privacy Screens)

Your awning size is the manufacturer’s nominal awning size—not the fabric width.

Why this matters:

The privacy screen fabric is always shorter than the full awning measurement because the screen must fit between the two awning arms.

How to measure:

  1. Roll out your awning fully.

  2. Measure from the centre of one awning arm to the centre of the other arm.

    • This distance is your awning size.

  3. Choose a privacy screen that matches this awning size.

    • Example: If the arm-to-arm distance is 14 ft, select a 14 ft privacy screen.

Key tip:

Awning size – 150mm on each side ≈ privacy screen fabric width.
(This is normal and shown in the second diagram.)

2. Measure the Drop Height (for End Privacy Screens)

End walls come in different height options. Measure the height from the awning to the ground.

How to measure:

  1. Set your awning to your usual camping angle.

  2. Measure from the awning barrel (where the end wall attaches) straight down to the ground.

  3. Select the drop height closest to your measurement:

    • 1.9m or

    • 2.2m

Tip:
If unsure, choose the taller option—extra fabric can angle outwards and still fit properly.

3. Measure the Width (for End Privacy Screens)

Choose the width that fits the space between your caravan wall and the awning arm.

Available widths:

  • 1.9m (S)

  • 2.15m (Standard)

  • 2.35m (XL)

How to measure:

  1. Measure horizontally from the side of your caravan to the front awning leg.

  2. Select the closest matching width.

Select awning privacy screenEnd Wall Size Selection

Summary Checklist

✔ Side wall → Match the fabric size/privacy screen size
✔ End wall → Measure drop height, width, and inner height
✔ Screens are designed to fit between arms with a normal allowance of 150mm each side
✔ Always measure while awning is fully extended and set to your usual angle

How to replace caravan slide topper fabric?

18 Sep 2023 By RVSUNSHADES

When your caravan slide topper fabric is aged, it is time to replace it.

If the roller is functional, you can just change the slide topper fabric instead of replacing the whole lot.

It is easy to do by 1-2 persons. The fabric is much smaller than the front awning, and it is lighter.

 

We have collected some instructional videos online for your quick reference.

 

For “Carefree Colorado” Slide Toppers Fabric Replacement

 

For “Dometic” Slide Toppers Fabric Replacement

 

For “A&E” Slide Toppers Fabric Replacement

 

For “Solera” Slide Toppers Fabric Replacement

 

Others References

How to replace caravan awning fabric?

03 Jul 2023 By RVSUNSHADES

This is one of the common questions we were asked many times.

To learn how to replace caravan awning fabric by yourself, here we have found some information that may give you a clear picture of how to do it yourself:

Fabric size selection please read: How to select the correct size for a replacement caravan awning fabric?

Caravan Awning Fabric Replacement Instructional Videos:

Replacement Instruction By Carefree/Dometic:

 

A Very Detail Video Instruction, from removing the old one, replacing awning fabric, and re-install by RVGeeks

 

Instruction Booklet by Dometic showing how to replace awning fabric (PDF illustration)

https://epi.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-8700-awning-_92990.pdf

https://epi.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-8700-awning-_93383.pdf

https://epi.dometic.com/externalassets/dometic-9100-power-patio-awning-915-_81441.pdf

How to remove wrinkles and creases on awning vinyl fabric?

13 May 2023 By RVSUNSHADES

In order to minimize postage costs, our replacement caravan awning vinyl fabrics are carefully folded and packed in carton boxes. As a result, it’s common to encounter wrinkles and creases upon installation.

 

The vinyl material has a natural tendency to soften under heat. Therefore, after your awning has been exposed to a hot, sunny summer day, wrinkles and creases should naturally diminish.

 

If you prefer a more immediate solution, you can manually address wrinkles and creases using a heat gun or a hair dryer. To do this, gently and gradually warm up the creased area, ensuring not to overheat the material to avoid permanent damage.

 

However, we strongly advise against manual intervention, as it carries unnecessary risks. Allowing the vinyl to naturally respond to hot summer days tends to yield better results, as heat is evenly applied to the material compared to the use of a heat gun.

 

For a visual demonstration of removing wrinkles and creases from vinyl fabric manually, please refer to the short video below:

 

Note: Exercise caution when using heat on the fabric and ensure it is evenly applied for the best results.

 

Hereunder is a short video to demonstrate removing wrinkles and creases on vinyl fabric manually:

 

*images and videos are for reference only

RVSUNSHADES Caravan Awning Vinyl Fabric

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How to select the replacement caravan awning fabric size?

09 Dec 2021 By RVSUNSHADES

Choosing the Right Size for Your Replacement Caravan Awning Vinyl Fabric

 

Selecting the correct size for your replacement roll-out awning fabric is crucial to avoid inconvenience and potential exchange eligibility issues. Please carefully read through the following steps to ensure a seamless order process:

1. Verify the Size of Your Original Awning:

  • Overall Awning Size: Measure the post-to-post distance for the awning size.
  • Fabric Size: Measure the existing awning fabric length (parallel to your van) and note that the extension length is a standard 8ft (approx 2.4m). If your awning fabric projection (spline to the first spline on the roller) is 2.0-2.1m, your awning is a 7ft extension instead of the standard 8ft. Choose the 7ft version instead of 8ft.
  • Barrel Length: Measure the aluminium profile section (barrel of your awning) to determine the maximum fabric length it can accommodate.

*** Attention Buyers: Please be aware that this product may differ by 50–100mm from your existing size. If exact measurements are essential for your installation, do not purchase this item. ***

 

2. Check and Select the Right Size on the Product Listing Page:

Follow these steps on the product listing page to ensure accuracy:

Select the right size awning fabric 1
Select the size you are looking for

 

Select the right size awning fabric 2
Cross-check the figures

 

Select the right size awning fabric 3
Select the color you like

 

Caravan Privacy Screens Measurement

DOs:

  • Use the provided measurements to select the appropriate size.
  • Double-check all figures for accuracy.
  • Choose the color you desire.

DON’Ts:

  • Do Not Use Caravan Size as Reference: Different size awnings may fit identical size caravans.
  • Do Not Use Awning Size as Fabric Size: Fabric size is generally 10″ (5″ on each side) shorter than the awning size to accommodate structure, anti-flap bars, and guide ropes.
  • Do Not Guess: If uncertain, contact us via message/email or call us directly during business hours.

 

Exchange Due to Size Error:

  • Exchanges due to size mistakes can be costly and limited.
  • If you realize the size error before unpacking, email us at rvsunshades.com.au@gmail.com immediately. Round-trip postage will be your responsibility.
  • If unpacked but unfitted and clean, email us for an exchange request. A handling fee and re-delivery fee may apply.
  • We reserve the right to reject exchanges if the item requires extensive cleaning, repackaging, or shows signs of use.

Browse our selection of replacement caravan awning fabrics now for the perfect fit!

*Note: If the fabric is not returned in its original state and is soiled, it cannot be accepted for exchange.

 

*images and videos are for reference only

RVSUNSHADES Replacement Caravan Awning Vinyl Fabric

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How to prevent awning fabric from premature deterioration?

03 Dec 2021 By RVSUNSHADES

Preserving Your Awning Fabric: Tips for Longevity

Typically, vinyl awning fabrics boast a lifespan of 3-5 years, but premature deterioration can occur without proper care. Here’s how to ensure your awning fabric stays in top condition:

RVSUNSHADES replacement caravan awning fabric care

Proper Care of Your Awning Fabric:

  1. Rinse Off After Every Use:
    • Remove organic debris like leaves, grass, and bird droppings promptly after each use.
    • Use a SOFT brush for residue that can’t be rinsed off.
  2. Avoid Hard Brushes:
    • NEVER use a hard brush, as it can damage the laminate layer, leading to premature deterioration.
    • Opt for a soft brush to prevent harm while efficiently removing tough residues.
  3. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners:
    • NEVER use abrasive cleaners or chemical detergents. Stick to clean water in the cleaning process.
    • For stubborn residues, place a wet cloth on them to soften them before lightly brushing off.
  4. Thorough Drying:
    • Allow the awning to dry completely before rolling it up to prevent mould and mildew.

 

Proper Handling and Maintenance:

  1. Avoid Creases:
    • When rolling up your awning, especially with older fabric, avoid creases that can cause fine cracks on the vinyl surface.
  2. Prevent Awning Fabric Flapping:
    • Use anti-flap bars and bow support bars on windy days to prevent fabric flapping, a common cause of cracks and deterioration.
  3. Avoid Awnings Under Trees:
    • Tree branches can scratch the vinyl, speeding up the aging process. Choose open spaces for your awning.
  4. Patch Cracks Promptly:
    • Patch any discovered cracks with Insane Tape or cloth tape immediately to slow down further development. Cloth tape with fabric mesh limits stretching.

Insane Tape - Best Vinyl Repair TapeInsane Tape - Best Vinyl Repair Tape

Protect From UV Damage:Customer Review Photo

  1. Use an Awning Protector:
    • If your caravan is stored uncovered, protect the top section of the vinyl from daily UV exposure with an awning protector.

Remember, the lifespan of your awning depends on proper care and maintenance. High-quality products last longer when treated with care. For rejuvenating your aged awning, explore our replacement caravan awning fabrics now. Your investment deserves the best care for extended use.

 

 

Protect caravan awning fabric from UV damage

If your caravan is stored uncovered, the top section of the vinyl is exposed to UV every day. This will cause premature aging. Adding an awning protector will prolong the life span of your awning from UV damage while storing. Click here to see the listing.

Awning Protector Cover Awning Protector Cover

 

The life span of any product you use relies on proper care and maintenance. Good quality products are not designed to be abused. If you want your awning to last longer, look after it.

Rejuvenate your aged awning, visit our replacement caravan awning fabrics now.

 

Enjoy your caravanning!

happy camping

*images and videos are for reference only

RVSUNSHADES Caravan Awning Protector

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