Touring vs Seasonal Awnings — Explained Properly

This decision matters more than brand choice. Using the wrong type of awning for how you camp is the fastest way to disappointment.

✔ Real-world advice
✔ No marketing spin
✔ Avoid costly mistakes

The Short Answer

Touring awnings are designed to go up and down regularly.
Seasonal awnings are designed to stay up for long periods.

Problems arise when people expect one to behave like the other.

Touring Awnings

Touring awnings prioritise ease of use, lower weight, and compact pack size. They’re designed for caravanners who move sites and don’t want pitching to be a chore.

Touring awnings are best if:

You move sites regularly
Your stays are short to medium length
You pitch and pack away often
You have limited storage space

Important limitations:

Not designed for months of continuous exposure
Lighter fabrics age faster if left up long-term
Less tolerant of neglect in bad weather

Seasonal Awnings

Seasonal awnings are heavier, more robust, and designed to remain pitched for extended periods. They trade convenience for durability.

Seasonal awnings are best if:

You stay on the same pitch for weeks or months
You want extra living or storage space
Your pitch is more exposed
You’re happy with a more involved setup

Important limitations:

Heavier and slower to pitch
Larger pack size
Overkill for frequent touring

Common Mistakes We See

Buying seasonal “just in case” but touring regularly
Leaving touring awnings up all season
Assuming thicker fabric means zero maintenance
Ignoring how often the awning will be moved

How to Choose Correctly

Ask yourself one simple question:

Will I take this awning down regularly?

If yes → touring or air awning
If no → seasonal awning

Everything else — brand, price, features — comes after that decision.

Still Not Sure?

If you’re stuck between touring and seasonal, a few practical questions usually clear it up.

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