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For many Kiwi motorhome and caravan owners, an awning is about much more than creating shade. It can become an extra room that makes life on the road more comfortable, particularly when you're staying put for a few days.

That's one reason inflatable awnings are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional pole awnings. With improvements in inflatable beam technology, waterproof fabrics and ease of setup, they offer a practical way to expand your living space without the hassle of conventional awning poles.

Why Choose an Inflatable Awning?

The immediate advantage is simplicity. Instead of assembling and threading together poles, inflatable awnings use air-filled beams to create their structure. Once attached to the caravan or RV, you inflate the beams, peg the awning out and secure it.

Established manufacturers such as Vango have developed inflatable technology specifically for touring, with features such as single-point inflation, multi-point deflation and pumps supplied with the awning.

Vango's AirBeam technology replaces conventional poles with inflatable beams designed to provide strength and flexibility, making it easier to create a substantial enclosed living area without a complicated setup process.

How Do Inflatable Awnings Handle Wind and Rain?

One of the most common questions about inflatable awnings is how they perform in poor weather, particularly in New Zealand, where a calm afternoon can quickly become a wet and windy evening.

The flexibility of inflatable beams can be an advantage. Rather than rigid poles taking the full force of a gust, air beams can flex with the wind, while a properly pitched and secured awning provides substantial protection from wind and rain.

However, not all inflatable awnings are created equal. Fabric quality, waterproofing, beam construction and how the awning is secured all influence its performance.

For example, Vango's Riviera and Balletto ranges use weather-resistant fabrics and AirBeam structures designed for regular touring. Depending on the model, features such as larger SuperBeams and storm straps provide additional stability.

Vango also tests its awnings against wind and heavy rainfall to European standard EN5912, providing reassurance about their performance in challenging conditions.

Of course, no awning should be considered storm-proof. Correct pitching, secure pegging and appropriate precautions during severe weather remain essential.

Choosing the Right Size: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Size is one of the most important considerations when choosing an inflatable awning, and there's more to it than simply deciding how much space you'd like.

Inflatable caravan awnings come in different widths, measured along the side of the caravan. Vango's popular Balletto range comes in 260cm, 330cm and 390cm widths, while the Riviera range is available in 330cm and 390cm versions.

A compact model such as the Vango Balletto 260 Elements Shield, measuring 260cm wide and 250cm deep, provides approximately 6.5 square metres of floor space. That's a practical size for couples wanting somewhere to sit, eat or store outdoor equipment without taking up too much room.

Moving up to a 330cm model provides considerably more living space. The Vango Riviera 330 Elements ProShield, for example, measures 330cm wide and 275cm deep, creating approximately 9.1 square metres of floor area.

For families or longer stays, the Vango Riviera 390 Elements All Season offers even more room. At 390cm wide and 275cm deep, it provides approximately 10.7 square metres of floor space.

However, the size of your caravan and the position of its doors and windows are just as important as the amount of space you want.

Before choosing an awning, consider where it will sit along your vehicle. Will the caravan's entrance door open comfortably into the awning? Could windows, storage lockers or exterior fittings be obstructed? Where will the awning's own entrance doors be positioned?

You'll also need to check the available straight awning rail and attachment height.

Depth matters too. The difference between the Balletto 260's 250cm depth and the Riviera models' 275cm depth affects both usable living space and how far the awning extends into your campsite.

A larger awning isn't necessarily better if it doesn't fit your caravan or the way you travel.

Creating an Extra Living Space

One of the biggest advantages of a full inflatable awning is the additional enclosed living area it creates.

It can become somewhere to eat, relax, store bikes and outdoor equipment, give the family more room or even provide additional sleeping space.

For travellers spending several days in one location, that extra room can make an enormous difference, particularly when the weather isn't ideal.

Some inflatable awnings also offer optional bedrooms, annexes, carpets and other accessories, allowing the space to be adapted for different uses.

Inflatable Awnings vs Roll-Out Awnings

Inflatable awnings and traditional roll-out awnings serve slightly different purposes.

Roll-out awnings are excellent for fast, convenient shade and shelter, particularly when stopping for a night or two. They're quick to extend and retract, making them ideal for travellers who move frequently.

However, when the wind gets up, they generally require more attention and may need to be rolled away.

An inflatable awning takes a little more effort to pitch, but once secured it provides a fully enclosed additional living space with greater protection from everyday wind and rain.

For someone moving campsites every day, a roll-out awning may be more convenient. For someone staying several days or longer, an inflatable awning can offer significantly more comfort and versatility.

What Else Should You Look for?

Beyond size, there are several things worth considering before purchasing.

• Inflation system: Single-point inflation systems, such as Vango's AirBeam S.I Pro, can make pitching considerably easier, particularly with larger awnings.
• Fabric quality: Look for durable, waterproof materials designed for regular outdoor use. Vango offers different fabric specifications across its Balletto and Riviera ranges, including Elements Shield, Elements ProShield and Elements All Season.
• Structural strength: Beam diameter, reinforcement, storm straps and guying arrangements all influence stability.
• Ventilation and windows: Large windows create a bright, spacious feel, while ventilation openings and mesh doors help manage airflow and condensation.
• Packed weight and size: Larger awnings can be heavier and bulkier to transport, so check your vehicle's available payload and storage space.
• Vehicle compatibility: Always check attachment height, available awning rail length and the position of doors, windows and external fittings.

It's also worth considering the manufacturer's reputation, product testing and availability of replacement parts.

Are Inflatable Awnings Worth It?

For travellers who spend more than a night or two in one place, inflatable awnings offer a compelling combination of convenience, weather protection and useful extra space.

They remove much of the complexity associated with traditional pole awnings while providing a more substantial enclosed living area than a typical roll-out awning.

The key is choosing the right size, quality and configuration for your vehicle and travel style.

RV Supplies stocks a range of Vango inflatable awnings, including the popular Balletto and Riviera ranges in different sizes and fabric specifications.

If you're considering an inflatable awning for your caravan or motorhome, take the time to measure your vehicle, think about how you'll use the space and explore the options before making your decision.

Explore Vango Inflatable Awnings at RV Supplies