Porch or extension?

This story happened on: 09/11/2014

Since acquiring our caravan we have had two different sized awnings - a large full length one and a smaller porch that covers the door. Both of our awnings are Vango Airbeams so therefore have a very similar set up. But what are the pros and cons of the different sizes?
Full length awning:
We call the full length awning our extension since it extends the living space from our caravan, or home.
The advantages of a full length awning are:
- storage space - space for shoes, bags, food etc.
- sheltered cover for additional sleeping, dining, sitting etc. Many larger awnings accomodate bedrooms, tables and chairs, heaters and kitchen appliances.
The disadvantages:
- weight - larger awnings are clearly heavier, an important consideration when packing up.
- cumbersome - being larger it takes longer to set up and take down. And longer to dry after wet weather!
Porch awning:
The smaller awning fits over the door and provides a stepping stone from the outdoors into the caravan.
The advantages of a porch awning are:
- quicker to set up and pack away
- weight - much lighter and takes up less space when packing
- easy storage for wet and muddy clothes and shoes
The disadvantages:
- space - a smaller awning obviously provides less space and will not accommodate larger bulkier items that might be stored in full length awnings. Saying that, a small table and chair would fit neatly in a porch awning. We have a bedroom section that hooks into our awnings. So far, we've only used it in the full length awning but plan to use it in the porch awning in the future. We will slide the awning further along the caravan so that it doesn't block the door. The awning no longer would act as a porch but a spare bedroom - the equivalent of a box room of a house!
It is a difficult decision to make - large or small....or something in between? Awnings vary in style and size because everyone has different needs. Whether it's large or small, it needs to serve your needs.

Oneputt commented on 11/11/2014 09:21

Commented on 11/11/2014 09:21

Not really a story so perhaps better posting this in the discussions section under caravan and motorhome chat

Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

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