Caravan screens are a smart investment that will make your adventure more comfortable. They will give you shade and protection from the rain, but also some privacy while you relax, cook and eat. If you're a first-time buyer and searching for a caravan end privacy screen, let's take a look at the things you need to consider.
What’s a Caravan Privacy Screen?
Caravan privacy screens are large pieces of fabric that attach to the side of the awning to mimic a wall; they give privacy and shade and prevent rain to access the caravan. These screens are often made of the same materials as awnings, but are much more lightweight and can be easily packed for storage or transport.
So, caravan end privacy screens are practically the same thing. You're getting the privacy you need when you need to have lunch, relax or even change, without other people looking at you. If you're using this area as a place to lounge will remain safe from the sun and rain. The great thing is that these screens attach easily to your existing awning and are one of the most practical things you can buy for your caravan.
How Does It Work?
There are two main types of caravan awnings on the market:
• rollout awnings
• box awnings
They have different-sized mounting channels so each requires various caravan ends.
A caravan screen has a rope sewn into the long edge of the fabric, so when you want to set it up, just slide this rope along a mounting channel on your awning, which holds the top edge in place. The bottom edge has eyelets or D-rings; there are also elastic fastening cords that are attached and pegged through the eyelets and D-rings and pegged into the ground like a tent.
On most privacy screens, the bottom edge sits 30-60cm above the ground, so don't worry if yours appears a little short. The entire process takes a minute to get set up and is even faster to pack down. All you need to do is pull up the pegs, slide the rope out of the mounting guide and pack it away.
What to Look For When Buying Such a Screen?
The most important thing to look for in a screen is the right size. It's not too tragic if you get a screen with the wrong length, but it won't give you the protection and privacy you need as there will be gaps in the front and side walls (which can be a problem when it rains). It's important to measure the awning from the middle of the two arms to get the right length for your privacy screen.
Another thing is to purchase caravan privacy screens from trusted brands and sellers. It should be made properly, from materials that give shade and UV protection. In best cases, the numbers of UVR block and shade rating factors should be presented with a cover factor rating and Calculated Protection Factor rating as part of a set of tests conducted by ARPANSA, the Australian government agency in charge of regulating sun/shade products. The caravan market grows every day, so more and more businesses try to find their spot under the sun, but it doesn't mean that all of them offer the best (even if their prices are affordable).
How to Measure a Caravan Privacy Screen?
Many caravan owners find measuring a challenge. It would be a bummer to get a shorter screen, so make sure to do a precise measuring. Most caravan owners that it's enough to just measure the width of the awning itself or the entire width of the awning bar. This is incorrect.
When choosing the right privacy screen size, be sure to measure the distance in the middle of the two arms on either side of the awnings roller bar; this will give you full coverage.
How Many Screens Do You Need?
This depends mainly on how you live in your caravan. If you need a little shade when you sit out during the day, then one or two screens are more than enough. However, if you plan to spend more time outdoors in Cavaraan parks and cooking, eating, napping etc. then it's best to invest in a full set of screens that will give you the privacy and protection you need.
I mentioned that privacy screens are lightweight and can be taken down easily, having too many of them can reduce the light and create an enclosed feeling that will make you feel as if you're indoors. Unless you want to make an entire annexe outside your caravan with doors and windows it's best to get two screens. Go for one long edge of your awning and one along the short edge that's most exposed to the weather.
Front Walls vs. Side Walls
When choosing screens you'll see that there are front and side walls. The front wall will go along the long edge of the awning and give you the most protection; side walls will cover the ends of the outside space.
The only difference between these two walls is their size and how they attach to your awning. Front walls are much longer than side walls and attach to the awning with a rope that slides through a mounting guide. Side walls have a square shape and attach to the arms of the awning with straps instead of a rope and mounting guide. They can also attach to the awning from various angles, depending on the type of caravan you have.