Your caravan’s standard awning does the job, but it’s hardly optimised for extended travel around Australia. After months on the road, you’ll quickly discover the gaps: inadequate privacy, poor weather protection, limited storage, and basic comfort features that leave you wanting more.
The good news? A few strategic upgrades can transform your awning from a basic shade provider into a fully functional outdoor living space. We’re talking about real improvements that make a difference during those long stays in remote locations or crowded caravan parks.
This guide covers every major awning upgrade category, from essential privacy screens to luxury additions like outdoor kitchens. You’ll get specific product recommendations, real prices, and practical advice on what’s worth your money versus what’s just marketing fluff.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
Privacy Screens and Wind Protection
Privacy screens are the most popular awning upgrade for good reason. They block wind, create privacy from neighbouring sites, and define your outdoor space. The market runs from a single side wall that keeps the afternoon sun off, right through to a full zip-on room that turns your awning into a second living area.
Turns a Fiamma F45 or F70 awning into a fully enclosed room with zip-out panels, insect screens and a proper door. It’s the premium end of the market, but for long stays it gives you a weatherproof second living space rather than just a wind break.
Check price →
Easy Attach
Dometic Santorini FTK Sidewall Kit
~$359
Weathershield technical-cotton sidewalls that clip onto the Santorini FTK inflatable awning with magnetic clips and peg points. The front door doubles as a mesh window for airflow.
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Best Value
Aussie Traveller Black Sunblocker Long Side Wall
~$119
Double-woven Textilene wall blocking around 80% of UV and light, cutting the temperature under your awning. Suits most roll-out awnings from 2.75 to 5.80m.
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Tip
Ventilated mesh and Textilene walls work better than solid panels in the wind. They let the breeze through while still giving you privacy and sun protection.
Flooring Solutions
Nothing transforms your awning area like proper flooring. It reduces dust, defines the space, and provides a comfortable surface for bare feet. The key is choosing materials that handle Australian conditions: UV exposure, temperature extremes, and regular packing and unpacking.
A big 5m x 2.4m reversible mat that covers most of the awning footprint for the price of a tank of fuel. Flip it for a fresh look, shake it out, and it packs down into its own bag.
Check price at 4WD Supacentre →
Premium
Tiegear Terra Mat
From $250
Heavy-duty 450gsm recycled-plastic mat that traps dirt and lets water and grit fall straight through. UV stable, rot and mould resistant, and packs into a rugged PAX bag.
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Sand-Free
CGear Multimat
~$195
The original sand-free mat. Debris falls through the weave while you stay clean on top, and it won’t blow dust back up. Available in a range of sizes.
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Interlocking foam tiles that give you a soft, warm surface underfoot for morning coffee or bare feet. Cheap, light, and easy to add or remove tiles to fit your space.
Check price at Anaconda →
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Tip
Measure your awning coverage before buying any mat. Most standard awnings extend about 2.5 metres from the van, but this varies by brand and model.
Storage and Organisation
Awning storage keeps your outdoor gear organised and accessible. The right system means less time digging through storage compartments and more time enjoying your setup.
Hangs off your awning arm or wall with multiple pockets for pegs, torches, sunscreen and the bits that otherwise end up on the ground. Simple, cheap, and keeps the campsite tidy.
Check price at BCF →
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Tip
Choose storage solutions that work with your privacy screens. Many organisers attach to awning arms, which can interfere with screen installation.
Weather Protection Upgrades
Standard awnings handle light rain and moderate sun, but Australia throws everything from tropical downpours to desert heat at your setup. Weather protection upgrades extend your outdoor living season and protect your investment.
The single best upgrade for awning longevity. It clamps the awning fabric taut so it stops flapping in the wind, which is what tears awnings and wears out the roller. The Pro is around 20% lighter than the original and adds sail tracks for walls and screens.
Check price at BCF →
Essential
Companion Caravan Awning Tie Down Kit (2 Pack)
~$39
Two-pack of ratchet tie-down straps and ground pegs to anchor your awning against gusts. The cheapest insurance you can buy for an expensive awning.
Check price at Anaconda →
Complete Kit
Tiegear Steadfast Caravan Bundle
~$199
A complete anchoring bundle of straps, pegs and tensioners built for Australian conditions. Handy if you’re starting from scratch and want one kit that sorts the whole setup.
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A spring-loaded tensioner that takes the shock out of sudden gusts, protecting the awning arms and fabric. A cheap add-on that pairs well with an anti-flap kit.
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Important
Never leave your awning extended in strong winds or storms. Even the best tie-downs can’t prevent damage in severe weather conditions.
Comfort and Furniture Additions
Comfort upgrades turn your awning from a functional shelter into a genuine outdoor living room. These additions might not be essential, but they make extended stays significantly more enjoyable. Furniture designed for daily use holds up far better than gear built for the odd weekend away.
Chairs and Sofas
Inflates in minutes with a built-in rechargeable pump and LED, holds up to 400kg across two people, and weighs just 6.6kg. The machine-washable 600D Oxford cover shrugs off campsite grit, and it packs down small when you move on.
Check price at KickAss →
Best Recliner
Dune 4WD Deluxe Lounge Recliner Camping Chair
~$129
A padded reclining camp chair built for daily use rather than the odd weekend. Multiple recline positions for reading, relaxing or an afternoon nap under the awning.
Check price at Anaconda →
Two-Seater
Spinifex Camping Chair Comfort Series 2 Seater
~$179
A two-seater camp sofa so you and a travel partner can sit together by the fire. Padded, supportive, and folds down for storage.
Check price at Anaconda →
Tables
A large aluminium slat-top table that rolls up compact but gives you a solid, generous surface for meals, card games or laptop work. One of the better-built camp tables going around.
Check price at Snowys →
Compact
Dune 4WD Deluxe Compact Table
~$49
A small, light folding table for a side table, a drinks station or extra bench space. Sets up in seconds and stows flat.
Check price at Anaconda →
Storage Shelf
OZtrail Folding Table with Storage
~$79
An aluminium folding table with a built-in mesh storage shelf underneath, handy for keeping gear off the ground at the outdoor kitchen or entryway.
Check price at Snowys →
Outdoor Kitchen Setups
Outdoor cooking transforms your travel experience, especially during warmer months when heating up the interior becomes uncomfortable. The right setup lets you prepare full meals without stepping inside your van. You can spend big on a built-in unit or keep it simple with a freestanding kitchen.
The gold standard for outdoor cooking. A 3-burner cooktop, sink and bench with dual-side storage that slides out of your tunnel boot and stows away after use. At 44kg it’s around 40% lighter than rival units. It’s a gas appliance, so it must be installed by a licensed gas fitter.
Check price →
A freestanding camp kitchen with prep bench, storage shelves and a windshield, giving you a proper cooking station without cutting into the van. Folds down to travel.
Check price at Anaconda →
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Tip
Install 12V power outlets near your outdoor kitchen area. This lets you use appliances like blenders, coffee machines, and electric kettles without running extension cables.
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Key Takeaway
- Privacy and walls run from around $119 for an Aussie Traveller Sunblocker side wall up to $2,662 for a full Fiamma Privacy Room that encloses your awning completely
- Flooring ranges from ~$29 Spinifex foam tiles to premium recycled-plastic mats like the Tiegear Terra Mat (from $250); sand-free mats keep dust and grit out from the start
- An anti-flap kit (~$199) plus a tie-down kit (~$39) is the cheapest way to stop wind from destroying an expensive awning
- Comfort upgrades like inflatable sofas, recliners and camp tables turn the awning into a proper outdoor room from as little as ~$49
- Outdoor kitchens span ~$199 for a portable Spinifex Weekender up to ~$3,900 for a built-in Dometic slide-out
- Start with privacy and weather protection, then add flooring, comfort and cooking as the budget allows
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