Owner guides
Best Air Awnings For Motorhomes
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Air awnings are quickly becoming the preferred style of awning for motorhomes all around the world. Whilst traditional awnings have relied on tent-pole or pull-out systems, air awnings can be set up in a shorter amount of time and tend to cover much larger areas.
Not to mention that some air awnings are “drive-away”, meaning they can be detached from your motorhome and left standing at the campsite whilst you use your vehicle for day trips!
Our camping experts have researched heaps of models to bring you this list of the best air awnings for motorhomes. In compiling our final shortlist, we’ve considered the features, sizing options, pricing, pros and cons of each motorhome air awning.
Plus, we’ve thrown in links to online retailers around New Zealand (please note we are not affiliated with these retailers and make no affiliate commission off of this article).
Making our shortlist of the best air awnings for motorhomes are:
Vango Kela V Tall - Best air awning overall
Kampa Dometic Rally Air Pro - Best stationary air awning
Vango Balletto - Best budget air awning
Vango AirBeam Sky Canopy - Best air canopy for motorhomes
The best air awnings for motorhomes
1. Vango Kela V Tall - Best air awning overall
If you want a drive-away air awning that fits a motorhome, this is your best bet. As noted above, drive-away technology allows you to quickly detach an already inflated air awning from your motorhome, so that you can leave it behind at camp whilst using your vehicle for day trips. There are not many drive-away air awnings on the market that are tall enough to fit a motorhome, so this is a great choice if you’re after this feature.
Besides being drive-away, the Vango Kela V is easy to set up in under ten minutes thanks to its AirBeam system. Its double ripstop polyester fabric means it’s built to last and the patented tension band system helps the awning keep its shape in strong winds and rain. Plus, the polyester groundsheet is sewn-in with external storm skirting to keep out bugs, draughts and water.
Sizing options:
The Vango Kela air awning comes in three sizes. However, the Tall option is probably the only size that will fit your motorhome. The smaller air awning sizes (Low and Standard) are better suited to campervans.
Price:
$1,549
Pros:
One of the only drive-away air awnings to fit a motorhome.
AirBeam technology makes inflation easy.
High quality 420 double ripstop Sentinel Pro fabric.
Tension band system, bracer beams and storm straps help stabilise the awning in rough weather.
Side doors provide an area for storing dirty shoes.
Lightweight: 18.45kg.
Cons:
Not made for consistent UV exposure.
Where to buy in NZ:
RV Mega NZ
2. Kampa Dometic Rally Air Pro - Best stationary air awning
The Rally Air Pro is the best selling air awning in the world - a testament to its versatility, durability and comfortable design. It uses a special multi-height system and comes in a range of different widths and heights so that it can fit almost any motorhome on the market.
The polyester fabric material is double coated to last longer than the average awning and an apex ventilation system increases air circulation to make the space more comfortable on hot summer days. Plus, the single point inflation technology means that one person can easily set the air awning up in less than 10 minutes.
However, note that the Rally Air Pro awning is static. It is not drive-away and will therefore need to be taken down every time you want to hit the road in your motorhome.
Sizing options:
The Kampa Dometic Rally Air Pro is available in four different widths: 200cm, 260cm, 330cm and 390cm.
It also comes in two different heights: small (235 - 250cm) or medium (265 - 295cm).
Price:
$1,699 - $2,599 depending on size
Pros:
Tough and lightweight Weathershield Pro material.
Crystal clear windows.
Apex ventilation increases air circulation and reduces condensation.
Single point inflation airframe technology.
The multi-height system fits most motorhomes.
Zip-out front panels.
Cons:
Higher price tag.
Not drive-away.
Heavy: 26.20kg.
Where to buy in NZ:
3. Vango Balletto - Best budget air awning
Whilst it may not be made from the highly-durable material used in more expensive air awnings, the Balletto is an outstanding budget option if you want only the essentials. It comes in two sizes that are large enough to host the whole family (4 to 6 people) and uses the same AirBeam Single Point Inflation and Multi-Point Deflation system as high-end air awning models.
The Balletto features large clear windows on all sides and zip-up curtains for privacy. Its draught seal system and skirting prevent chilly breezes from entering the awning, whilst the awning material itself is wind and rain tested to European standards.
It has everything you need at a fraction of the price of other similarly sized air awnings on the market. However, note that this air awning is not drive-away and will therefore need to be taken down every time you want to hit the road in your motorhome.
Sizing options:
The Vango Balletto is available in two widths: 300cm and 400cm.
Price:
$1,450 - $1,800 depending on size.
Pros:
Large clear windows on all sides.
Fully zipped curtains.
AirBeam Single Point Inflation and Multi-Point Deflation.
Elements 150 Fabric is lightweight and easy to transport.
Vango’s Draught Seal System and draught skirt.
Cons:
Not made for consistent UV exposure.
Not drive-away.
Fabric is not as durable as other models.
Heavy: 25.45kg.
Where to buy in NZ:
RV Super Centre
Vango AirBeam Sky Canopy - Best air canopy for motorhomes
The Vango AirBeam Sky Canopy is an affordable and easy-to-use air canopy with open sides, perfect for a shaded seating area or a covered entrance for storing dirty shoes and outdoor equipment. Its versatile design means its height is adjustable to fit a range of motorhomes, caravans and campervans.
The Sky Canopy uses a single AirBeam, which is quick to inflate and creates a strong structure for when your campsite is battered by wind and rain. This is assisted by the highly durable Sentinel Exclusive fabric, one of the strongest materials on the market and UV resistant (speaking of which, why not harvest that sunlight by installing the best type of solar panel for your motorhome).
Should you want even more protection from the weather, you can invest in the optional sidewalls. These can be quickly and easily fitted to the side of the Sky Canopy using the SkyTrack system.
Sizing options:
The AirBeam Sky Canopy is only available in one size: 350cm wide x 205cm deep x 180 - 250cm tall.
Price:
$429 - $470 depending on retailer.
Pros:
Quick and easy way to create outdoor shelter.
Affordable.
AirBeam system provides a rigid structure.
AirSpeed Valve System is quick to inflate.
Newly developed Sentinel Exclusive fabric is highly durable.
Optional sidewalls are available.
Lightweight: 5.9kg.
Cons:
Doesn’t provide as much protection as enclosed air awnings.
Where to buy in NZ:
RV Mega NZ
RV Super Centre
Choosing the right size air awning for your motorhome
Most motorhomes in New Zealand vary in height from about 7 to 12 feet (or 2.1 to 3.6 metres). The exact height and length of your motorhome will affect which air awning is best suited to your vehicle. If the air awning you purchase is the wrong size, it will not attach to your motorhome properly.
To measure the height of your motorhome, measure from the bottom of the awning track or fixed awning to the ground.
To measure the length of your motorhome, measure the straight bit of the awning track.
See this visual guide from RV Mega NZ for assistance when measuring your motorhome for an air awning.
Test out the best air awnings for motorhomes before you buy
It’s easy to get things wrong when picking and choosing between the best air awnings for motorhomes. You don’t want to buy an air awning that you later find to be the wrong size or lacking in features.
That’s why we always recommend that you ‘try before you buy’.
Use Camplify to search through heaps of privately-owned Kiwi motorhomes for hire - many of which feature awesome awnings. Then hire a camper that takes your fancy and test to see whether its awning is what you want before investing in your own air awning.
Once you have your air awning sorted out, rent out your motorhome through Camplify and begin making back the money you’ve invested.
Earn a return on your motorhome
If you’re worried about how to finance a motorhome, we’ve got good news for you.
There’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your investment - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!
Instead of letting your motorhome sit idly in the driveway, hire it out and make money from the comfort of your own home. Holidaymakers love motorhome rentals that have a nice big air awning for outdoor dining and entertaining!
Why Camplify?
Each year, many Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhome through Camplify. By doing so, they quickly generate a long-term passive income stream. And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:
Comprehensive hire insurance.
24/7 nationwide AA Roadside breakdown cover for hirers.
Dedicated customer support.
If you’re interested in earning a return on your investment, you can calculate how much income you could generate each year by using our earnings calculator.