Anyone who has spent time under a caravan awning knows the sound. A light breeze rolls through camp, the awning fabric starts moving, and before long the flap becomes hard to ignore.
It can happen while you are sitting outside during the day, or worse, when you are trying to sleep at night. That constant movement is not just frustrating, it can also make your outdoor setup feel less settled and comfortable.
A good caravan awning setup is about more than shade. The right awning accessories can help improve fabric tension, reduce unwanted movement and make your campsite feel more comfortable in everyday touring conditions.
Coast RV awning de flappers and anti flap kits are designed to help reduce awning movement by supporting the outer edge of your awning and improving fabric tension. The right option depends on your awning size, setup style and whether you are using a manual or electric roll out awning.
What are awning de-flappers?
Awning de-flappers are a simple accessory designed to clamp onto the edge of your awning vinyl. Once attached, the strap secures around the awning brace arm to help reduce fabric movement.
They are a practical option for many manual awning setups, especially when you want a quick and easy way to improve awning tension at camp.
Coast RV offers different de-flapper sizes to suit different awning lengths. For longer awnings, the larger de-flapper provides more coverage, which is useful because longer awnings are generally more prone to movement. For shorter awnings, the smaller size may be sufficient.
When should you use a larger de-flapper?
A longer awning has more fabric surface area, which means there is more material that can move when wind picks up. A larger de-flapper gives more grip across the awning edge and can help reduce that unwanted flapping.
For smaller awnings, a compact de-flapper may be all you need. The key is to match the accessory to the size and style of your awning.
What if you have an electric roll out awning?
Some de-flapper styles are not suitable for electric roll out awnings. As shown in the video, Velcro style de-flappers may not work with certain electric awning setups.
For electric roll out awnings, or for customers wanting a more complete support system, a full length anti-flap kit may be the better option.
What is an anti-flap kit?
An anti-flap kit is a more complete awning support solution. Rather than only clamping part of the awning edge, it runs along the outer edge of the awning fabric to help hold it more firmly in place.
This helps reduce movement across the length of the awning and creates a cleaner, more supported setup. It can be especially useful for larger awnings, electric awnings, or setups where you want to add accessories such as shade walls or privacy screens.
Do you need to drill into the awning barrel?
Traditionally, fitting an anti-flap kit may involve drilling a hole into the awning barrel for the spigot.
For customers who do not want to drill into the barrel, Coast also offers an anti-flap kit adapter. The adapter pushes over the spigot, then pushes up against the barrel, giving users another fitting option.
This is a useful detail to understand before choosing your setup, especially if you are cautious about modifying your awning hardware.
Extra benefit, adding a sunscreen
One of the useful advantages of a full length anti-flap kit is the additional channel it provides. This channel can allow you to fit a sunscreen, helping you build a more comfortable outdoor living space around your caravan or RV.
For many travellers, that makes an anti-flap kit more than a flap reduction accessory. It can become part of a broader awning setup that supports shade, privacy and comfort at camp.
De-flappers vs anti-flap kits, which option is right for you?
If you have a shorter manual awning and want a simple way to reduce fabric movement, awning de-flappers may be the right starting point.
If you have a longer awning, an electric roll out awning, or want a more complete awning edge support system, a full length anti-flap kit may be a better choice.
If you want to add accessories such as shade droppers, privacy screens or other awning walls, an anti-flap kit may also give you more flexibility.
A note on wind and awning safety
Awning de-flappers and anti-flap kits can help reduce awning movement and improve fabric tension in normal camping conditions. They are not a substitute for safe awning use.
Always monitor the weather, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and roll away or pack down your awning when conditions become unsafe.
Find the right awning setup
Whether you have a long awning, a short awning, an electric roll out awning or a manual setup, Coast RV has a range of awning accessories designed to help improve your outdoor living space.
Browse the Coast RV awning accessories range or speak with your local Coast RV stockist to find the right setup for your caravan, camper or RV.
