Anti Flap Kits: Purchase the Right Anti Flap Kit for Your Caravan Awnings

A Buyers Guide to Purchasing the Right Anti-Flap Kit For Your Caravan Awnings

Every caravan owner knows that there are hundreds of accessories on the market these days, with anti-flap kits being no exception. Most of these are no different to things you have at home and can be found on or in nearly every caravan across Australia: bike racks, TVs, air conditioners - you name it.

But for every 'normal' caravan accessory, there are others so specific to this industry that you have to wonder who thought them up in the first place. One of these is anti-flap kits, and in this Buyers' Guide, we will be digging into what anti-flap kits are and answering some common questions about their use.

What Is An Anti Flap Kit?

An anti-flap kit is an accessory with a particular use - as the name suggests, that is preventing your caravan's rollout awning from flapping in the wind. Anti-flap kits consist of rigid plastic or metal arms with a spigot at one end that attaches to your awning's roller tube and two sail tracks: one for attaching to the edge of the awning and the other for attaching walls or fly nets.

While anti-flap kits may seem like an unnecessary investment to new caravan owners, experienced caravanners will tell you there is nothing worse than unwinding outside in your perfect campsite only to have the ambience spoiled by the snapping and flapping of your awning. Besides, if you want to expand your outdoor living space and get some extra protection from the elements, an anti-flap kit is a great way to do so while also eliminating annoying noise and prolonging the life of your awning.

Which Brands Make The Best Anti-Flap Kits?

While there are several camping brands producing anti-flap kits, the most popular kits (and the ones we stock here at Shop RV Parts) come from Aussie Traveller. As specialists in caravan walls, awnings and other accessories, Aussie Traveller knows what makes an excellent anti flap kit, and their kits are widely considered to be the best in the industry.

Available in a number of different lengths to suit your awning size, you can view our full selection of Aussie Traveller anti flap kits here.

What Size Anti Flap Kit Should I Buy?

Anti flap kits generally come in three sizes (small, medium and large) and the size you need will depend on the dimensions of your caravan's awning. However, when you're dealing with anti flap kits, it is important to remember that the dimensions are referred to differently than the dimensions of the awning itself.

For example, the Aussie Traveller anti flap kit pictured above is suitable for an awning that is 2.2-2.3m wide but the Dometic awning pictured below has a listed width of 3.9m. This is because the 'width' of the awning actually refers to its longest edge, which runs parallel with the length of your caravan, instead of its projection (along the short edge) which is where the anti-flap kit attaches.

For this Dometic awning, the projection (or 'width', as far as the anti flap kit is concerned) is actually 2.5m, so you would need a larger anti flap kit in order to get a proper fit.

Anti Flap Kit Accessories (Annexe walls, fly screens, etc)

While anti flap kits are great for cutting noise and avoiding damage to your awning, they are also a fantastic way to expand your outdoor living space. As we mentioned earlier, all of the Aussie Traveller anti flap kits that we stock come with a second sail track that makes it simple to attach annexe walls, privacy screens or bug netting.

With one of these attached, your awning is transformed from a simple shade sail to an additional living area that you can enjoy year-round, safe from the weather and any creepy crawlies that decide to pay your campsite a visit.

If you're considering an anti flap kit as your next caravan accessory, browse our selection from Aussie Traveller or read our caravan awning Buyers Guide for additional information about their uses and benefits.