Caravan Awnings Explained: Sunburnt Eclipse vs Carefree Altitude

The Carefree Altitude Electric awning providing shade for those WA beach sunsets

When you picture pulling up at camp, cracking a cold drink, and sitting back to enjoy the view, chances are you’re sitting under your caravan awning. It’s one of those features you don’t think much about when buying a van, but once you hit the road, you quickly realise it’s an essential part of the lifestyle.

At Offroad Grit RV, we fit two premium awning options to our caravans:

• Sunburnt Eclipse Manual Awnings

• Carefree Altitude Electric Awnings

Both are tough, reliable, and purpose-built for Australian conditions but they suit different styles of travellers. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, plus some must-have accessories like anti-flap kits and roof rafters.

Sunburnt Eclipse Manual Awnings

The Sunburnt Eclipse is the go-to choice for travellers who want a dependable, no-nonsense awning.

✅ Pros:

• Tough & Reliable: No motors, no electronics, no fuss. With fewer moving parts, there’s less that can fail when you’re travelling remotely.

• Full Control: You set it up exactly how you like — partly out for a bit of shade, or fully extended for maximum cover.

• Independent of Power: Runs entirely manually, which is ideal if you’re off-grid and conserving battery power.

• Proven Design: The Eclipse design has been tested in Aussie conditions for years, so it’s well-regarded for durability.
  

⚠️ Things to Note:

• Physical Setup: It does take some effort. You’ll need to roll it out, extend the arms, and lock it in. Not a huge task, but it’s extra time compared to pressing a button.

• Wind Management Is Up to You: Unlike electric awnings, there’s no automatic sensor to retract in strong winds, so you’ll need to keep an eye on conditions.

Best for: Travellers who value simplicity and want maximum reliability, especially when going remote.

Sunburnt Eclipse Manual awning can be adjusted to provide minimal or all of the shade

Carefree Altitude Electric Awnings

The Carefree Altitude Electric Awning is all about ease and convenience. With just the push of a button, your camp is set up in seconds.

✅ Pros:

• Push-Button Operation: Quick and effortless setup, extend or retract in seconds without breaking a sweat.

• Sleek & Modern: A clean design that looks sharp on the side of the van. Many models even include built-in LED lighting for night use.

• Consistent Tension: The motor ensures the awning rolls in and out smoothly with proper tension on the fabric.

• Automatic Wind Retraction: A big advantage, built-in sensors detect strong winds and will retract the awning to prevent damage. This is not a downside, it’s a safety net that can save your awning if you’ve left camp and the weather turns nasty.
  

⚠️ Things to Note:

• Accessories Need Management: You can still use anti-flap kits and roof rafters, but the automatic retraction feature means you’ll need to switch the motor off once these are fitted. Otherwise, the awning could try to retract against the resistance.

• Power Dependency: It requires 12V power, which isn’t usually an issue but worth noting for those running on strict off-grid setups.

• Cost: As with most tech, you pay more for the convenience.

Best for: Caravanners who want convenience and don’t mind paying a bit extra for comfort and ease. Perfect for those who are setting up and packing down frequently.

Anti-Flap Kits & Roof Rafters – Must-Have Add-Ons

No matter which awning you choose, you’ll want to consider these two accessories:

• Anti-Flap Kits: These clamp to the edges of the awning fabric to stop it flapping in the wind. Not only does this reduce noise at night, but it also allows you to attach annex walls securely.

• Roof Rafters: These run from the van wall to the awning roller, adding strength and reducing sagging in heavy rain. They also help keep the fabric tighter, reducing wear and tear.

For manual awnings, these are straightforward add-ons you can leave in place.For electric awnings, you can absolutely use them, you just need to turn off the awning’s motor once they’re fitted, otherwise the automatic retraction system could try to engage.

Real-World Tips for Awnings

Here’s some practical advice we’ve learned from years on the road:

• Never leave your awning out overnight in dodgy weather. Even with anti-flap kits and rafters, a big gust can do serious damage. If in doubt, pack it away before bed.

• Always angle your awning. Leaving it flat is asking for trouble if it rains — water will pool, stretch the fabric, or even bend the arms. Keep one side lower to let water run off.

• Don’t rely solely on the auto-retract. The Carefree Altitude’s wind sensor is great, but if you’re heading away from camp for hours, it’s still safest to pack the awning in.

• Lock in your pegs and tie-downs. Extra tension straps can make a world of difference in keeping your awning stable in breezy conditions.

• Think about shade direction. Morning or afternoon sun angles change quickly, so sometimes rolling the awning halfway in or adjusting your annex walls can make camp more comfortable.

• Treat it gently. Awnings are built tough, but they’re not indestructible. Rolling them in slowly and storing them dry will help them last years longer.

  
  

So Which Is Better?

It really comes down to how you travel:

• If you’re often remote, off-grid, or want ultimate reliability with less tech, the Sunburnt Eclipse Manual awning is the way to go.

• If you value ease, speed, and comfort, especially if you’re setting up and packing down often, the Carefree Altitude Electric will make life a breeze.

  
  

Either way, with the right setup and accessories, both options will give you the shade and shelter you need to enjoy your caravan lifestyle to the fullest.