Air Awning Gap Down the Side? What It Is & How to Fix It (2026 UK Guide)
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Introduction
If you’ve just set up your air awning and noticed a gap down the side where it meets your caravan or motorhome, don’t worry — this is completely normal.
It’s one of the most common questions we see from new awning users:
👉 “Should it be tight against the van?”
👉 “What are the clips for?”
👉 “How do I stop the draught?”
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what’s happening — and how to improve the seal if needed.
If you’re still choosing the right setup, explore our full range of caravan awnings designed for easy pitching, comfort, and all-weather touring.
Why Is There a Gap on Air Awnings?
Porch air awnings are designed to be:
Quick to pitch
Lightweight
Flexible for different vehicles
Because of this, they don’t sit completely flush against the caravan wall like a full awning would.
Instead, the rear of the awning:
Uses a fabric panel and air beam
Sits close to the van — but not sealed tight
👉 This is totally normal and part of the design.
What Are the Clips for on the Rear Panel?
Those clips running down the back edge of your awning are there to:
Pull the fabric tighter against the caravan
Reduce movement in wind
Help minimise draughts
They don’t fully seal the gap — but they improve the fit and stability.
How to Reduce the Gap (Best Options)
If you want a tighter, more sealed setup, here are your best options:
1. Rear Pad / Draught Pad Kit (Best Solution)
This is the most effective upgrade.
Foam or padded tubes sit between awning and caravan
Fill the gap and reduce draughts
Protect your caravan side from rubbing
👉 Best for: Longer stays or seasonal use
2. Rear Upright Pole Kit
Adds vertical tension
Pulls the awning tighter against the van
👉 Works best when combined with rear pads
3. Storm Straps & Pegging (Quick Fix)
Use the clips and peg points properly
Tighten all guy lines
Re-tension after inflation
👉 Great for: Weekend trips
4. Accept a Small Gap (Normal Use)
A small gap is actually helpful:
Improves airflow
Reduces condensation
Prevents pressure damage on panels
👉 You don’t always need to “fix” it
Optional Upgrade: Use Suction Pads (Limpet Fix Kit)
If you want to reduce the gap even further and get a much tighter fit, suction pads (often called Limpet Fix Kits) are one of the best upgrades you can add.
These clever fittings allow you to attach parts of your awning directly to the caravan wall, helping to pull the fabric closer and reduce draughts.
👍 Why Use Limpet Fix Kits?
Creates a tighter seal between awning and caravan
Reduces cold draughts and wind movement
Helps stop flapping in bad weather
Gives a neater, more “fitted” look
👉 Ideal for:
Seasonal pitches
Longer stays
Anyone bothered by gaps or movement
⚠️ Important to Know
They work best on a clean, dry caravan surface
They improve the seal — but won’t make the awning fully airtight
Most modern awnings are limpet-ready or can be adapted
💡 Pro Tip
For the best results, combine:
👉 Rear Pads + Limpet Fix Kit + Proper Tensioning
This gives you the tightest, most stable setup possible.
👉 Recommended Add-On
If you’re setting up a new awning, we highly recommend adding a Limpet Fix Kit to your setup.
It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference to comfort and stability — especially in typical UK weather.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-tightening against the caravan
❌ Ignoring rear support (leads to flapping)
❌ Not pegging out properly before inflation
❌ Expecting a full awning seal from a porch awning
👉 Plan Your Awning Setup
Make sure you get the perfect setup with our expert guides:
Summary
A gap down the side of an air awning is normal
The clips help improve the fit — but don’t seal it fully
For the best seal, use rear pads and/or a pole kit
For most users, a properly tensioned awning is more than enough
FAQs
Should an air awning be tight against the caravan?
No — it should sit close, but not tightly sealed. A small gap is normal.
Do I need rear pads?
Not essential, but highly recommended if you want:
Less draught
Better stability
A neater fit
What do the clips actually do?
They help tension the rear panel and reduce movement — they don’t fully seal the gap.
Is the gap a problem in bad weather?
Not usually — as long as your awning is:
Properly pegged
Tensioned
Using storm straps if needed
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