Are you struggling to cope with those hot summer rays? Maybe you want to shield your caravan from bad weather? Perhaps you just want to have your own private space, away from prying eyes.
Caravan privacy screens will solve all of these issues and more!
They’re one of the most useful accessories that you can buy for your camping vehicle. The best caravan privacy screens offer UV protection and are waterproof. This gives you an extra room that you can use in all weather conditions.
However, there are many different brands and products available on the market today. In this guide, we’ll examine some popular options.
Let’s get started!
| Camec Privacy Screens | Outback Explorer Privacy Screens | Coast V2 Sunscreens |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Pick  |  | |
2.1 x 2.05m to 4.9 x 1.8m | 2.1 x 1.8m to 4.6 x 1.8m | 2.8 x 1.8m to 5.2 x 1.8m | |
90% | 95% | 86% | |
90% | 95% | 90% | |
1 year | 3 years | 3 years |
Best Caravan Privacy Screens Australia
Camec Privacy Screens
Camec is one of the most respected brands in the world of caravan essentials and accessories. It’s no surprise that their privacy screens are very popular. They’re well-made and available in 10 different sizes.
These caravan shade screens offer a lot of sun protection. Camec claims that it offers up to 90% sun-filtering so that you can sit in comfort on a hot day.
Most of the best caravan privacy screens have D-rings for enhanced reinforcement when you secure them. The Camec range is no different. They also come with tie-down ropes and pegs.
Meanwhile, these screens are available in a cool grey colour so they blend in with all awnings and caravans.
Despite these positives, there are a couple of potential issues.
Firstly, Camec Privacy Screens are more expensive than other brands with equivalent sizes. They are well-made and the difference isn’t extreme so this isn’t a major issue.
However, despite offering 10 sizes, the range doesn’t exceed five metres in width.
They all come with a 1 year warranty.
Outback Explorer Privacy Screens
Our Pick
On the face of it, Outback Explorer’s range of caravan awning privacy screens is very similar to Camec’s line of products.
Like Camec screens, they have D-rings with reinforced tabs for longer-lasting durability. Furthermore, they have ropes and pegs so that you can secure your screen through different kinds of weather.
Outback Explorer claims to offer up to 95% shade and UV protection. This is slightly more than the Camec but in practice the differences are marginal.
Their size range is significant but they don’t offer any width beyond five metres which may frustrate owners of larger caravan owners. However, they do offer pop-top variations of their privacy screens, which is excellent.
Also, their pricing is much more reasonable than Camec’s. Expect to pay around $60-75 for one of these, depending on the size you choose. Despite the lower price, they come with a three-year warranty which seems very reasonable.
Coast V2 Sunscreens
Finally, let’s look at Coast’s V2 line of sunscreens.
These caravan privacy screens offer 90% UV protection with 86% shade factor. The latter detail is more specific than either Camec or Outback Explorer.
Similarly, they’re durable and secure with D-rings as well as all the ropes and pegs you need. Also, they have hemmed edges to avoid fraying over time. These privacy screens are very easy to assemble.
Like Outback Explorer, Coast also provides a range that is compatible with pop-top awnings.
Furthermore, their maximum standard sizes exceed five metres in width which is good news for owners of bigger caravans. Coast is a stand-out in this aspect. They also have a wide variety of sizes.
On the flip side, their products are expensive. The largest of them costs over $150. But they do come with an outstanding 3 year warranty.
Another potential issue is that there is no information about their waterproof capabilities which may dissuade some buyers. Nor are they compatible with European box awnings or Fiamma products.
Points To Consider When Purchasing A Caravan Privacy Screen
Now it’s time to look at some important aspects to keep in mind before you buy one of these. Let’s take a look!
UV and Shade Protection
Every Australian knows how important UV protection is in their daily lives.
Nobody wants sunburn to ruin their holiday. Nor do they want to spend every day squinting because the light is shining in their eyes. That’s why shade and sun protection are some of the main reasons why people buy these products.
Check out this guide from the Australian government on how different materials impact overall UV protection.
Waterproof
A waterproof caravan privacy screen is a good idea, especially if you’re travelling in the Top End in the wet season!
However, not every screen has this capacity. Some of them focus more on UV protection than water resistance. If a brand doesn’t specify that it’s weatherproof or rain-repellent, then the chances are it isn’t.
Similarly, you probably want it to stand up to the wind. Ensure that it comes with all the necessary ropes, pins and D-rings so that it remains fixed in blustery conditions.
Otherwise, your screen may not offer you much privacy at all!
Caravan Size
The size of your caravan will affect the privacy screen that you buy. Many people are initially confused over which one is best for their camping vehicle.
All you need to know is the length of your awning. You can measure the length of the entire awning or just the roller bar. It’s easiest to just check the latter because the privacy screen should be the same size.
Remember that if you have a larger awning, your options may be limited. You’ll also have to fork out more money.
If you’re still confused, it’s wise to check with your caravan dealership or the privacy screen manufacturer before you pay for a product.
Warranty
Realistically, you’re going to use your caravan privacy screen a lot.
That’s why yours must have a good warranty. Camec falls short in this category because they only offer a one-year service. In contrast, Outback Explorer and Coast both have three-year warranties.
This is great because you never know what could happen. Sometimes products arrive with manufacturing flaws that need to be repaired or replaced. Also, many people upgrade or change their caravans after three years too.
There’s a good chance you’ll change your awning and privacy screens in this case.
Type of Awning
The style of the awning will affect which privacy screen you buy.
If you have a pop-top awning then you’ll need a compatible screen. Outback Explorer and Coast have great options in this category. Their products have the same features without any compromises for a different awning style.
Double-check that your awning is compatible with the privacy screen you want. For example, the Coast V2 range won’t work with Fiamma awnings or European box awnings.
Don’t spend $100 on a privacy screen that you can never use!
Also be aware that privacy screens are different to caravan annexes, although they can still be used with annex matting if desired.
Colour
This may not seem like an important detail but it will affect some customers.
Consider the colour that you want to get before you buy your privacy screen. Most ranges offer a cool grey that’s subtle and blends in with the caravan. Black is also available in some cases.
Most people don’t want a garish colour that clashes with the colour of their caravan so ensure that you like it before you invest in a privacy screen!
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that a good caravan privacy screen will improve your camping experience.
It’s important to feel comfortable in your own space and these accessories give you more to enjoy. Nobody wants to feel like the entire campsite is watching their every move.
They also shield campers from the elements. A good waterproof caravan privacy screen with UV protection makes life much easier and safer.
If you own a larger caravan then the Coast V2 sunscreens are your best bet. However, Outback Explorer privacy screens are a better all-around product because they also offer rain protection.
If you're looking for something sturdier that is free-standing, consider a camping gazebo instead!
As ever, if you have any questions about these products, please leave a comment below.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
