The Technical Part
The Compactalite awning is roomy and very versatile. It has four poles
that sit just over the top of the van and when erected looks like a half
tunnel tent.
- A new concept in lightweight awning design which fits most caravans
- Very compact and versatile / Easy to erect design
- Zip back doors
- Rooflite / Teardrop windows
- Curtains on all doors and ladder rubbers for full adjustability and
tuning
- Comes complete with pegs, guyline and new Storm Strap System
- All fits into a handy compact valise for easy storage
- Suitable for heights 235 - 250 cm
- Width 285 cm, depth 220 cm, weight 11.56 kg
- Waterproof - hydrostatic head 2000 mm
Putting it up!
The first time putting it up I had only seen one picture very briefly before doing it, so we decided to time ourselves and set the stop watch. Opening the bag, all the parts were neatly folded and tied together making the identification of them quite
simple. The instructions are sewn into the awning bag, which is a
great idea, as it means they are not likely to get lost or blow away.
Firstly, we checked all parts were there, which they were, and extended the
four flexible poles that are the main support of the unit. We then
fed the awning piping up through the awning rail and stopped it so it covered the door
opening. Once on the rail, and we had ensured the door had sufficient room to fully open, we started to feed the four poles through the eyelets sewn into the awning material until the poles reached the end pockets. We then clipped the bottom ends into the pin system, that all modern tents
and awnings are coming with. These are adjustable and very easy to pop into place. Once all four poles were in the awning instantly took shape. We had a fair bit of wind coming across the field, so we pegged out one guy line facing into the wind, which stopped it blowing around whilst we pegged out. There is about the same amount of pegging as a conventional full awning, but it ensures that the wind is kept out, and it's secure. Internally are two straps running from corner to corner, we pegged these down, at intervals, to avoid a trip hazard. The awning comes with four storm straps, and they fulfilled their purpose on this night. From unzipping the bag to completion , we were done in just under 40 minutes, not bad for two people who had never seen them up before!
What did we think?
When testing the awning, we met some friends at Bosworth water Trust and as it was mid February, it was rather wet and cold, however with this said we still managed in the awning just fine. We
had one adult and 1 child's bike stored in the awning with us and some protective flooring, to keep the mud out of the caravan. Now to add four adults, four folding chairs, one small table and a halogen heater - at first I thought "no chance" - but the awning accommodated us and the bikes, with no problem at all, and even with plenty of room left to move about the awning without disturbing our guests, what a bonus. This is the largest of the Outdoor
Revolution Lightweight Awnings and is an ideal size if your requirements are more than just a space to kick off your muddy shows and leave the dog to dry!
The Compactalite comes with three windows, each with its own blind giving you privacy when you want it and the light when you don't. It
also has three opening doors, one at each end and one of the front. This is great for those really hot weekends, when you want the breeze coming
through. |
