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Printed Date: 28/10/2024 at 2:23am
Topic: Dorema Awnings
Posted By: TKMAXX
Subject: Dorema Awnings
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 1:45pm
Hi all, After looking around I'm thinking of buying the Montana for a number of reasons. Who on here has a Dorema and what do you generally think about it? Thanks
Replies:
Posted By: michael
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 2:14pm
yes we have dorema and its first class no problems. big reductions at the moment.
#0e774a> http://www.dorema.co.uk/www.dorema.co.uk/
http://www.doremafactoryclearance.co.uk/http://www.doremafactoryclearance.co.uk/
click on
#ff0000>
http://www.doremafactoryclearance.co.uk/awning_montanasuperlux.php
Posted By: D S B
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 2:28pm
For me, the highlight of the Dorema awning was the quick lock pads. IMHO they are the best fitting of this sort there is - I prefer them to the Isabella. With regard to the awning itself, we were not totally happy. We could never get rid of the water pooling on the roof on ours and the fabric just didn't seem as substantial as some makes. The fibre poles are not as good as the Isabella fibre poles (they are slightly thinner and more prone to cracking/bending - especially the thinner part of the down poles that rest on the floor). Even some of the cheaper makes use the better fibre poles (Isabella type). We are generally happier with our cheaper Eurovent, but there are a couple of things I would change on that - a change to quick lock pads being one - this is not as easy as one would imagine as the secondary beading on the Eurovent is slightly thinner.
I know there are many on here who really like Dorema awnings and have never had any problems though.
Posted By: spideygirl
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 4:12pm
We bought the montana super lux over the phone from their clearance page. We have used it for 1 week so far and it has been great. Really easy to put up, thick material and the poles seem very good to me. We went for the fibre poles, quick lock pads and storm straps. The curtains were nota bad pattern. The colours look better in the flesh than it does on the picture. We went for a blue/grey ones and it matches the colours of my peggt :) I think the material is different on all their models, the super lux was one of their better ones.
Posted By: hippy chick
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 6:06pm
We're on our second Dorema, (Madison style that they replaced with the Montana), because we had to get a larger one when we bought Ellie and we love them. Really well made, fairly simple for hubby to put up with minimal assistance from moi, (just aswell coz I'm a decrepit and not much use in the physical lugging department so my job is to sit on the step and help feed it through the awning channel tbh with the odd bit of pole holding).
They're very sturdy and the new ones that already have the sewn in storm strap attachment makes it even more secure in high winds without the need to have that extra strap right over the top of the front of it which we had found in our old Telt Larsen awning tended to cause damp to seep through.
Like the brightly coloured curtains too that do not fade no matter how old they are. Our awning is the green/grey version coz we like green not coz it matches our Ellie image: - http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/bernie_finlay/smileydoglaugh.gifIn theory we should have got the blue/grey if we wanted it to match, but I like green so green it is. Our one also has a fly screen bit at one end which is handy when you want ventilation without the mozzies getting in and it has a wind canopy thingy over it to stop any rain getting in when it's open too.
We've also got a bedroom annexe for ours that we've had since our first Dorema awning and needed it for the 'lodgers' but now that we have the larger five berth tin tent there's room for them and us inside so we don't take that with us. In fact, it's just sitting in the garage!
#008000>I'd happily advise anybody to get a Dorema especially if you can get it at a bargain price coz I know they're far from the cheapest ones out there, but as they say, you get what you pay for.
#008000>Having said that we've also invested in one of those cheap quick to put up porch jobbies that can stay on your awning rail when not in use and whilst towing, but sadly we haven't been able to get away for a short trip to try it out yet. Wouldn't be big enough for our two weeks hols with us, pooch and my son and daughter-in-law though, but ideal for short trips and it was much cheaper than the Dorema porch awnings, you might aswell buy a full size one for those prices. image: - http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/bernie_finlay/smileydoglaugh.gif
#008000>Hope you'll be very happy with your choice. Good make Dorema.
Posted By: brianconwy
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 6:18pm
We have a doreema sirrocco and we think its excellent. We have the aluminium poles and the fastening system and the pole lsyout make it easy to put up and sturdy.
Posted By: Zorro
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 7:26pm
Quote: Originally posted by hippy chick on 19/7/2010
#008000>
#008000>Having said that we've also invested in one of those cheap quick to put up porch jobbies that can stay on your awning rail when not in use and whilst towing, you might aswell buy a full size one for those prices.
Hi, wonder if you'd mind telling me the name of your quick jobbie ?(! image: - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley2.gif) Sounds like it might be just the thing for me.
Sorry to `hi-jack'
Posted By: Jusy
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 8:03pm
We had a Dorema Madison and Vitesse porch awning, couldnt fault either of them. Never had any trouble with water pooling on any of them.
Posted By: hippy chick
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 9:01pm
Quote: Originally posted by Zorro on 19/7/2010
Hi, wonder if you'd mind telling me the name of your quick jobbie ?(! image: - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley2.gif) Sounds like it might be just the thing for me.
Sorry to `hi-jack'
No probs, we got the Outdoor Revolution Techlite 1, (in green again believe it or not image: - http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/bernie_finlay/smileydoglaugh.gif), and just so you can see what it's like I'll bung in a linky thingy to one of the sites that has it for sale. You may well be able to get one cheaper elsewhere, blowed if hubby or I can remember where we ordered ours from but it was about the same price as this one anyhoo:
http://www.camperlands.co.uk/store/outdoor-revolution-techlite-1-71388-0.htmlhttp://www.camperlands.co.uk/store/outdoor-revolution-techlite-1-71388-0.html
But as I said, we haven't been able to give it a test run yet. There are plenty of other, (and cheaper), models about that can also stay put on the awning rail whilst in transit but we liked the look of this one a bit more. Personal choice though.
Hope this helps? Had the devil's own job trying to remember what make and model our one is image: - http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/bernie_finlay/smileydoglaugh.gifMemory span of a goldfish and hubby wasn't willing to try and squeeze up to where it's stored in the garage after a day of plastering our kitchen ceiling. Shame on him image: - http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k42/bernie_finlay/smileydoglaugh.gif
Posted By: bobsbabes
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 9:22pm
we have the dorema montana our forst awning was a pyramid and the dofference between the 2 is amazing .. you deff get what you pay for pryamid leaked lol
Posted By: nigel16
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 10:11pm
We now have the Dorema Exclusive with steel poles fitted with easy grip locking connections. The Exclusive is a great quality awning with 25mm steel poles that is not too difficult to put up between the 2 of us. There is always a compromise between quality and weight and we are very pleased with our Dorema
Posted By: Zorro
Date Posted: 19/7/2010 at 11:19pm
To `Hippychick' thanks ! image: - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley4.gif that's a great help. Looks like the business for us. Pity you haven't had a chance to try it yet - for my own sake as well as yours, thanks again Hippychick. Now I'll have to start trying to find out about those other ones too...
Sorry again to op for hi-jack image: - http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/forum_images/smiley9.gif
Posted By: camperman6667
Date Posted: 20/7/2010 at 8:48am
Hiya, we have had isabella's in the past and when we had our seasonal pitch a couple of years ago we decided to buy a ~Dorema President Vario awning. It was just as good as an isabella and still looked new after being up for a whole season. We had to sell our caravan due to moving but have now just purchased another van and we were so pleased with our dorema we have now bought exactly the model again!
Posted By: TKMAXX
Date Posted: 20/7/2010 at 9:03am
Thanks for all the feedback. It is most welcome.
I'm struggling to understand what the difference is between the Montana and the Montana Supa Lux apart from price. I rang Dorema themselves and they confused me even more!
Thanks for the advice though.
Posted By: D S B
Date Posted: 20/7/2010 at 9:11am
The http://www.doremafactoryclearance.co.uk/Dorema clearance sale does look to be coming up with some really good prices. Anyone interested in a Dorema should take a look. Remember that the full awnings on 40% offer all have a depth of 240cm rather than the standard 250cm, although this may not be an issue for many. Excellent prices though. The 250cm awnings (Exclusive & Senator Lux) are also on offer (from list price) but still 'quite expensive'. If you want either of these models, you will get a good enough deal from a retailer. (e.g. Renshaw have size 15 Exclusive with fibre tech poles at £762, Dorema website is £846 + £121 for the fibre poles and that's at their discount prices).
Post last edited on 20/07/2010 09:37:14
Posted By: TKMAXX
Date Posted: 20/7/2010 at 9:27pm
Thanks David. Very helpful.
Posted By: D S B
Date Posted: 20/7/2010 at 10:54pm
Quote: Originally posted by TKMAXX on 20/7/2010Basically, the main difference is in the material used. With the Montana, the roof material is Ten Cate coated polyester but the wall material is 280 g/m2 acrylic. With the Montana Supa lux, the roof material is Ten Cate coated polyester and the wall material is Ten Cate all Season heavy quality coated polyester.Thanks for all the feedback. It is most welcome.
I'm struggling to understand what the difference is between the Montana and the Montana Supa Lux apart from price. I rang Dorema themselves and they confused me even more!
Thanks for the advice though.
To put it simply with the Montana, the roof is a sort of plasticy material and the sides look like a canvas material. With the Montana Supa Lux the roof is a plasticy material and the sides are also plasticy but a bit heavier.
In my opinion, this is the nearest I can get to explaining it. It there are those who think I'm wrong, please jump in and make it clearer.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes.
Posted By: TKMAXX
Date Posted: 27/7/2010 at 5:11pm
If I was to purchase one of these 2nd had without the quick lock pads, how many would I need?
Also, if the awning has been modified, ie, made bigger from a 10 to a 12, is there anything in particular I should look out for or is it a case of dont touch a modified one with a barge pole?
Thanks.
Posted By: Sally Sadler
Date Posted: 04/3/2011 at 8:14pm
We think we have a Montana thanks to Davids description. It's good never leaked even in a major storm and the kids love it.
It came as a surprise find in our second hand Bailey Pageant Bretange but with no instructions so we set it up a little wrong and got the pooling someone else wrote about. Basically you need to ensure your side roof poles are not too high up on the caravan side. Once that was discovered we were fine - we are now getting a bigger unit and are ordering the super lux montana (thanks to David for explaining the differance).
So if you want a 6 berth caravan with a cover and Dorema awning let me know - even if you just want the awning or cover ! Now all we need to know is if the quick lock pads are included as it doesn't say!!
Posted By: richard615
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 4:04pm
Quote: Originally posted by TKMAXX on 19/7/2010
Hi all,
After looking around I'm thinking of buying the Montana for a number of reasons.
Who on here has a Dorema and what do you generally think about it?
Thanks
We have had one for 3 years without an issue, it has standard steel poles and it all seems well made, you need better pegs for hard ground though.
Posted By: Basilbrush
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 8:05pm
We've got a Dorema Senator Lux awning with the fibre frame & two tall annexes. It's fitted with storm straps. We only caravan in the summer months & find it very good. This is our secone Dorema & we'd have another with no worries. I bought both of them direct from Dorema over the phone & delivery was very fast.
BB
Posted By: Ronni54
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 10:19pm
We have the Sirocco, bought second hand off Preloved for £125. Just put it up this weekend for the first time and are very pleased with it - obviously has not had much use. We managed to get a tall annexe to match - also on Preloved and brand new, still in the box.
Posted By: Vectratot
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 10:59pm
We`ve a Dorema Calypso with alloy poles and quick locks, great awning only niggles are the zips can be a little fiddly a quick spray of non staining silicone spray sorts that out and the centre zips can rattle against the front centre pole a 6 inch piece of foam pipe insulation cures that
Posted By: Mrs Anorak
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 11:15pm
We bought the Montana super lux as per the special offer factory clearance, with the steel frame, tencate waterproof fabric. Had it a couple of years now, no problems so far, and good price.
Posted By: Mrs Anorak
Date Posted: 05/3/2011 at 11:26pm
I've just re-read David's description, yes I think you're right David....the Super lux tencate material feels quite plasticy and we thought it was quite odd after having a canvas tent. It works well though, ours has been well and truly poured on and no leaks at all.
Posted By: D S B
Date Posted: 06/3/2011 at 2:46pm
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Anorak on 05/3/2011
I've just re-read David's description, yes I think you're right David....the Super lux tencate material feels quite plasticy and we thought it was quite odd after having a canvas tent. It works well though, ours has been well and truly poured on and no leaks at all.
Glad it's working well for you. I always compared our Dorema total tencate with our porch awnings. When you come to unfold the roof section you have to 'peel it' apart, a bit like we do with our Kampa porch awning - there's a certain amount of sticking. We never had any problems with it leaking either. Then, when I think about it, I can't remember having a leak with any of our past awnings (even ther non-tencate ones). We've had Dorema, Telt Larsen, Bradcot, Kampa, Outdoor Revolution, Sunncamp and Eurovent. Each have their pro's and con's. Am very tempted to go for Isabella next time, but that might have to wait for a lottery win!!
Posted By: Surfer01
Date Posted: 06/3/2011 at 2:53pm
We have just purchased the new Escada just in case we decide to go seasonal at some time. We have not put it up yet.
Posted By: tango55
Date Posted: 06/3/2011 at 7:51pm
I have recently purchased a Dorema Montana from their factory clearance at a really good price but haven't tried it out yet so I can't comment but I bought one because of the feedback I have seen on this site just how good they are. I'm yet to find out but somehow I don't think I'm going to be disapointed after the comments I have read on here in the past few weeks.
Posted By: Sally Sadler
Date Posted: 06/3/2011 at 8:35pm
When we get our new one we are going for the aluminum frame this time as doesn't look like a weight difference to fibre glass and its stronger. But the main difference is its ready linked and the fibre glass can be really hard to set up in the wind as you have to put it all together. We saw a guy with the alu frame last year and were really impressed.
Posted By: TKMAXX
Date Posted: 07/3/2011 at 11:25am
I have the Aluminium frame with mine, first time up, little bit of wind, bit of movement in the awning and bent two of the poles. Not happy!
Live and learn I guess!
Posted By: Mrs Anorak
Date Posted: 07/3/2011 at 4:25pm
" Am very tempted to go for Isabella next time, but that might have to wait for a lottery win!! "
David I agree the Isabella awnings are lovely but we couldn't justify spending that much for just a few weeks use each year. Also looked at the Ventura ones which we liked however the Dorema price was quite appealing :) Not that we're tight or anything!
TKMAXX
I've only just noticed your original post was in July last year.... sorry to hear about your poles. We only chose steel because we'd had a trailer tent before the van. The tent survived some really strong winds without bending so I'm hoping the awning poles will be as good.
Posted By: D S B
Date Posted: 07/3/2011 at 6:19pm
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Anorak on 07/3/2011
" Am very tempted to go for Isabella next time, but that might have to wait for a lottery win!! "
David I agree the Isabella awnings are lovely but we couldn't justify spending that much for just a few weeks use each year. Also looked at the Ventura ones which we liked however the Dorema price was quite appealing :) Not that we're tight or anything!
TKMAXX
I've only just noticed your original post was in July last year.... sorry to hear about your poles. We only chose steel because we'd had a trailer tent before the van. The tent survived some really strong winds without bending so I'm hoping the awning poles will be as good.
I know exactly what you mean sbout the cost of the Isabella, Mrs A.
Steel poles are definitely the strongest, but we have never had a problem with our fibre poles - except for the ones we had with our Dorema awning (oddly enough), which were inferior to the fibre poles we have had with our other awnings. The Dorema poles were slightly lighter in colour than the others and slightly thinner too - they did bend a little - particularly the thinner sections which were the sections which came into contact with the floor. Our Eurovent fibre poles are much better and are exactly the same as those we had with our Telt Larsen and Bradcot. The new Isabella poles even are slightly darker than these, and I suspect are a better quality still.
We've replaced all the wing nuts on our fibre frame with these (made by Ventura):
image: - http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad185/DSB_photobucket/Bits%20and%20bobs/VenturaFixux.jpg" 500 375>
They are excellent. The poles now just clip tight, instead of having the screw the wing nuts.
Posted By: clbewi
Date Posted: 10/3/2014 at 7:24am
We got our awning out in the garden yesterday that we got with our new caravan. OH was convinced it was only a porch awning but it was a lovely full size Dorema Montana in excellent condition. we are well chuffed.
Posted By: ElaineW
Date Posted: 12/8/2014 at 2:51pm
Dorema awnings according to Ian Shaw their warranty manager have poles that he "expects to bend under extreme circumstances" and he confirmed that he "sells something that he expects to fail and [that Dorema] do not advise the customer". You have been warned!
Posted By: romany
Date Posted: 12/8/2014 at 3:43pm
Quote: Originally posted by ElaineW on 12/8/2014Dorema awnings according to Ian Shaw their warranty manager have poles that he "expects to bend under extreme circumstances" and he confirmed that he "sells something that he expects to fail and [that Dorema] do not advise the customer". You have been warned!
Strange as I have just recently been dealing with Dorema over an awning I bought which did not come up to my exacting standards.
I say exacting standards because other people would have been happy with the the choices that were given to me by Darren Butlin who I believe is their sales manager.
And just for a change on here I would like to put on record how nice it was to deal with a company and gentleman that solved my issues quickly and satisfactorily a rare occurrence these days.
I have no problems recommending this company to anyone
Post last edited on 12/08/2014 16:27:50