We are considering upgrading from a sunncamp 350 TT to a Dandy desinger FC. Due to getting on and health problems we are finding the TT too heavy for us. Is a Dandy any easier to erect and most important how heavy is the awning and is it easy to attach, bearing in mind our health and joint problems.
Thank you
John
Hello John..I went the same route..suncamp 350 to a Dandy..I have spinal problems and I found that the pegging out was becoming too hard for me..also being diabetic I have my "weak as a kitten" moments..The Dandy is much easier..although the beds can be heavy to fold over by yourself but with two a lot easier..you will hear all kinds of horror stories about the nightmare called the Dandy awning! but honestly if you take your time and unzip the sides and front and leave the poles at at the lowest point it is do-able even by me! a small step or box helps or a tall wife! the awning fixes onto the main unit by going under the roof edge so you have no zips or awning channel to contend with...plus you will not have that heavy suncamp kitchen to move around.....go for it!!!!
I have a DAndy Designer and had gas strutts fitted which means I can actually manage it on my own if the kids are not there. The only 'heavy bit' now is the Dandy kitchen unit to put into place. They are an easy unit to live with go for it...
I have to say though I find the DAndy awning, even with zips.. a mental challange.. unless you line it up prescisely the poppers and zips do not seem to line up .... But it is pretty sturdy when up! It never seems to up exactly as I want it though.
i got a dandy delta although i got bad shoulders and back i can manage on my own if needed the trouble i had was trying to get the bat wings up to the the corners as i have no strength in my arms when i lift higher than shoulder so i made a gadget about three foot long with a tee handle so now its easy as i push from below so there is many ways to get over problems even when u go old
Welshrover...you diamond!! got the same problem with the batwings..used to stand on a box and push with my shoulder..will now spend tommorow down the shed making a gadget!!
Hi all, I must admit, we don't find the awning as 'daunting' as we thought it would be, it's alot quicker than the 'Corniche' awning, and not as heavy.
Remind me Not to try a Corniche awning!! Am seriously considering a movelight awning for weekends.
All I can say when we have to put the Dandy up... the kids rally around happily and enjoy the process. I enjoy it ... everybody happy.....When I mention the awning there is a definite mood of revolt particulary if it is just for a weekend. One thing I have done is colour coded every pole so at least we know we get in teh right way around........
The Designer is a fair weight (unless you get one with gas struts). The awnings are notoriously heavy, being steel framed & covered in PVC coated Polyester not canvas. Many people who love Dandys moan about the weight of the awning. Best to be honest! Do you live near Durham? If so, you could come round to see ours. Reply on here if interested. Riva Leisure in Wigan used to make them & still sell them. They too will give you a demo.