Hope someone out there can help me! I have searched on here for information on awnings for the Esterel folding caravan but have only come up with one result that was not really helpful, so apologies in advance if this has been answered before!
We have a 1980's Esterel - not sure exact year - it is not the tiny little one, it has a seperate toilet compartment and is quite a good size inside. We have measured around down to the floor like it says on awning sites and it is 8250mm all round and 2250 high - it has a channel along the top. I have looked on the web for which awning would be best - I know on here someone said a Eurovent but which one? Also are they the best? I noticed some of the awnings say 800-825, 825-850 etc so which would be best for our 825 - the 1st or 2nd size? Am also not sure how they fix on, do they go through the channel or some have poles/clamps etc.
As you can probably tell am bit of a novice with awnings - this is our first caravan, we had trailer tents before, so sorry if it sounds obvious to you but could really do with some advice!
When we had our 4 berth Esterel 'Ethelbert' we bought a Eurovent Sancerre second hand, it fitted well. I think we bought an 800-825.
Tip: Thread the awning onto the rail before you put the sides and roof up! Once the caravan is up then thread the awning through the channels at the sides (you will always have a gap where the awning rail doesn't meet between roof and sides) then pop in the poles and it's done.
Thanks very much for the reply - your Ethelbert looks just like our Angus - even down to the pattern on the cushions and floor! We are in the middle of giving him a make-over but really want to get away for a couple of days to try him out, hence the need for an awning. I think I will look for an Eurovent like yours, as then hopefully it will fit well. What model was yours, do you remember? Just curious really - as a couple of people have asked us the model but I don't know where you find out.
Here's hoping for a summer of good weather and good times!
Is was a supermatic (we only know as it was on the side!) there were limited numbers made between 1980-82 only we think. Angus like that! Folding Caravan group here I helped to set up the original when we had Ethelbert but am now still an honorary member! There was something I posted about the makes I will have a nose around and see if I can find it.
The smaller awning size fits as there are no sloping sides for it to fit around if you got the bigger one it would be way to big.
Esterel Supermatic Super Export 39 built between 1979-1982
Series: Super Export - this was what Ethelbert was
This model was a special model with a slightly different classification as normal in a 39er, just like the Caramatic Matic and Super 42 models. This 39er export superpower has therefore also a toilet room. The second bed is but a bit narrower as the other 39er models. Just like the 42 models is only the second bed 125 cm wide.
There is only one model in this series.
Super Matic 39,
Structure Length 395 cm, width 207cm construction, collapsed 128 cm high, inside height 189 cm, 508 cm length dead.
Curb weight 670 kg, maximum weight 850 kg, 155x13 tires
Ihave a 42t and the awning rail is fixed to the top if the roof not on the side like other vans.I am wondering what sort of fixing bracket(to the inner rubber beading for the poles) is needed as most are for the side mounted rails? any body know if there ius a special type of fixing bracket taking the angle of the rail into account?
Regards,
Kieran
------------- The beatings will continue until morale improves.
Hello fellow Esterelian (as we are known over this side).
How tall are you? I am just under 6'.
We bought a Caramatic a couple of months ago and the w/e before last was our debut. I read a lot about awnings and tips/tricks etc as we are complete newbies to towing our camping gear.
Normally the awning is transported inside the folder which means you have to put up the walls, take out the awning then put the walls down again to fit the awning before you put the walls up!!! Hmmmm...
As it was our first time I though I would see just how difficult (or easy) it was to fit the awning after assembling the walls. Pimps with the foot-step.
I had no trouble fitting the top run first from right to left (no waxing/lubing/siliconing etc). When I judged it was central, I then fitted each side downwards from top to bottom. For me it couldn't have been easier - single handed while my wife was inside putting up the curtains. Of course if you are diddy without a set of steps (no offence intended) the "fit it before you raise it" option will have to be the one.
at johndory.
My roof poles "attach" to the side with a large'ish plastic sucker (like what you see on the end of childrens arrows in the My First Archery set).
They don't actually stick as the the tension from the roof poles keeps them in place and if they slide down a bit while assembling they stop at the alloy rim of the roof. Then when you put the finishing tensions they are easily slid to where you want them. They are held in place inside the pole with a sort of spring clip.
There is another type of fixing if the awning has extra short pieces of strong beading fitted inside at the centre and top/far corners. It's a right angled nylon clip which attaches to the awning and on the clip is a ring. In this case the sucker is replaced with a nylon plug which has a hook on the end and that's how it's kept in place.
I have just picked up the latest Trigano catalogue and there is a picture inside which I will photo and upload so you can see what I mean.
You are spot on with that pic for the awning fixing...i was all on to buy the suckers ...i have measured 850cm from ground to ground for the awning...any advice on the best makes? i am looking for a secondhand awning...........
besides all that my van is made in 1985 and still very functional..i only have it a few months but am delighted with it...i have a gas heater in the floor which looks real strange as i can see the ground.however once its on it is toasty.
Thanks again for your help.
regards,
kieran
------------- The beatings will continue until morale improves.
The top "channel" for the awning bead is usually on the top edge. The horisontal roof poles go straight into the sideif I can describe it like that, and sit just above the bottom of the roof. Believe me, this arrangement works although you may think it needs fixing akin to the fourth bridge - not necessary. The tension on the pole, between the caravan and the awning front, keeps it in place.
If you have difficulty obtaining the suckers, they are readily available here in a bag of 6 I think for a few € and if you PM me with your name/address I will send some for a UK cheque by return.
I am very new to this so I can't give much advice about awnings and given the amout of water between us it's probably best to shop around in UK and I am certain there's loads of experince/expertise in these forums can serve you better.
Mine is '93 and after only one long w/e in it we begin to love it. There's a French club dedicated to Esterels with regular meets etc but we have'nt got that far yet..
A surprising amount of vans and spares come on the web as well. I surf the Normandy area daily out of interest: