We're almost set up for first winter as seasonal pitch users, and wary of the incoming snow. I've been looking, with no success, for a set of steel awning poles to replace our alloy ones for the extra strength should the snow drop - also wouldn't hurt in strong winds I guess.
Anyone know of anywhere I could try for a cheap set of steel poles, or any ideas I may not have considered (have even thought about buying a second hand awning just for the poles). Current awning is a size 17 Bradcot Classic (1050).
Would another manufacturer poles fit our awning?
Or if anyone has a set of steel poles that may want to swap for a set of easy alloy?
try nr awnings I have just purchased a set to fit my mine in fibreglass, they do them in all sizes in steel, aluminium and fibreglass.
very good quality, reasonable price and next day delivery.
John
I think Bradcot still do heavy duty thick walled steel poles specifically for all season use. Personally I would rather spend a bit more and get good strong poles instead of cheapie versions. I've got a classic 1050 and I use extra roof poles fitted to removable brackets and clamps to the front poles. I also fit additional support poles to the sides and front to take any extra weight, however I much prefer to use my old Trio Alpine snow awning as it has a steep sloping roof to help the snow slide off and so many poles (including additional cross braces) that it would withstand a hurricane but it is a porch and not full awning. I wouldn't feel happy with any amount of snow on a Classic roof and I would also be concerned about the strain on the awning rail in adverse conditions, but that is [probably just me being paranoid after seeing so many awnings trashed in the past couple of years.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
I wouldn't feel happy with any amount of snow on a Classic roof and I would also be concerned about the strain on the awning rail in adverse conditions
my concern too,the weight on the awning rail.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Thanks - will have a rethink. I don't want to take the awning down having got the flooring area all set up. Also with two dogs and kids a porch awning is too small for all the coming and going without dragging dirt and mud into the van.
My thinking was that if I could get a set of steel poles (including extra poles to brace sides and front) it would make for a stronger solution than the alloy ones at present. The plan was then to drop the front poles when we leave at the weekend if there's any snow forecast that week (we go most weekends) which would help the worst of the snow slide off. The site wardens have also said they'll go into the awnings and switch on heaters as they have our permission if snow is imminent to help heat the roof to help stop it sticking. At worst case we're an hour away so I could always drive up at the lats minute and hope it doesn't catch me out!!!
I'm not sure that dropping the front would be a good idea as you then have a large area of canvas that can form into a pocket for the wind to work its evil deeds on. Awnings are always at their most resilient when the canvas is not loose and flapping. the Classic 1050 is a lovely big summer awning but I think you are risking a lot of damage to your caravan with the awning rail being strained and any loose of buckled poles puncturing the side wall of the caravan. At the end of the day it is only you that has to make the decision and weigh up the risks.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
We have a Bradcot Classic 1050 too. We have carbon fibre poles but we only use the awning in the summer.
This is the second Classic that we've had. The previous one which we used on our previous caravan had alloy poles but several of those were bent when the awning blew up onto the roof in a summer storm in Italy a couple of years back.
I'm afraid I would be VERY wary of leaving the awning up in winter when there is the danger of snow. A couple of years ago I saw the wind tear another 'van's awning off the beading - the beading was left in the awning rail.
I think Bradcot do a heavy duty awning for 'vans that are permanently sited. That might be a better bet.
I agree with others. We are on a seasonal pitch from Mar - mid Nov and even for that time I use a steel frame (I replaced the alloy one when we went seasonal)and use the 4 of the alloy pieces for extra support.
Most people on our site remove the awning - a couple do risk leaving it. We all cover the flooring with the heavy duty polythene from the builders merchants.
My van is not the best in the world but we would all be devastated if it got damaged. So, awning defo down for us!
Sue