Quote: Originally posted by NessP on 17/6/2012

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Diane,  it was advertised on preloved for the size we wanted, we went to look at it, didnt check the label, (I know, silly us) but like I say we are new to caravanning, she told us again the size, the size we needed, so we bought it  and when we went to put it up it was too small. We did contact citizens advice but nothing they can do so now got a fab awning but too small :( 

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See this description of how the caravan awnings are altered

Caravan Awning Repairs and Alterations

One of the main areas of our work is the increasing and decreasing of caravan awnings for customers who have changed their caravans and would like to keep their original awnings.

When trying to find out the new 'ground to ground' measurement please refer to your caravan handbook, alternatively physically measure your new caravan by running a tape (or good quality string or cord) from the ground up round the channelling and back down to the ground. It helps if the measurement is made in centimetres.

How to find out which size you need.

Measure your caravan as shown in the image provided. The measurement from ground to ground A-B-C can then be checked with the chart to give you your awning size. If you are not sure please contact us for further advice.

Notes on Awning Alterations

We alter awnings along the same principle that the manufacturers construct their awnings - all the work is carried out at each side of the roof section. The front of the awning is un-touched and two equal triangles of matching roof fabric are inserted (for size increases) onto each side of the original roof. This means we are restricted geometrically by the amount we can increase the size of the awning. Your poles do not need to be altered although we would suggest that when increasing an awning over 900cm that five roof rafters are used.

A number of people assume that if they have a 15 ft caravan and they buy a 17 ft caravan that they need a 2 ft increase, this is not always the case! It depends on the difference between the ground to ground between the existing awning and the new van - the new van may be 2 ft longer but it may also be 6" higher thus needing an increase of 3 ft!

Just put a google search in for Awning alterations Hampshire, and quite a few come up.

We paid £180 for a once used Insignia Awning and we're very pleased with it. Depends where you are in Hampshire but maybe try Ringwood Flexi goods (recommended by our local camp shop)

http://ringwoodflexigoods.com/

Most awning repairers will not increase or decrease an awning over 50cm.  When you think about it, your front poles stay the same length, yet the back is inceased to the size you need, which puts a lot of strain on the side poles,if you did manage to get someone to make this alteration,  not to mention you would have a triangular awning   I've had 900cms increased to 950cm and it did look a bit strange, plus the triangular pieces added to the side were a different material to the original roofing material.

Good luck selling it, now is the time people are looking for awnings ready for their summer holidays.  I sold one of mine through here, as well as another through Loot.