I have an opportunity to purchase an Isabella awning for a very reasonable price.
The benefits are that it has apparently been meticulously looked after, has had little usage, has been dry stored (last used some 5 years ago or so) and comes with all accessories except full-length carpet.
The down-side is that it is around 13 years old and is a 1050 awning, whereas our 'van require a 1075 awning.
I have rang a number of company's re: extending this awning, including Isabella and prices range from £180 up to £285.
If I purchase at a price that I think I can buy it for, then the cheapest overall price will be around £330 plus a carpet at around £70? So, roughly £400 in total.
I don't think that I will get away with the 1050 as it is, my feeling is that it will just be a tad too short?
So, is this a good deal or should i put the money (and perhaps a tad more) towards a newer model of the correct size?
Are there any inherent risks in buying an awning of this age and can an alteration be made without damaging the existing fabric (bearing in mind weathered material may not be as strong as new material).
Buy one the correct size for the money you are thinking of spending. Probably be a few years newer as well. There has been a lot of technical improvements in materials used in the last 15 years.
Totally agree with Bob, that sort of cash will get you a cracking second hand awning.
It's probably not the best time of year to be buying as everyone is trying to get ready for the season just now and the good ones are getting good prices but it'll be worth having patience I think.
I changed my van at the end of last season and had an Isabella awning that was 975cm. The Isabella site said I needed 1000cm but I decided to wait until the start of this year before changing it. Last week I tried the 975 on my van and it fits perfectly. In fact, it fits better than it did on the previous van. In fairness, we are on a seasonal pitch which is very level so that might make a difference.
i would try it on your van first
Our van should take a 1075 but that size is far too big . Isabella have resized it to a 1060 for us .
we have had a too small awning before and it fitted perfectly
What size is your awning rail ?as you may find its just a few cm from what the 1050 will fit ( the 1050 goes from 1035-1065 and the 1075 is 1060 to 1090 )
Sorry? I don't understand your maths.
"The caravan manufacturer states the awning length is 1088cms and Isabella say it is 1081cms.
I reckon that it will still be around 17cms shy of a 'perfect' fit (about 6.5" in real money or roughly 3" per side)"
The difference between these two figures is 7cm, not 17? 3.5cm either side, not a problem on level ground.
But I also agree with neither posts, for that money, no worries finding an awning 2nd hand anyway. Happy hunting
I made it 17cms as '1050' awnings (well, most awnings it would appear) apparently cover slightly more than 13cms either side of 1050 and the 1075 13cms either side of 1075, so....
1050 + 13 = 1063
1081 - 1063 = 18cms approx 7" in old money.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.