Quite agree, my Limpets snap too easily too when being properly used. A great idea poorly designed/manufactured! - the threaded stud plastic is far too brittle and weak where embedded into suction cup, very poor material choice!
After buying two rather expensive (for what they are!) sets, second to replace first ones that failed one by one, which also then also eventually failed, I've repaired mine with a combination of flexible adhesive (to achieve air tight seal and cover screw head to prevent damage to van side) and a flat headed self tapping screw and washer (to provide strength) through the suction cap into the threaded stud which I pre-drilled to match screw, they are now far more durable than original unrepaired items and have not failed once (now isn't that a statement in itself where a repair outperforms the original!).
First time I've seen an alternative (and I have looked!) andy159, thank you for that.
You don't really need the limpets if you use the 2 upright deluxe pole system. There have been issues whereby people have complained because the limpets leave suction rings on the caravan surface which are difficult to remove.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 22/9/2020
You don't really need the limpets if you use the 2 upright deluxe pole system. There have been issues whereby people have complained because the limpets leave suction rings on the caravan surface which are difficult to remove.
I've got the poles as well, but they tend to fidget away from van side in breezy weather and leave a gap (several friends have exactly the same issue, so it's not just me!), Limpets (when they aren't breaking! ) make for a less drafty set up.
Can't see any reason why they should leave difficult to remove marks on OEM van finishes, especially if you clean area of dirt before use, suppose might be an issue on repainted vans with less durable finishes. It's clearly stated 'DO NOT AFFIX TO GRAPHICS', so own goal if that's the problem. Certainly no marks left on my van after multiple uses.
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 22/9/2020
You don't really need the limpets if you use the 2 upright deluxe pole system. There have been issues whereby people have complained because the limpets leave suction rings on the caravan surface which are difficult to remove.
I've got the poles as well, but they tend to fidget away from van side in breezy weather and leave a gap (several friends have exactly the same issue, so it's not just me!), Limpets (when they aren't breaking! ) make for a less drafty set up.
Can't see any reason why they should leave difficult to remove marks on OEM van finishes, especially if you clean area of dirt before use, suppose might be an issue on repainted vans with less durable finishes. It's clearly stated 'DO NOT AFFIX TO GRAPHICS', so own goal if that's the problem. Certainly no marks left on my van after multiple uses.
There are 2 different types of Kampa pole systems though. One is the steel version and the deluxe which are aluminium and bigger in diameter. I originally purchased the steel ones which were useless in trying to decrease the gap between the awning and caravan so sold them and bought the bigger aluminium ones. Never had a problem with these and so much better than cheaper steel ones.