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We've just started caravanning, and the first time we used the van I was in a state of panic after about an hour. There are four of us (two kids) and I was convinced after an hour that this was not for me! There was far more room in our trusty old frame tent - we couldn't move. Then I got the awning up. What a difference that made! Doubles the living area. So I will always put the awning up, even if we're staying for only two nights. I still find it a little fiddly at the moment (takes about 90 minutes to finish completely  - with a couple of fag breaks!) but it'll get easier with time. I don't see how I could possibly survive without it.

porch awnings are easy to put up (20 mins or so) but dont think they'd be too safe if it's very windy, not sure you can put storm straps over.

Quote: Originally posted by mark+sherry on 20/6/2007

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porch awnings are easy to put up (20 mins or so) but dont think they'd be too safe if it's very windy, not sure you can put storm straps over.

 

 

 

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I have to correct you on that one, our porchlite has been up in very strong winds and it has never moved, it has it's own storm straps.

 We have storm straps that go over the top of our N R porch awning, at the end of the day it's how well the you peg them down that counts.

 

Stepping out of the caravan means you let the cooler outside air straight into your hopefully warm caravan.  The Porch does retain some semblance of warmth, the draughts are reduced by it and it gives you space to expand into.   It also keeps your neighbours at a distance too.  I don't particularly want to open my caravan door in my usual morning state and look straight into somebody elses bathroom/bedroom whatever. 

The Caravanstor - if you Google it shoud bring you a photo of a suncanopy which just provides a waterproof roof around which, should we so desire, we can put a windbreak.

even with my dicky ticker our full sized NR awning goes up in 30 minutes - that's including a couple of rests.

We put it up even if stopping just the one night.

Ah but you've got a dwty liccle van Frank, you probably need the space and the awning won't be that big.  We have a bloomin' great 26 footer so don't need the space.  I'm quite happy to manage with just the van - even when we had a 17 foot 4 berth. 

Unlike the Pennine Plodder, I actually like opening my door (on a nice morning) and getting that first rush of early morning air, when everyone else is still asleep and the camp's all quiet.  All grass and dew.  Lovely.

We have a Caravanstore Zip and I rave about it - everytime we go away i bore hubby about how great a design it is.

We really need the awing room with 2 boys and it is up in 2 mins if you want the canopy only. Or you can then put the side on and the front or any combination.

If you look at my gallery I think there is a pic of it there with all sides on but the front rolled up.

I love the outdoors so awnings feel a bit dark to me - this is really light and gives you shelter from sun/rain but still keeps the outdoors feeling somehow.

We have only used our folding camper awning twice in 2 seasons ,just seems too much trouble and anyway i would much prefer to sit outside in fresh air than inside an awning .

..............Alan................