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Subject Topic: Air Awning Help-Can`t Decide?
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06/5/2015 at 8:13pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman SI H
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Just got back from second trip with our new Prestina air 390. Salesmen talk crap to inflate it with the stirrup pump supplied with it damn near killed me and the wife.

Last trip we used an electric hi volume, low pressure pump designed for inflating dingies and it was up in minutes despite having 4 separate air poles to inflate. Like others we left the stiffeners inflated from the previous trip.

Despite heavy rain and fairly windy conditions it didn't leak or budge in the wind.

I'm glad we bought it. I think there are pros and cons to the single v multiple inflation points issue but I can vouch for the fact that multiple inflation points + battery driven pump is still a definate advantage over erection time for a pole based awning.

-------------
Best Regards

David


06/5/2015 at 9:49pm
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo
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Quote: Originally posted by maughanjen on 05/5/2015
Just used our new Vango Varkala and the rain poured in above the front air beams on all three windows, not just a trickle but a waterfall, couldn't really tell the exact whereabouts, looked like it could be the top seam. Contacted the seller and not really interested, they said they will wait and see what Vango have to say.
Wet flooring and useless to use.



bought vango 420 last feb when they came out.over the moon with it at easter, very easy to put up. then next time it went up in a light breeze it kept collaping and the rain flooding in top seem along the full length., spoke to dealer who contacted vango who then phoned me at the campsite, took photos and sent them away.returned awning to vango not sure what they did, got it back and no difference dealer offered a full refund and then got a full dorema awning with steel poles.


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09/5/2015 at 5:06pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy
View maughanjen's Profile View Profile   Reply to maughanjen Reply   Quote maughanjen Quote  
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Varkala has gone back to the dealer, we've asked for our money back, as we're not messing about while it goes to vango to be checked, not fit for purpose, dealer have agreed, have yet to be refunded.Will keep informed. No idea what to buy,outdoor revolution looking good,except their curtains are side zips, kampa air pro another contender   but not keen on the white curtains.Still like the varkala...could be a long job.:)


09/5/2015 at 6:30pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
View checkley1973's Profile View Profile   Reply to checkley1973 Reply   Quote checkley1973 Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by maughanjen on 09/5/2015
Varkala has gone back to the dealer, we've asked for our money back, as we're not messing about while it goes to vango to be checked, not fit for purpose, dealer have agreed, have yet to be refunded.Will keep informed. No idea what to buy,outdoor revolution looking good,except their curtains are side zips, kampa air pro another contender   but not keen on the white curtains.Still like the varkala...could be a long job.:)


take a look in person at the Dorema Magnum Air All Season, fantastic awning, we love ours


10/5/2015 at 7:26pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy
View maughanjen's Profile View Profile   Reply to maughanjen Reply   Quote maughanjen Quote  
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We want a 420,and unfortunately they don't make that size.390 is tempting but it fouls back locker or electric point :(


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10/5/2015 at 7:33pm
 Location: Suffolk
 Outfit: Adria Sportline 532 UP
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I'd have suggested a Bradcott, we are happy with ours, but again it is a 390

-------------
Alan

2016
February C&CC Theobalds Park
March C&CC Salisbury
May C&CC Adgestone IOW
July Le Clos Auroy, Auvergne France
August C&CC Polstead
August C&CC Oxford
October C&CC Lauder


10/5/2015 at 8:13pm
 Location: Sheffield
 Outfit: Sterling Eccles Sport 636
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Quote: Originally posted by maughanjen on 10/5/2015
We want a 420,and unfortunately they don't make that size.390 is tempting but it fouls back locker or electric point :(



so does ours to be honest but it's the under bed locker so we just get to it from inside. Good luck, hope you find one you like.


10/5/2015 at 8:44pm
 Location: East Midlands
 Outfit: Elddis Avante 576
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I can recommend the Kampa Fiesta Air Pro, we have the 420, the material is nice and thick and looks good too. We went for the Kampa because of the single inflation point and the fiesta as you can zip out both sides and the front completely leaving you with more of a canopy.

After teething problems with the awning rail (sorted thanks to Ukcampsite forum members) it only took 20 minutes to put up and 10 minutes to put away, its so easy.

-------------
Lindsey

2016: TBC!
2015: 34 nights





10/5/2015 at 9:40pm
 Location: West Lothian
 Outfit: Avante 534 Carrera 600 Peugeot 807
View Feecamp's Profile View Profile   Reply to Feecamp Reply   Quote Feecamp Quote  
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We have the Vango Varkala 420 and, after just one outing were absolutely delighted with it - it was easy to put up, stood rock solid and was easy to take down and pack away.

Concerned by maughanjen's experiences but, having had several Vango tents over the years, we're not put off and are looking forward to its next outing.

-------------
Best Wishes and Happy Travels,
Feecamp


11/5/2015 at 9:40pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy
View maughanjen's Profile View Profile   Reply to maughanjen Reply   Quote maughanjen Quote  
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We've had vango tents and never had a problem,that's why we bought the varkala. Anyway money refunded via amazon so this weekend we'll be buying again. Going to get the varkala again, we really like the design,and hopefully it'll be top class. Fingers crossed.Enjoyed all the input and I'll keep posting.Great feedback and lots to think about.


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12/5/2015 at 5:46pm
 Location: Nottingham
 Outfit: Hyundai i30 se and Bailey Ranger 460 2
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We bought the Kampa Fiesta Air Pro and used it for the first time Bank Holiday weekend. I wasn't convinced as it was expensive but it was the easiest thing in the world to inflate, and it held its shape so no messing about is it straight or not.
The single inflation point was convenient and if you have any concerns you can always isolate all the air beams when its inflated so only one would deflate if the worse happens.
I used the pump no problem, and so did hubby (he was faster).
The best bit was putting it away - absolute piece of cake, done and in bag in minutes.
I agree its heavier to feed through the awning rail, but I suppose you could zip the panels out first?
Both front panels come off so its like a giant sun canopy, and no trip hazard . The material feels very good quality.


18/5/2015 at 5:49pm
 Location: Wiltshire
 Outfit: Wildax Campervan
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We have just purchased the Vango Varkala (large one). Had it on it's first trip the other weekend. Very rainy, but as dry as anything - the other person who said theirs leaked must have had a 'Friday' job!   We liked that there was not one point to inflate. It was very quick to put up, even for the first attempt. Also as a plus, easier still to deflate and chuck back into the bag. It also fits nearer to the van than previous awnings we have had.


18/5/2015 at 10:21pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy
View maughanjen's Profile View Profile   Reply to maughanjen Reply   Quote maughanjen Quote  
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Is it a 2015 model? We bought a varkala 420 again and we'll use it this weekend, need a rain storm during the night to test it. Hope this one was made mid week ! Loved the fit to the van and the awning altogether,just hope this one is dry.

Off to Thorpe farm Greta Bridge near Barnard Castle


26/5/2015 at 8:07pm
 Location: Durham
 Outfit: Bailey pageant burgundy
View maughanjen's Profile View Profile   Reply to maughanjen Reply   Quote maughanjen Quote  
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Success.Wet and windy no problems,poured extra water over the seams and all dry, 2015 model better, front beams are standalone and not stitched into the seams.Nothing to pull on the top seam.Happy awning, and restored Faith in Vango.


27/5/2015 at 5:33pm
 Location: UK
 Outfit: None Entered
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So did the op Dave11 get one ?

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30/5/2015 at 9:00pm
 Location: Sussex
 Outfit: Swift 645 Elegance - Range Rover Sport
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Hi Stevo 1
Yes we looked at just about every air awning available and have ordered the new Bradcot Aspire Air 390 with the electric pump. It is due in end of June. We like the finish and roof supports all built in rather than seperate supports.
We very nearly went for the Kampa Pro 390 but did not like the air valves all over the roof. We also liked the flow of the roofline when erected which should reduce the chance of any water wells in heavy rainfall, also the material is not the rip stop type material , it is made of the heavier type fabric like the Kamps Air Pro.



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