I have just bought a sunncamp ultima 260 porch awning and am having a slight problem getting it flush against the van, as unlike a traditional awning it doesn't fit all the way down the awning rail how is it wind proof? I want to put the sleeping compartment in there but i'm worried it will be draughty? thanks x
lots or threads on this site regarding the utimas, some people love them some dont.
We could NEVER get a nice tight fit against the van, sometimes managed to sort of get one side flush, but never both sides at once, and yes it was draughty, we ended trying to put pieces of tarlpaulin over the gaps.
Also leaked like a sieve when it rained, despite attempts to seal it using sealer. The last straw was when it ripped whilst putting it on the awning rail, resulting in a 3ft tear.
that said some people seem to get a tight fit and have never had it leak LOL
Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
I bought one of these 2 weeks ago and have only used it once so far. I was very happy with it but I will see if it stands the test of time. It did rain and no leaks. I just pegged it out pulling the thing as far under the van as I could.
We have used one of these as a winter/weekend awning for the last 2 years. We have had no leaks, although the ability to get it flush with the sides of the van seem to be directly related to the level (or not) of the ground around the van. Try pegging out the two corners underneath the van first and then the outer two corners. Then insert the carbon fibre poles. It seems to work for us. A great awning we think!
We put lengths of pipe lagging on the edges closest to the van. This seems to help a bit. We have had a little leak along the awning rail but having said that we are pleased with it but i dont think i would use it for sleeping though unless you are sure the weather is going to be good.
We have the larger Ultima 390. Getting the fit right depends on the level of the pitch. These are designed for a flat pitch to ensure the fit is flush with the caravan. If it slopes down away from the caravan there can be a tendancy for excess material to flap against the caravan. If the slope goes up away from the caravan then there is a gap between the awning and caravan getting larger towards the bottom.
It is possible to try to force a better fit, but the material is lightweight and care must be taken not to rip it.
That said, when on a good pitch and the awning is fitted correctly, it is impressive. We are happy with ours and think it has been good value for money.
One way to improve the seal is to fit an eyelet to the wind flap down the side of the awning and secure it to the chassis. I have also come across people who have taped the flap to the caravan. Just need to make sure the tape wont leave adhesive when removed.
We've got a Pack 260 instead. It looks very much the same as the Ultima, but it has lightweight poles and pads to fit it snugly against the side of the caravan. The fabric is a wee bit denser too.
Thank you so much for all your great ideas! I was thinking of maybe fixing some poppers to the van but i guess it may be difficult to always get the awning in the same place! Anyway i'm feeling much happier now i've got over my tantrum of not being able to fit it!