I'm currently thinking of changing from a full awning to a good size porch awning but don't have a specific make in mind although that said, the Bradcot Portico and those in the Dorema range have caught my eye.
Being a complete bozo when it comes to awnings - IMHO they're the devil's invention - how does a porch awning attach to the sides of the van? I've heard mention of suction pads but how does this work? I can't visualise the mechanics of it at all.
I expect it's so simple that I'm making a complete idiot of myself by asking. Has anyone got any pics of this aspect of a porch awning installation?
the porch attaches the same way a full awning does i.e. thr the channel, the suction thing you mention about is the way the poles attach to the van, bradcott have a system where the poles attach via the channel which has this extra piece that the clips fit on,
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The roof part of the porch attaches as usual in the awning rail, the sides have padded "sausages" that sit against the side of the van and make a pretty good seal.
When choosing, make sure the "sausages" will not foul the door or come over a window. They are usually about 150-200 mm wide.
i would recommend a pyramid porch as they are very well made i helped a couple put one up a few weeks ago and it was spacious and easy to do the only reason i helped is coz they were struggling as it was the first time
We have a Dorema Laser it is very good and very easy to put up, takes about 30 minutes by my self.It is the only parch awning we have owned so I can not comment on any others. But it does not look like a wet rag when it is up, unlike our full size awning.
It attaches to the van though the awning rail, but it is also self supporting having poles next to the van, they are separated from the van, with foam strips.So the only parts touching the van are the foam strips and the material going though the awning rail.
Ours only just clears the kitchen window, so you need to be a little careful when selecting the size, if there is any part of the van you don’t want to be fouled when it is erected.
We bought a Quest Lounge awning and used it for the main weeks of our holiday this year. Got to admit it was really good with plenty of room in it and it went up in no time,Even managed to get it back in the bag it came in when we had finished the holiday.
If you do decide to go for a porch awning check the width of it and measure the side of your van to make sure it can be positioned in a way that the poles don't interfere with opening your windows.
Vic, you might want to consider the Fiamma Zip. We recently got one and find it very good. You can put up as much of it as you want, and it is really easy too.
Not as sturdy as a "proper" awning, but pretty good.
We switched, mainly out of curiosity, to a budget porch awning this year. Nowhere near as sturdy as a full one (because it doesnt use the full rail or have many poles!!!) , it handled a severe weather warning and wind strong enough to rock the van in Scotland this "summer". At 4 x 2(point something) metres theres ample space for two of us and its significantl lighter and easier to put up than a full size.
Hi Vic, have alook at outdoor revelution awnings they are good lightweight awnings
I have a Spacelight Original and am delighted with it its almost as big as a full awning and easy to put up/take down and is sold through ukcampsite or www.caravanstuff4u.co.uk
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We used a Bradcot Portico XL and are very pleased with it. Its the biggest porch awning we could find (didn't want a full awning) and have just added a tall annex. Its very good quality and on our 'van we position it so that we can open our large side window but cannot fasten open the door. We decided this isn't a problem as we have no flyscreen on the door so would rarely fasten it open especially when we have the dogs with us!
We are very pleased with it and it suits our needs.
We used a Bradcot Portico XL and are very pleased with it. Its the biggest porch awning we could find (didn't want a full awning) and have just added a tall annex. Its very good quality and on our 'van we position it so that we can open our large side window but cannot fasten open the door. We decided this isn't a problem as we have no flyscreen on the door so would rarely fasten it open especially when we have the dogs with us!
We are very pleased with it and it suits our needs.
Many thanks for all your responses. They're a great help.
Our full awning is great and there's nothing wrong with it except that with every year that passes, OH and me find it more and more of a handful to erect. It's quite heavy and the pegging down is a real chore. We see a conventional porch awning as a possible way round this
We'll probably go to the NEC in October where we'll be able to see what's on offer all in one place........
hi Vic, I have the same full size bradcot awning as you ( on a Corona 482), from memory I use 45 pegs to peg it down. I also have a Dorema Toronto and a Bradcot Portico Plus. They both have about half the pegging points of your full awning and are easier to pull through the awning rail. Although slightly smaller the Bradcot is far better quality and the easy alloy frame is easier to assemble, also the draught flaps fold in on the Bradcot and out on the Dorema. I hope this helps you. Regards Tony