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Only just seen this thread. We bought one as the main awning for the van and family for the summer months. I didn't fancy the space and weight of a full awning.
We have used it on 3 holidays on 5 sites in anger now and it has performed very well.
Putting up / taking down - Definitely a 2 person job in my opinion, but only for a couple of minutes. in the middle. Once the pole is zipped into place and the tension cord attached to the pole ends its a 1 man job to get in shape and pegged down. It takes some practice to get correctly lined up but works well. I can do it in about 15 mins or so with a few mins of help. Only down side for us is because of the spacing of windows on the van, we always end up with at least 1 window part inside and part outside. Not a problem for us, but be warned.
Space is good - room for the table and 5 chairs round it + all the other clutter without problems. In fact its so big it wont fit on my in-laws van (a swift archway 2 berth). When its down, its tiny. Comes in 2 bags (canvas in one, poles, pegs and storm straps in the other). Only comes with 2 storm straps and has space for a 3rd (odd), and I must get the 3rd for ease of pitching.
Weather proof the 5M hydrostatic head on the fabric does what it says on the tin. Seems to repel water very well. However, with very heavy rain, we have found that some water can get in at a couple of points (seams maybe) and we occasionally have found drops of water on the table after a heavy prolonged down pour. I think this has a lot to do with how well you get the thing up and correctly tensioned (it has been better on a latter trips even though we had MORE rain) From a wind perspective seems fine.
Usability is good too. lots of options for opening different sections and doors. The whole front can open out and there are windows on all sides. Also lots of vent spaces for ventilation that you can fix open or closed by used of a stiff velcro prop.
Only complaint here is that on the sides, you cant have just a clear window with no fly screen. Its either all closed (blind, window, fly screen), window and fly screen, fly screen only or all open.
Robustness The whole thing feels very sturdy and well made. The seams are strong and its very stable when up. Only complaint was when putting down the last time we used it, while disconnecting the tension strap from the main pole, the end one of the sections of pole (mid pole) split. When we got home I call Discover to asked about replacement who called Outdoor Revolution (while I was on the phone). O.R. agreed that this did not sound like a "normal" brake caused by user error and replaced the entire pole for free within 24 hours. Fantastic service.
Over all I have been very pleased with the 450.
I like the space and weight advantage and the ease / speed of put up / strike. It feels (to me) to be plenty big although OH would still like a full awning for the palatial ballroom space it would provide (though I cant see why).
Would I get another - absolutely, recommend to a friend - definitely.
I will try and post some pics in the gallery
Tobes
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