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How to measure.

Forgot to add, Isabella awnings are very good but very pricey . We have had the Dorema make, and cant fault them.

  And welcome to  UKCS        

Hi Muchly , tell us the make , model and year of your caravan and we'll see if we can find out the size for you .

atb

Wizard

Hi Morkeleb,

What Jusy says is right.  Isabella are the top brand, but it's worth looking around.  The trouble is, everyone will have their own idea.  At present, I tend to like the Eurovent awnings because of the pegging points.  I know Jusy likes her Dorema, but I find the pegging points a little tedious.  Dorema (and Isabella) have a very good system for how the poles connect to the van - in this respect Eurovent is probably less good.

Your choice of awning may depend on how you intend to caravan.  If you are intending to be a frequent weekend caravanner, then it might be worth looking at one of the good lightweight porch awnings, e.g. the Kampa Fiesta (I have just ordered one of these).  I would personally not put up a full awning unless I intended to be on a site for about a week or more - just find it a bit of a fuss.  If you intend to go away for a couple of weeks at a time, and do it frequently, then a full awning would probably be better.  If you intend to leave your caravan on a site and leave the awning up all the time, then go for a really good quality (probably an Isabella).

If you are starting caravanning this time of the year, I would think it is more likely to be weekend use.  You could get a porch awning for now, and invest in a full awning next year when the weather gets better and you are more likely to stay on a site for a week or so.

Firstly decide if you want a full awning or porch awning at this stage and then folk will be only too willing to write their suggestions.

Best of luck.

Quote: Originally posted by D S B on 27/9/2009

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  I know Jusy likes her Dorema,

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We use the Kampa Rally 260 now. Quick and easy for us lol

Quote: Originally posted by Morkeleb on 28/9/2009

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First of, many thanks for the warm welcome, secondly thanks for your replies, obviously experienced caravanners. We plan to use it mainly for weekends and a week away a couple of times of year. We have two children so the space would be a bonus, so I guess a few trial runs to see if it's worth the hassle of putting it up, but saying that as a seasoned camper of an 8 berth tent I'm hoping it wont take no longer to erect. Is it worthwhile to go second hand on awnings or worth the the splash to go new?

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If you are going mainly for weekends, I would seriously consider a large porch awning.  The Kampa Fiesta is 3.5m long and comes out from the van the standard 2.5m.  It is a lightweight but looks a good quality one.  I have one on order and am expecting it to be delivered tomorrow.  There is a thread here: http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=8&TopicID=199293&PagePosition=1

I had difficulty in tracking one down at a good price but everything4liesure have it on sale at £259 but they have a 10% discount offer at the moment, making it £233.10.  If you want to see one then look here: http://www.everything4leisure.com/acatalog/info_KMCE740319.html

The other thing to consider is the length of your van.  If your van really long, then you would get a lot more space with a full awning (+ it would probably take longer to put up).  If your van is not over long, then how much would you gain/loose by having a porch/full awning - there may not be a significant difference?  In which case, in view of your useage, whould a porch awning be just as good - a lightweight would certainly be cheaper, but IMHO I would go for a more substantial lightweight.  There are quite a few on the market at present.

If you want to go for a full awning, then again there is plenty of choice according to your pocket.  Isabella is at the top of the range (too expensive for me), then there is Trio, Dorema, Bradcot, Eurovent, NR, just to name a handful.

The trouble is you can't really trial run an awning unless you buy it.  It might just be worth going to a local retailer to see what they have going.  It will give you some idea of prices, size and quality.  There are also plenty of online shops too.  I would tend to look online first and when I have spotted what I think would fit the bill, then go and see one in the flesh.

Second hand awnings are always a bit of a gamble, I suppose - you can strike it lucky, but you can strike it unlucky too.

Let us know what sort of van you have (and if you can, the length) and whether you want ot go for a full or porch awning and I'm sure there will be those who would give their opinions and experiences.

Best wishes,

Quote: Originally posted by Morkeleb on 29/9/2009

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Next question, does the awning come with it's own weight stamped on it,

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Not actually stamped on it, but there is usually information i.e. in a brochure, instructions, or even the packing weight that will enable you to get this info.

 

Quote: Originally posted by Morkeleb on 29/9/2009

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do you have to allow an extra percentage when you load up to allow for damp canvas?

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Well, I have to be honest and say I have never give this a thought.  Most of the time we try to pack up dry.  If we do pack up wet, then the awning usually goes straight into the boot of he car so that we can get it out when we get home to do essential drying.  I don't think we've ever packed a wet awning into the van, and certainly not wet enough to make an appreciable difference to the weight.

Hope this helps a little.