Just wondered if there was any way of practicing putting up an awning without attaching it to a caravan. I wanted to practice putting up the awning and attaching the bedroom annexe, but there is not enough room to do it beside the caravan. I do have a big garden in which to practice, but just wondered how to simulate attaching it to the caravan.
I can't think of an easy way, to be honest. If I were in your position, I think I would just have a weekend away at a local site - perhaps there is a local CL or CS where there wouldn't be to many around to sit and watch - you might even find a CL/CS where you are the only one. It seems a bit OTT to go to the trouble of installing a free standing awning rail in the back garden - but if you did, you could always use the awning regularly at home.
------------- David
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there is a house near us,the only instance i have seen.they have an awning attached to the side of the house.its been there for years.i would assume there is a channel on the wall.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
the most important thing to get right is how the poles go together. Lay these out and either put stickers or different colour electrical tape on the matching joints to make it look as if you know what you're doing when you get to site!
I have used market clips [ metal clips,50p off most market trader suppliers] and attached my awning to a tall fence with the clips no damage and managed to sort out my poles from there, to get them replaced / colour coded.
You could always try your local caravan breakers and get an awning rail and attach it to your wall then you could use it at home as well and have the practise you need.
Might try this myself,ideal for extra space when having parties.
we tried ours out by balancing it on a big conifer hedge and tieing a guide rope to the tree! it was good enough to take some ebay photos but I wouldnt have rated its chance in a gale!
We bought a length of awning rail and used our old awning as a playroom during the big school hols when we lived at our old house.
I have thought of doing it again where we live now, but would struggle to peg it down due to the slabbed patio along the only suitable rear wall. We can get ours up whilst on our drive, but wouldnt risk leaving it up there overnight on quite a busy road, chances are it wouldnt be there by the next morning!
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
Thanks for all your replies - I hadn't realised you could buy awning rail and I'll investigate this and see if I can attach it to something in the garden!