Message Forums

Hi there - wonder if you can help.  We have a fab full isabella awning for summer/warm trips but it is impossible to heat in colder weather as it is so big.  Due to mother-in-law being in care home and no longer able to accommodate us when we visit we are going to keep the 'van near her and use it all year round for weekends and school holidays.

We are therefore looking for a sturdy yet quick/easy to erect porch awning.

First question - would 250cm x 260cm be big enough for a small table and 4 chairs? That's all we need in the awning.

Would it be possible to take the chill off in a porch awning this size so we can sit in it comfortably? We have a convector heater which makes little difference in the full awning.

I have done some research and it seems to come down to 3 - Isabella minor - pricey and probably too small at 200cm

Kampa Rally 260 looks a possibility - do the straight poles make much difference in space?

Sunncamp Ultima 260 in acrylic - does it make a difference to have acrylic rather than tent fabric?

Any thoughts/advice greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Lindsey

Porch awnings do not seal to the 'van as full awnings do and are therefore impossible to keep warm.  We have the Isabella Minor which seals better than the Bradcot Portico XL that we had previously.

Isabella do a bigger porch than the Minor so that may be worth a look. Of course, if the porch awning 'lays' over a window then the awning doesn't seal at all!

Quote: Originally posted by Lassie on 06/7/2011

---

Porch awnings do not seal to the 'van as full awnings do and are therefore impossible to keep warm.

---

Im sorry , I disagree  ,you must be using the wrong heater .
We have camped over new year with snow on the ground and out Sunncamp porch awning was toasty with just a little fan heater in there ,I would have my dogs in a cold awning .

Cant comment on the Kampa ,as we havent used it yet ,im hoping it will be the same ? 

Quote: Originally posted by skiTTish on 06/7/2011

---

Im sorry , I disagree  ,you must be using the wrong heater .
We have camped over new year with snow on the ground and out Sunncamp porch awning was toasty with just a little fan heater in there ,I would have my dogs in a cold awning .

Cant comment on the Kampa ,as we havent used it yet ,im hoping it will be the same ? 

Post last edited on 06/07/2011 11:56:09

---

Our heater is an Outwell 'M' heater which have had some really good write-ups on here.  I think probably the reality of the situation is that we have not really given it a good 'extended' go in the winter, as I hinted at in my first post, preferring to sit in the warmth of the van.    We tent to migrate to the awning in the Spring, at which time the heater does an excellent job in the cooler evenings, when we have sat out with friends.  To be honest, I wouldn't have thought the heat retention in an awning would be much different if you compare one lightweights with another lightweight of the same size.  It may make a difference if you compare a lightweight with a non-lighweight though.  Perhaps someone will be along soon who has had experience of comparing lightweight and non-lightweight of the same size.  We have used the Outwell 'M' in our smaller lightweight and full traditional awning and find it is good in both - I don't think I've really noticed if one is appreciably better than the other??    There may be too many variables to judge.

Well - yes - but we have a dog and it is good to have some extra space.  Also - much as I LOVE our adria van - the double bed is a tad frustrating to put away and assemble - think krypton factor and I have to admit that the seating is not the comfiest anyway - so - we are lazy and leave it down.  Hands up.  We could eat at the dinette but would be a squeeze for four and just like to sit outside while the boys sleep - don't mind having jackets on - each to their own I suppose!  Thanks for all the replies - going to Camping International today to check some out.

Lindsey