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Topic: Any comments on inflatable awnings?

Monty8

25/4/2013 at 3:50am
Location: Shropshire
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We are looking at buying an awning and have seen adverts for the Sunncamp and Kampa inflatable awnings. Has anyone got one, if so what is your opinion on them? We have never put an awning of any sort up before so not sure how difficult or time consuming a normal awning is to erect.

Many thanks from a newbie.

Chris.

andy4x4

25/4/2013 at 6:28am
Location: Scottish Borders
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Monty I have seen these but never had anything to do with them so can't give any real info on the inflatable side of things. As for traditional awning we have one and generally always put it up every trip. Ours is a full size Bradcot awning for a 23ft van so not a small item. We are now well practiced at this and can now have the whole thing done in about 45 mins between the wife and I. It has taken a bit of practice and to start with it did take us longer. We found the key was to do everything in sequence as per manufacturer's instructions. The longest job I find is pegging it out but I am a bit OCD about trying to get the sides nice and straight. I would totally recommend a good traditional awning as it changes the whole use of your van and makes for so much more room giving both storage and a great place to sit out. There is nothing like sitting in your awning in the evening with a nice cooper listing to the rain patter of the roof ( I could go on about nice sunny days but we are in the UK so rain scenario more likely

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pottsy

25/4/2013 at 9:20am
Location: Wallsend
Outfit: Kampa Hayling Air pro 6

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We have just moved over to a caravan, having had a folding camper for the last 3 years. Putting up the awning was always the worst bit. When buying the caravan I went round a few local dealers and I asked for a Kampa Rally Air 290 as part of my negotiating as another dealer had offered me a better part ex. We have been away for one weekend with the new set up and I cant think of any bad points for the awning. It is very easy to put up, no poles to fight with and is very sturdy. It looks good too, light and airy with fly mesh doors and windows that can be opened halfway down so you get fresh air but can keep the dogs in. We love it.

Ali

nelmo

25/4/2013 at 9:56am
Location: Surrey
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Wow, they look great - but £500 (for the small one - £600 for the bigger one)!!

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threaders

25/4/2013 at 12:20pm
Location: Yeovil
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I saw the outdoor revolution oxygen at Highbridge - looks impressive and I will get one soon

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Monty8

25/4/2013 at 3:33pm
Location: Shropshire
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Thank you all for your replies. They are expensive but so are some of the traditional awnings, over £1000 some of them.
Ali - how long does it take to put it up and take down?
Threaders - I haven't seen that one, I will take a look.

Regards

Chris.

pottsy

25/4/2013 at 7:31pm
Location: Wallsend
Outfit: Kampa Hayling Air pro 6

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Quote: Originally posted by Monty8 on 25/4/2013
Thank you all for your replies. They are expensive but so are some of the traditional awnings, over £1000 some of them.
Ali - how long does it take to put it up and take down?
Threaders - I haven't seen that one, I will take a look.

Regards

Chris.

Chris, it took 15 mins from getting it out the bag. No arguing, cursing, threats of violence

and that was a first attempt. You just make sure the valves that are inside are closed (you open them to let the air out)( I am sure there is 2 of them inside) and that the 3 valves on the outside pillars are open (to let the air in). Slide it onto the caravan rail, peg out the four corners then pump about 5 times for each pillar, peg out the guys. It really is that easy.There is some youtube videos. My only regret is that I didnt get the bigger size as we have 4 dukdalf chairs and two of them are really too big. Hopefully that wont be a problem as the weather will be scorcio and the big sun lounger chairs will be outside

Having had a huge traditional awning -

[/IMG]

and now this one I know which one I prefer

You can see how light and airy it is and I know that if I choose to go away with the caravan on my own ( I am part of a ladies fly fishing club ) I will be able to put it up no problems.

Ali

Monty8

25/4/2013 at 8:06pm
Location: Shropshire
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Thanks Ali for all the info. I'm seriously considering the bigger one. Going to show my OH later.

Thanks everyone.

kitchensinkcampers

25/4/2013 at 9:55pm
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Kampa are currently selling the air rally range at the moment as you know. Apparently this September they are to release the air fiesta ( or whatever it may be called) so depending on the style you prefer it may be worth waiting for. So we are waiting......

nelmo

26/4/2013 at 11:15am
Location: Surrey
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Quote: Originally posted by Monty8 on 25/4/2013Thank you all for your replies. They are expensive but so are some of the traditional awnings, over £1000 some of them.

Yes, but the inflatable ones are all the size of a traditional porch awning only - they don't go the full length of the van (yet) and probably have only half the floor space of a normal, full-size job.

Having only paid £125 for my second-hand, full-sized awning, I'll wait until some appear on the second-hand market and maybe get one to replace my current porch awning.

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Monty8

26/4/2013 at 4:31pm
Location: Shropshire
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Nelmo - to be honest we don't want a full size awning. There's only 2 of us so a 3/4 size one would be sufficient. I do take your point though. Am now considering buying a second hand one until the new air fiesta comes out in September as mentioned by kitchensinkcampers and see what that is like.
So much to think about and consider.
Thanks again.

nev75

27/4/2013 at 9:59am
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I have ordered a Vango Airbeam for my campervan from Towsure. Delivery was promised for mid-April. I am still waiting. Promised now for mid May even though they have taken the money. So just a warning. Some of these awings are on long delivery, let's hope it is because they are so good everybody is buying them.

LyraTours

27/4/2013 at 11:02am
Location: Glasgow
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I have the 390 version, very good and so easy to put up! Here's a pic

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Big Brian 56

28/4/2013 at 9:36am
Location: Morley
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B-I-L has one - the future, after messing about with safari rooms and movelite - though the latter is not too bad tbh , our Xmas box to each other methinks, B-I-L novice, but, up - and down, in no time.

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Ems80

10/8/2014 at 10:55pm
Location: Staffordshire
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Hi, can anyone tell me if a full sized air awning is coming onto the market any time soon please ? The biggest we have found is 420.
Cheers !

glittering-prize

13/8/2014 at 12:23am
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Quote: Originally posted by Monty8 on 25/4/2013
We are looking at buying an awning and have seen adverts for the Sunncamp and Kampa inflatable awnings. Has anyone got one, if so what is your opinion on them? We have never put an awning of any sort up before so not sure how difficult or time consuming a normal awning is to erect.

Many thanks from a newbie.

Chris.

We had a porch awning like new but with standard poles.It was a right sod to erect and the slightest wind pulled out the poles and scratched the van.It took ages so we scrapped it.This season we got a suncamp ultimair air 280 and we love it.The awning is bigger than our old one and very sturdy.Takes 10 mins to put up.Slide in rail,pumps sections a few times and peg down,its so easy we even put it up on a weekend.Plus it dont damage the van.They are brilliant,we paid £250 plus part chopping our old one at lowdham caravans.I would never go back to poles of any sort

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