Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: Dorema air awning

Mrs mouse

via mobile 21/8/2021 at 6:42pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Lunar Ariva

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 141

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	4
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	26
Site Nights 2023:	24
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	2

Hi, looking for some help or ideas please. We have a brand new full air awning for a lunar ariva and are using it for the first time. It fits the caravan fine and pumped up easily. However the pitch we are on is slightly sloping and one end beam seems to sag down which is causing the rain to puddle on the awning foot.
Unlike the poled awnings we can't see a way to rectify this as obviously it is not adjustable like a pole. We have pads (4) to raise the upright beams if needed but it doesn't improve the problem. The zip for the door is also very tight, we left it zipped up while inflating and pegging but then found after opening it that it wouldn't do up again.
Feeling a bit despondent and wishing we'd gone for a poled awning. Our previous one was an isabella but for a folding camper so obviously made specially for that whilst this one is the correct size band but not specific. The draft skirt for instance is several inches too long. Think we must be at the shortest length for the size range.
The quality is also nowhere near as good as the isabella so feel a bit let down..no eyelets to peg down skirts, curtains are thin and overall feels a bit cheap.
Am I being overly critical? Was just expecting more and it being easier than poles.

-------------
Linda

2017
May - 3 nights Yeatheridge.
May - 5 nights Mill Park, Ilfracombe
July - 6 nights not sure where yet
August - 2 weeks Croatia, Camp Lanterna.
2018
May - 3 night Yeatheridge campsite
May half term - 6 nights Cornwall
July - 1 week Cotswolds
August - 2 weeks Vendee.

Mrs mouse

via mobile 21/8/2021 at 6:44pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Lunar Ariva

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 141

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	4
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	26
Site Nights 2023:	24
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	2

Sorry should say puddle on awning roof, not foot!

-------------
Linda

2017
May - 3 nights Yeatheridge.
May - 5 nights Mill Park, Ilfracombe
July - 6 nights not sure where yet
August - 2 weeks Croatia, Camp Lanterna.
2018
May - 3 night Yeatheridge campsite
May half term - 6 nights Cornwall
July - 1 week Cotswolds
August - 2 weeks Vendee.

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

camcroft

21/8/2021 at 10:35pm
Location: Lincolnshire
Outfit: Elddis Xplore 302 SE 2011

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 21/7/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1893
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

When we first bought our Kampa air awning the first trip out the heavens opened really badly we also experienced pooling water and it was leaking through the seam so we contacted Kampa and was told that like any other canvas type awning that the thread would swell and that should solve the problem they were very helpful. The real problem which we found out ourselves was that the awning was not blown up to its full capacity and was not creating a run off slope for the water. We bought a proper dedicated Kampa pump and have never looked back since.Just a thought.

tango55

21/8/2021 at 11:20pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

You say there is pooling on the awning roof but don't say which section it of the roof it is. Is it on the front section towards the caravan front, at the rear or one of the mid sections?

tango55

23/8/2021 at 7:48pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

Yes you probably are being over critical because you haven't answered the last question. I've experienced pooling on the roof previously but there was a solution but can't advise unless you state which position of the roof it is that's pooling.

Mrs mouse

via mobile 30/8/2021 at 9:13pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Lunar Ariva

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 141

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	4
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	26
Site Nights 2023:	24
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	2

Sorry for not replying sooner...I ran out of data on my phone (flipping facebook! 🙄) while on holiday.
The pooling on the roof was on one side above the pole running from front corner of the awning to the caravan, the other side was fine. Still unsure how to make adjustments to rectify this, have tried adjusting the position of poles but minimal options as attach with velcro.
The bottom of the upright poles velcro onto flaps attached to the bottom of awning and soaked up the damp from the rain and got very muddy ( the pitch was muddy when we got to the site and got progressively worse ). Again we are going to need a think on how to minimise this as it took some drying out before packing whereas poles just needed a wipe down.
A case of learning as we go I think. For and against with air and poles and we have encountered issues which we hadn't considered where poles may have been a better option but ease of erecting the air awning was definitely a bonus.

-------------
Linda

2017
May - 3 nights Yeatheridge.
May - 5 nights Mill Park, Ilfracombe
July - 6 nights not sure where yet
August - 2 weeks Croatia, Camp Lanterna.
2018
May - 3 night Yeatheridge campsite
May half term - 6 nights Cornwall
July - 1 week Cotswolds
August - 2 weeks Vendee.

tango55

30/8/2021 at 10:40pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

As the pooling was on the front corner of the air awning, does your caravan roof have a slight slope running from about half way sloping down towards the front?
If it does then this likely to be your problem as the height reduces slightly affecting the shape of the awning roof causing it to sag slightly which then creates pooling in heavy rain. Air awnings only really work effectively with a caravan having a straight roof so the height is constant from the back to the front. That's one of the reasons why we can only use a 260 cm. air awning because of the slope which if you look at my profile photos you can see where the awning roof ends and the caravan roof begins the slope downwards.

Mrs mouse

via mobile 30/8/2021 at 11:02pm
Location: Devon
Outfit: Lunar Ariva

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 141

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	4
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	26
Site Nights 2023:	24
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	2

That sounds like it is the problem then as the caravan roof does slope down at the front. We hadn't realised it would create this problem so may have to live with it ( and keep fingers crossed for fine weather whenever we are away 🤞). The roof beam that end seems to bow down slightly as well whatever the pressure of air inside so maybe the positioning is not ideal due to caravan shape. May have to improvise in the rain and prop that end beam up with something to keep the awning roof taut as we had quite a puddle forming.
Wasn't given any advice regarding roof line of caravan in regards to best awning when we bought it and being a very short caravan, a porch awning wasn't really an option. Oh well, we live and learn and will make the best of what we have, grown to like it much more in the sunny weather we had the second week!

-------------
Linda

2017
May - 3 nights Yeatheridge.
May - 5 nights Mill Park, Ilfracombe
July - 6 nights not sure where yet
August - 2 weeks Croatia, Camp Lanterna.
2018
May - 3 night Yeatheridge campsite
May half term - 6 nights Cornwall
July - 1 week Cotswolds
August - 2 weeks Vendee.

tango55

31/8/2021 at 12:21am
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

We used to have a lightweight 260 porch awning whereby the small diameter fibreglass flexible poles were fed through the material tubes on the OUTSIDE of the awning so the material was in suspension of the poles. In heavy rain we ALWAYS had rain water pooling on the front end even though the slope was only a just a couple of inches away from the awning end position so we changed to an air awning for that reason whereby the inflatable tubes were on the inside of the roof supporting the material instead. The position of both porch awnings were exactly the same but the air awning cured the problem and have never had an issue with roof pooling again since buying the 260 cm. air awning in 2018.
With a caravan having a sloping roof at the front, the best option is to go for a poled awning merely because you can adjust the height of each corner respectively to suit the different heights of the caravan roof at the front and back but as far as not being given any advice in relation to this, it's one of those things that you gain by personal experience and observation to determine any obvious reason why the awning doesn't fit properly. We also have a steel poled FULL awning which is longer but because of the sloping roof at the front and able to adjust the leg length respectively I can get the fitment just right at ground level.

Mrs mouse

via mobile 05/9/2021 at 9:26am
Location: Devon
Outfit: Lunar Ariva

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 04/5/2015

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 141

Site Reviews Total:	22

Site Reviews 2024:	4
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	2
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	2
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	26
Site Nights 2023:	24
Site Nights 2022:	6
Site Nights 2021:	5
Site Nights 2020:	9
Site Nights 2019:	12
Site Nights 2018:	2

Hi, can I pick your brains brains for a bit more advice please with regard to air awnings?
The bottom of our upright poles attach with velcro to small flaps which are fixed at the bottom of the awning, one centre and two corner poles. To begin with my husband placed these flaps and poles on top of the groundsheet as he didn't want them to get dirty on a very muddy pitch. However as I had suspected, when it rained the water just ran in to the awning off the awning sides. The ends of the air beams also soaked up the wet. This would have been an issue if we hadn't been moving to another site and putting the awning up again as they would need to dry out before packing up.
At our next site we placed the poles on the ground resting on the flaps and put the groundsheet over the top of the awning skirts which is what we always did with our folding camper awning.
Now the weather had improved, the pitch wasn't muddy and we didn't have a problem. If it had been raining though I think the end of the air beams would have still soaked up the water and got muddy. We do have four foam pads for raising them but meant more for uneven ground.
Any thoughts on this and is it a problem others come across?. With normal poles it's just a case of wiping them dry and job done..the air awning has given us another problem to solve which we hadn't considered when deciding between air and poled awnings. Thanks.

-------------
Linda

2017
May - 3 nights Yeatheridge.
May - 5 nights Mill Park, Ilfracombe
July - 6 nights not sure where yet
August - 2 weeks Croatia, Camp Lanterna.
2018
May - 3 night Yeatheridge campsite
May half term - 6 nights Cornwall
July - 1 week Cotswolds
August - 2 weeks Vendee.

tango55

05/9/2021 at 1:06pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

The Dorema air awning may differ slightly to the Kampa air awning in terms of the base poles but the poles are waterproof anyway so it's just a matter of wiping them clean with a damp cloth when packing up. However, we never use a groundsheet with either of our awnings anyway so don't encounter any problems with rain water seeping underneath. If I was to use a groundsheet I would place it inside the awning behind the poles to keep it the base of the legs dry. When you mention the 4 pads, they are not for lifting the awning under the legs, they are used for packing behind the air beams that press against the caravan side directly underneath the awning rail. If you put them under the legs then that will encourage a draught under the awning skirt.
Below is a short YouTube video showing the air awning packing pads which may help.

Here

Hairywol

22/9/2021 at 10:08pm
Location: Teesside
Outfit: Challenger Sport 524 + Volvo V90 D5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2005

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1430
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	29

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

With air awnings you pay for the tubes - poled versions of what I suspect is the Daytona are far less expensive. I've just been looking at awnings since I've bought a new caravan and my size 13 Daytona (fibretech poles) won't fit.

I noticed that Isabella make air awnings now, but at a truly eye-watering price, so you gets your quality but you pays your price.

So after scouring every make and price point, and agonising over full vs porch, I've bought exactly the same awning again in size 16 (my current one has done seven years of touring camping across Europe). Plus ça change :-)

On adjusting for uneven/sloping ground, which air awnings can't do, I recall a Youtube video where the guy used blocks of high-density foam to go between the ceiling tubes and the caravan side (to tension the roof) and under the corners (to level the awning).

Post last edited on 22/09/2021 22:14:00

-------------
Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5035 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder