Hi to all,
I am going to buy a new awning. We have an old (2008) Movelite XL. It has served us well. Very well indeed. Unfortunately it is now passed it's sell by date, and as it still is ok it will now become a play tent for children in the event of rain during school holidays. We also have an Airbeam Sapera tall. This is a fantastic awning, we have had it since August 2013. It is being used and is a great quality product. However had I given more thought at the time (even though I asked on here for thoughts on it's size) I should have gone for something smaller. It is a wonderful tool it really is. But some pitches are not able to accommodate its size. As we have this Vango product, and are well pleased with it. I am wondering if anyone has an opinion that would help me to decide on other air awnings. We chose Vango in the first place as they had been making Airbeam tents for a number of years, and seemed to make a pretty good job of those also. I know that Vango make the smaller Kela in the Tall size now, and am seriously thinking that we will go with that, unless anyone has fallen for their particular brand, and are using it often without problems or difficulty. Many thanks, I know we are always ready for a little rave about the particular attributes or otherwise of products they have purchased.
I see hundreds of awnings attached to vans. You all bought them for your own reasons. Please share your brand choice and thoughts of them in use. The good points, the not so good, and the best part of actually owning and using the awning of your choice. Thank you.
Hi to ALL,
I can't believe that of all the members on here, who have read my post, they seem secretive about their awnings. All I need is, do you like it, do not like it, what type it is etc. I am just asking for your views on your awning of choice. Is it something you wish you had never seen/bought etc. Its brand name, size, how easy to put up, take down. Is it a piece of rubbish or is it a great part of your kit? In other words, would you recommend it? PLEASE.
I have to say that I`ve never seen the attraction in having a tent attached to the side of my MH. The big thing for me with camping is to be outdoors, and to chat with fellow campers and be sociable, and I always feel that awnings put a stop to that. I have a Fiamma wind-out awning that gives me shade and keeps us and the outdoor furniture dry but doesn`t make us feel that we are sitting indoors. It also only takes about a minute to wind-out.
Thank you for the reply. It is each to his own in this game and that is exactly what I was asking for, every ones opinions of what they have and how they work with it, or it with them. Thanks again.
I suppose an awning may come in handy for a portapotti if wild camping, or on a site where the toilets are grotty. Also, stopping at a site for a few days and wish to de-clutter the van. Also an inside / outside demarcation for muddy boots etc. Yes they do have viable uses. I am awaiting for a Nissan NV200 van to be converted, and, as it is smaller than a VW T4, we are looking for a suitable awning candidate that won't take up too much space when packed away. Ciao
We like an awning option. We bought an air awning last year for our motorhome which we really liked. Unfortunately it doesn't fit out new motorhome (its XL, they are an excellent bit of kit (our opinion) As this van has a wind out canopy we opted for the Lillypad sides but if I am honest I prefer the air awning so maybe when I get round to selling this one we may purchase another.
We like the awning at times when we have grandkids visiting from there tent, its handy with my dog and we do a lot of walking so handy to remove boots etc in the dry before entering the van!
Thank you everyone for your replies.(Sarah K, tar for input) (Mikael, My vehicle has on board facilities)Westmorland we mostly fish on the continent. Badger54 we are outdoor types also, spending most of the day Fishing, including some all night!)
AWNINGS that's shouting it, awnings, now as a whisper.....they are different things to different people. The wind out canopy we have is fitted as standard. (referred to as an awning) It is useful, it is a wonderful 'sunshade'. It is however not suitable for us as a storage depot for all of our fishing gear. The awning(s) we require (and indeed have) need to be able to accommodate 4 people for eating meals in, and the fishing gear for 3 of those people. One of our awnings, The movelite XL has reached its use by date (at 7 yrs old) The Vango airbeam Sapera tall)is newish,(Aug 2013) bought because we liked the size of it and the space that it gave us.( It is a wonderful product. I have no complaints at all with it) However because of size, it is not always welcome at some sites, due to its large(r) size. I shall shortly be having to make the decision on which replacement awning to buy, and would welcome your opinions of the awning you have. We would like to make an informed choice, with your help, based on your opinion, of the awning that suited you at the time. Did it met your expectations. How well does it perform. Does it erect easily, is it stable, does it have a sewn in ground sheet. Does it have any thing you would rather it did not. Has anything broken and lastly how old is it, and would you replace it with the same brand.
we have a vango kela tall for our eldiss aspire 255.it does the job.sewn in groundsheet but needs the kela footprint or some other form of extra protection on stony ground.The only problem I had was in finding adequate fittings from awning to canopy,those supplied were useless as was the dealer.Got fixed up with full length fittings off net.If any body knows of anyone able to repair thule omnistor ripped canopy please let me know.
Cheers Bargill, That is the kind of info I have been after. It confirms to me that you are happy with the same product I am interested in buying. The difference of the length of each is considerable (5mtr 100 against 3mtr 700)I just wondered with 4 people and their gear, would there be enough room. Just over the 1 mtr difference is going to take some getting used too.
Your problem of being without the footprint (Not a manufacturer fault)can be easily sorted and your selling dealer should have said it was probably a requirement. Anyway, just pop into any good hardware store (a camping store footprint would be the more expensive option)and get a poly tarp. (Other than stony ground a footprint does make life easier to pack away a clean awning)That is all they are, although we got ours free when we bought the awning. Along with a good discount, and the canopy to awning fixing. (Double edged webbing and 3 x 1Mtr lengths of figure of 8)
Regarding the Thule Canopy (the same as our make) I can only suggest that you check out the internet for a supplier and see if they can repair. Although a guy who goes to many of the shows and is one of the most helpful people I can think of is JOHNS CROSS (Fiamma Care)OK, so not THULE but this guy goes the extra mile. 01580 881 288. or www.johnscross.co.uk. IF he can't he will know someone who can and will. Thanks for your reply, seems we Vango owners are a happy lot.
I wish I could get my husband to store HIS fishing stuff in the awning! It's allegedly way too precious and therefore takes preference over everything!
To clarify: I want him to fish on holiday so that I have free time! However he won't take his stuff as he doesn't want it to be stolen.
P.s. he says check your insurance to see if ths tackle is covered whilst in an awning???
HaHa....Yes tell him not to worry, it is all insured. When we are fishing (Most of the time!) the tackle is with us. If day fishing one of us has to sleep in the awning anyway....not only does he sleep out there....he gets to cook breakfast for us as well. Get your man a buddy, and they can take it in turns. LOL.
We use something called a Royal Day Room for storing things and keeping them dry. We also feed electric into it and use a portable fridge and freezer in it.
Not sure if you can still get them, but do a google search for "day room" or Vango have something called an "event tent".
Jim...that is a neet 'shed', I like the look of that. You are correct tho...not exactly what I am looking for....However having seen that, I am now wondering if I should give the old Outdoor revolution awning away for kids to play in. I could do with a temporary store in the garden....for my logs.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Awnings (Again!)
