I've just been forwarded this reply, by someone asking on my behalf, from Vango after a request for information about the Sun Canopy for my 800XL.
Quote: Hi
Thanks for contacting Vango Customer Service,
Unfortunately, this item will not be back in stock until early next year. However , the design will change meaning the Sun canopy and the awning will not be compatible with previous models of this tent.
Sorry to disappoint.
Regards,
David
Vango Customer Services
So it would appear my £1500 tent, bought barely 6 months ago, is already obsolete.
I can under your disappointment not being able to get a sun canopy. I was initially looking and thinking of getting a Rhapsody earlier in the year. My wife liked them but decided against getting the after the air beam issues of there other models.
They have some back on sale at Winfields. I was in same predicament as you so was very happy when I saw they had some back in stock, just put my order in for one! They only have 3 left so I wouldn't hang about
I've emailed the retailer in the vain hope they have some.
Thanks for posting.
I now find myself wondering if I should buy the side awning, simply because it'll soon be unavailable...
But, I don't think we'd use it and I can't think of a time when we would. We keep that door closed, use the main front one, and have an inflatable sofa in front of it.
I am desperately looking for a sun canopy for the rhapsody. I contacted Vangi and have had exactly the same response. It's so frustrating that you spend a small fortune on a tent and then you cannot get the extras - especially as I only brought the tent last year! If anyone knows a place I can get one I will be so so grateful! Thank you!
It's the same with all the manufacturers... once they move onto the next model it can prove very hard to get the accessories. This won't help the people who already have the tent but we always advise when someone buys a tent that they should buy the extras if they think they might want them later. Not so easy when buying online which is another good reason to at least talk to the retailer before buying.
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.
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I accept things eventually get superseded. However, I don't expect it to happen to a top of the line, exclusive, £1500 tent within 6 months of purchase!
A company the size of Vango should provide an overlap of sorts, and provide parts/accessories for, say, at least a year or two.
My tent's got a three year warranty - what happens if I need to use it? Will they say, sorry, we don't make that tent any more.
Anyway, I got a reply from Winfields and they had one left which I jumped on and it was delivered yesterday.
If any one is still looking, I think the best you can do is email as many retailers as you can and cross your fingers. Don't assume websites are accurate; Winfields said their website didn't reflect the availability of said canopy. So others may have 'hidden' stock that only a real person, checking a stock room can find.
Don't worry about your warranty Badmojo...Vango have a repair centre and plenty of spare parts for years to come. What they don't have is actual product once it's discontinued. I'm afraid all Tent brands are pretty much the same. You might think they are big companies and can just sit on accessories for tents etc but compered with Sony, Ford, Samsung etc they are cottage industries.
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.
So I got the sun canopy, which I'm over the moon I found. We have a week booked in the Lakes in April and can't wait to try it out.
After all the fuss and fear of not getting one I decided to buy the side awning! It wasn't even on my list of wanted gear, but I couldn't get past the thought that one day I might wish I had it and wouldn't be able to find it.
My only worries (apart from how to tell the wife) is that it'll make the whole setup too big (it's difficult enough to find sites that accommodate such a large tent) and how to find space for it in my trailer!
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Topic: Sun Canopy for Vango Rhapsody 800XL?
of not getting one I decided to buy the side awning! It wasn't even on my list of wanted gear, but I couldn't get past the thought that one day I might wish I had it and wouldn't be able to find it. 
