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We are looking for an awning for our 2007 Elddis Avante 556, I saw one of these last weekend while we were away and it looked really smart. Does anyone own one of these and if so I would like to hear what they are like to put up/down and do they keep the rain out etc.

Having come from owning a tent I don't really want to get a full blown awning as they seem to be as much hassle as taking a tent up/down. Plus all the awnings I have looked at do look like a tent my mum & dad used to have 15 years ago!! (This is only my opinion and I do not want to insult anyone !!!)

Any help and advice would be really appreciated

Richard

Hi Richard

The Ultimas are absolutely brilliant in fair weather but not so good in windy weather.  We had a 260, which blew away in a "coastal breeze" in Scotland.  The problem with wind is that it's often gusty and it's a gust of wind that will do the damage.  The first time we used it, rainwater seeped in through the roof but a coat of fabsil cured that.

We bought a Dorema to replace it and it was the best thing we ever did.  It is as easy to erect as the Ultima because the sides and fronts zip out.  The poles are light and storm straps are built in.  The mudflaps tuck in, unlike the Ultima, which means that drafts and rainwater don't creep in.

However, if appearance is what matters - yes, Ultimas do look good.

 we have the 390, it is sometimes difficult to fit flush on the side, we have found that the pitch has to be level to get it to fit. you MUST seal the awning strip on this awning before using, ours leaked like mad when it rained, but is fine now. It is so easy to put up, 1 person 10mins :-)

 we had this awning up at the March Brean meet, and it was windy, very very windy, but the awning stood upto it all :-)

 we feel that this awning is more suited to weekends away, still prefer a "proper" awning for longer breaks, and you can buy them at not much more than the ultima, towsure, and pyramid seem good for the price

Hi,

totally agree with the clarkes, we brought ours this Easter and used it during the bad weather on spring bank holiday. It stood up well to the weather, but did leak in the usual place, we have not put sealer on yet and its not leaked since. It was very windy nearly up to gale force but the Ultima held firm.

The fitting is all important we always seem to be able to get the far end to fit well and not flapping in the wind but like as said before a level pitch seems to be the main consideration.

All in all a very handy awning absoutly brilliant for weekends away when you dont want to spend ages putting up and taking down a traditional awning.

Bought ours a few weeks ago and used it in Northumberland.  Weather was mainly great but had two very heavy showers and no leaks at all.  One night of extremely heavy winds which blew down tents and awnings on the site but the 390 stood firm with no problems.

No it didn't fit flush to the sides but then these awnings are not designed for that so there was a bit of flapping - eased by pegging in under the van and the use of a small strip of duck tape.

Best awning we have ever had and really pleased it was recommended to us on this site - would heartily recommend it to anyone.