I am about to buy a new awning today, probably a Dorema, but unsure whether to go for the bog standard steel frame, light alloy or fibgreglass. I've heard the alloy ones are too flimsy, but I had one on a previous NR awning and it was great. I am presuming fibre is the best combination of strength and weight. I have a bailey Hunter Lite 500/6, it is 18fyt long and has an a-measurement of 912cm.
I reckon it depends on how often you are going to be using the full awning, and for how long. I like the fibreglass poles, to be honest, since they are lighter to handle but strong. If you were planning a permanent pitch then I'd be going for steel (they tent to be the cheaper option, too). We've tried the alloy and, whilst easier to handle than steel, they didn't inspire the confidence of the fibreglass, IMHO. But then, like everything else, it's horses for courses (except, if you make the wrong choice for you then it's an expensive one! )
Can I add that my parents had fibreglass ones in Anglesey and they didn't last a week when the wind got up, so they have had replacement steel ones and they have lasted all last season (not gone up yet this year)
I would stick to steel, they weigh a bit more but they last in the long run.
Can I add that my parents had fibreglass ones in Anglesey and they didn't last a week when the wind got up, so they have had replacement steel ones and they have lasted all last season (not gone up yet this year)
I would stick to steel, they weigh a bit more but they last in the long run.
Can't disagree with that, but that 'weigh a ton' bit was a deciding factor for us.
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Topic: New awning - steel, alloy, fibre frame?
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