Message Forums

Hi,

     I'm after a bit of advice please about caravan awnings. The caravan takes an awning of size 9.71 meters apparently, but how perfect does this fit need to be? For example can it take a 9.5meter awning, or do I have to stay close, 9.75 or 9.70...?

Also, can anyone tell me about materials for awnings? The in-laws have a nice thick canvas material and this is the kind of thing that I'm wanting. Is pretty much every type of awning this kind of thing or do I have to make sure that I steer clear of some types of material? I do want to avoid excessive weight though, so would a particular gram weight be most appropriate?

Finally, can anyone recommend any good makes? I'm aware of ones such as Isabella, but am also aware of their unfortunate price tag so are there any others that you'd recommend?

Many thanks for your help with this!!!

Regards,

Andy

Regarding awning size, you will have a little leeway either side but also have to take into consideration if you are pitching on a left\right slope. I have always gone slighly larger if couldn't get exact size.

With respect to awning quality, I would take a look at Ventura or Dorema.

regards

TonyC52 has offerred good advice about going slightly larger and this is quite true. If the awning is too short it probably won't reach down to the ground at the front and rear and if the ground falls away slightly it definitely won't reach. If there is a little bit of slack you can always find the alternative and put the caravan on ramps to give the extra bit of height if needed. I used to have an acrylic Bradcot awning which was quite robust but we now have a Dorema which we bought direct from their factory clearance sale. There are usually two materials to choose from and that is either acrylic or polyester and usually all come with a tencate material roof. Ours is a Polyester awning and although they are a slightly heavier they are more waterproof than the acrylic and warmer too especially in the evenings. The awning size comes in a specific range and although my awning in the hanbook states 886 cms. it went for the size 10 which is 875 - 900 cms. and never had a problem. The link below may help regarding Dorema awning sizes.

http://www.dorema.co.uk/exclusive.php