I am thinking of getting one of the rollout awnings, does any one have any comments to make about the good points or the bad points, on paper they look a good idea, I must admit I have not actually seen one in use yet, but it would be nice to hear from any one who has used them.
thanks for any comments
------------- "PACESETTERS" German Shepherd dog display team, we are out and about raising money for guide dogs.
geoff + emmy thanks for your comment, being an old age pensioner, with a partner who is unable to help put the awning up, like you I am interested if one person can get the awning errected, and how good it is when up, hopefully some one will be able to answer our problem.
I also wonder how the awning reacts to be being rolled up for a long time in all weathers whilst fitted to the side of the van.
------------- "PACESETTERS" German Shepherd dog display team, we are out and about raising money for guide dogs.
I've got one of the Fiamma ones.
It is particularly good if you are only staying 2 or 3 nights.
However mine is the 3 metre version and it is heavy to roll up. I use a lightweight step ladder positioned in the centre to give added height and save stretching up.
Although you can erect it single handed, it is definitely easier with two.
Buy one of the end "walls" to stop draughts and give a bit of privacy and it is more than adequate.
Don't need to clutter up the car because everything except for one roof rafter is left attached to the caravan
DaveS1
Bruno69 Same here, In fact we have a brand new porch awning that has never been out of the bag in four years We fancy a small 3 mtr one with the sides mainly to put wheelchair in..
Yes Geoff -- In fact it is probably easier to roll up on your own. As I say though, using a small ladder certainly helps.
The front "legs" are stored inside the roller so when you unroll the awning it is helpful, but not essential, to have someone hold the awning away from the caravan whilst you slide out the legs from each end of the roller.
Mine has shown no ill effect from being left rolled up -- it comes in a waterproof zipped bag and could be left attached to the caravan. I remove mine though when not in use and store it in the rafters of the garage.
DaveS1
There'd be a couple of things that I'd need to consider with these...both relate to having something suspended loosely from the side of the van
a) Would the "bag" rub/damage the van's finish/paintwork?
b) With the weight of the packed "bag" being constantly taken by the awning rail (..and with it flapping about whilst travelling etc), what long term *effects would that have on the "water-tightness" of any moulding fixings..?.
(* ..and I doubt any "effects" would be that easily noticed and they may only become apparent if/when damp appeared in the high level lockers, some time down he line....?)..
But plenty of folk seem to use 'em, so what do I know..
The video I just watched about fitting shows them applying
some sort of double sided tape to the awning bag Would this stop it flapping about?
Also they can't be as bad as fitting a super heavy canvas isobella type awning can they?
well thanks for those comments, there is plenty for me to think about, it looks like I would still my wife to hold the canvas down whilst securing the pole, I dont know about using a step ladder to roll the awning back to the roof, I guess I will see if my local caravan dealer has any in stock and go and pick his brains.
Perhaps for now I will stick with my light weight porch awning, that I can just about manage on my own if there's not to much wind.
again thanks for all the thoughts
------------- "PACESETTERS" German Shepherd dog display team, we are out and about raising money for guide dogs.
Just to answer pepe63, I have had mine attached, on and off so to speak, to 2 different caravans and there is no sign of any rubbing. To be honest, I think it is too heavy to flap about.
As for straining the awning rail, this was my worry although there hasn't seemingly been any damage.
DaveS1
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Topic: Rollout Awnings !!
