The main thing we found when choosing a freestanding awning for our T4 was not the time it took to erect the frame and canvas, but how long it took to peg out. Our Apache awning is good in that it takes about 12 pegs, plus 4 guy ropes. Think about weight too, and storage whilst travelling. We carry our poles on the bike rack, the canvas in a sports bag. What is important to you? Weight, size when erected/packed, do you need inner tents, headroom, windows, roll-up sides for hot summer days?- it's a minefield!! But you should get plenty of advice here, if you can be a bit more specific.
We just bought the second one the Movelite and it has arrived but no chance to use it yet. from what I have heard it is easy to erect and seems fine to me. We will be using it with our Romahome.
What about getting a day room, instead of a freestanding awning? Then, you don't have to faff about fixing it back to the vehicle every time you get back from an outing? Some (like Khyam) have an optional inner tent, so are quite versatile.
Just a thought. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
The trouble with a day tent is it doesnt protect your door from the elements when its raining, or yourselves when moving from van to tent. My weekend awning is a Traveller 3 which is pretty easy to put up as it is frame tent style.
We have the Movelite for our T5 which we used for two weekends at the end of summer - by far the best lightweight awning we've had in terms of ease of putting up although it is best if there are two of you - one to stand in the middle and lift the dome. Have had various tunnels and a Reimo Davos (which scratched the van roof in wind!) and so far have been most impressed with the Movelite - not the biggest but room for table, chairs, Pett toilet and wet gear. Gives the impression it will stand up to a fair amount of wind - was certainly waterproof during prolonged downpours.
Personally wouldn't have a canvas awning for a T5 as they take up far more space when packed in the van.
Really does depend on what you want to use it for and whether you want traditional canvas or modern lightweight.
We needed extra space for the kids to sleep in and space to cook/store things, so ours is a good size. Bought it on German Ebay and it's been great. Just Kampers are good so are Reimo.
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Topic: Freestanding Awning
