Quote: Originally posted by savanne1 on 23/2/2012
Thanks Kate, I did see the 390 on a2zcamping but was unsure of the company as never heard of them. They have the cheapest 390 Pro I've found so far. Did you receive good service from a2z?
Yes they were very good, good communication and quick delivery. Would certainly use them again.
------------- Kate
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by sunshinetours on 23/2/2012
Quote: Originally posted by millermicm on 22/2/2012
We only ever use a polyester 260 type awning these days and have sold our canvas awnings. Canvas is too much hard work to erect. We don't go away to do hard work. England/France/Spain would only be the 260.
How do you find it in hotter weather?
We took our van to France for the 1st time last year (having camped previously). We have a Kampa Fiesta 270 awning with 2 bedroom pods for the kids.
Last year on Ile D'Oleron we copped for a mini heat wave 35 deg C +. We found the awning temperature tricky to manage as we didnt have any side panels to vent air due to the 2 bedroom pods. Our fridge vents into the awning as well so we had difficulty keeping the fridge cool. (There are threads on this fridge issue elsewhere on this forum- some fettle computer fans behind the vent grilles to help provide the cool air I believe)
In the end we removed the whole of the front panel during the day. We did have concerns re security issues but to be honest we dont leave anything of value in the awning - its just a table,chair,shoe and rubbish store.
We have used a canopy for the past five years, and just leave everything out at night - oven, fridge, herbs and spices, chairs, table, portable fridge, etc., and have never had anything disturbed, except perhaps by the odd hedgehog wandering through. The picture of our pitch(es) in the thread about your pictures shows our set up - and we don't bring in anything at night.
In 39 degrees, which we had last year, we needed the canopy for shade, but a full awning would have been a nightmare.
Make sure whatever you get has removeable panels, or it will be like a sauna.
I remember the 39 degrees well Val. We sweltered in the Dordogne, luckily our pitch had alot of shade and we had a Dorema sun canopy on the van. Our 3 way fridge struggled to cope under the canopy some days.
Think we are going to have a look at some awnings this weekend. We took the cover off the caravan today and we had to have a cup of tea in there, it was lovely.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
After Italy in 2010 I don't think we'd ever risk just a canopy, if we hadn't been able to zip in the panels then the lot would've gone over the top of the van! - I know Italy is prone to the weather but even in the Ardeche with one very sharp shower last year we were glad to be able to zip it all in. We looked at the Rally Pro at the NEC as it was next to the 200 and we were really impressed with it, the fabric seemed really good quality and I don't think you would swelter in it either as you perhaps could in the lighter fabric.
Thanks - certainly leanbing towards taking our Fiesta 350 as all 3 panels come out I believe and certainly fabric is not as thin as some smaller lightweight porches
Mmmm I'm now thinking the Kampa Fiesta will suit us better as I like the fact side and front panels can be zipped out whereas the Rally has two side doors and windows along the front with no mesh.I like the fact the Fiesta has mesh on both side windows and it looks fairly straightforward to erect. As long as theres room for a table, three chairs, another small table with microwave on and fridge underneath thats all we need. Oh yes and the dirty washing bin in a corner.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
We liked the mesh windows option as well as helps with ventilation even over here, yet alone France, as well as obviously insect prevention if near lakes etc.
The fact that it should be massively quicker to put up and down than our full (huge) canvas awning is just a bonus!
Thanks for fridge fan tip above will look into this as hadn't thought about that
measured the van today and a 390 wont fit unless it ends over a window but the Kampa Fiesta 350 is a perfect fit so we have decided to go for one for one of those for France.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
We use a polyester awning all the time - cold,wet,dry,hot and anything in between. It works perfectly well We spend June/July and August in France and never put the sides in unless we are in the north of that wonderful country. We live in it and only sleep in the van.
One year I forgot to take the sides out of the under the boot storage section of the car. It was Christmas before we remembered about it. The sides fit perfectly in that space and keeps the awning roll size to a minimum in the boot. I can then fill the bottom of the boot with the red stuff and still have the awning in the boot.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: awning advice for France
