Just wanted to share the issue we had with the awning on 12/08/26 which was a very hot day on angelsey. We went out in the morning and on returning the awning was deflated and flat to the van with an extremly large rip in the middle of the roof, at 1st we didnt understand what had happened but after google search realised that the heat expanded the air inside causing it to explode didnt occur to me to deflate it a little during the hot weather and we are now the proud owners of a poled sunncamp deluxe 390 , you live and learn
Kampa awnings (at least mine is!) are normally inflated to 9psi (ambient temp of 20C), Kampa claim to have test inflated to 22psi, and claim that as the max pressure, and whilst inflation pressure will vary with ambient temp, they give a chart of variation in pressure at varying temps, it should NEVER get to anywhere near a damaging pressure:
If you are inflating to 9psi at an elevated ambient of say 30C, then it should NEVER come anywhere near close to a damaging pressure with a rise in ambient temps, only rising a couple of psi or so in the most extreme heat! Kampa make no recommendation of relieving pressure as ambient temps rise, and the airbeams have no pressure relief valves as not necessary, as the rise should be well within the capability of the airbeam. If pressure lowered at high daytime temps, there is a risk that at much cooler nighttime temps, the airbeams will in effect be underinflated, and the beams may become soft enough to collapse under say effects of wind.
Personally, I only inflate to an adequate pressure to give a rigid beam in high ambient, typically around 7-8psi, and then give it a check as evening temps fall, giving a little boost if I have concerns. Always worked for me.
What often happens is the flysheet/airbeam sheaths/stitching deteriorate with UV exposure over prolonged use and either the stitching or fabric itself fail, allowing the airbeam bladder to expand uncontrolled and pop! Friends incredibly well used awning failed that way after a good number of years. Technically it was repairable, but at a certain age/usage, you begin to just chase age/use related faults!
A great many pumps have very inaccurate pressure gauges, so some risk of over inflation if not using recommended pumps.
I too have a Sunncamp 330 Deluxe poled awning as a lightweight awning for short stays, and an excellent awning it has proved to be.
We were in France in 2022 and the temperature was about 35c, I was just sitting in the awning and heard a massive bang, looked at the French tent on the pitch opposite and the front porch air beam had exploded, I can understand why it would tear a hole in the fabric as it went with an almighty bang.
The rather large French dude came back from the pool, had a look at his tent, shrugged, then moved his fridge out of the porch, unzipped the porch then sat down and ate some baguette and Nutella
Quote: Originally posted by Paul and Nikki on 31/8/2026
...... I can understand why it would tear a hole in the fabric as it went with an almighty bang.
.....
It's usually quite the reverse! The fabric/stitching fail first under load, allowing the flexible bladder to expand to bursting point in a sort of blister!
Closer examination usually reveals that the fabric/stitching has either previously suffered mechanical damage to weaken it, or it's suffered UV degradation from long exposure to sun and simply can no longer stand the strain of the pressurised bladder. If really unlucky, sometimes poor quality manufacture with bad stitching and/or sewn too close to fabric edge where it lacks strength.
Chicken or egg, it's still a devastating failure! It is unfortunately the real downside to airbeams.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Kampa air rally 390
via mobile 16/8/2026 at 5:59pm
