Message Forums

Hi there

We had one - the first version which was slightly simpler than the one you are talking about I think.  I was attracted by the ease of putting it up and the thought of keeping it on the rail while towing.  In practise, the one we had was not as good as i had hoped it would be.

Plus points - easy to erect with only one pole and it was big enough for a table and four chairs with lots of space.

We wanted it for weekends rather than main holidays when we use our full awning and because of that tended to use it in the uk in the off season - and the weather was not great. Too cold to sit out in it but could be used for storage. We found that it was very draughty but that may have been addressed in the new version with poles to press it against the van.  it took longer to pitch than we hoped cos of all the pegging out.  It was fairly unstable because of only having one pole and rain really pooled.

We never kept it on the awning rain cos it is a pig to fold up into it on the rail, a doddle when on the floor and takes seconds to thread onto the rail - and small to store as it is flexible.

We sold it and bought a kampa rally 260 - not so roomy, but gets tight to the van and is stable in all weather with all the attachments.  It is quick to put up and doesn't need as much pegging out.

If you just want something for shelter and not all weather then it may work for you, but keeping it on the rail is a bit of a gimmick that is not really worth it.

I am sure others will have experience of the newer model you are looking at.

Good luck!