After a few weekends away where we went awning less with 3 kids, it was such a faff with boots and coats that we have decided to get ourselves a small cheapy (around £100 ish), quick drying, light awning, with steel poles strong enough so we can use the hangy thing to put coats on. We don't need it for anything other than storage so it can be pretty small and it will only be used for 2 or 3 nights at a time. It should be quick and easy to put up and I'd prefer windows so it doesn't feel dark.
Hi, by lightweight I presume you mean the nylon/polyester type? If so, i'm pretty sure the poles are external so you can't hang things from them. I don't have one so I could be wrong
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We have a Kampa Fiesta 350 that we use for the shorter breaks or our winter breaks when the weather is most likely to be wet. I have a picture of it on my profile. It is easy to set up and can be done in about 20 minutes when you are familiar with it.
It is actually large enough for us to use the Cadac and a table and 4 chairs. Other than that we use it for coats and other storage.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle
Kampa rally 260 - again poles mainly outside - but you could have a coatrack? It is small enough to heat as a room and big enough for a table for 4 and very stable, got one on preloved.co.uk for £130 inluding extra poles. Great short stay winter awning for us.
we've got the Kampa Rally 260 (a preloved bargain at £120) but think its too big for what you want to use it for. Best bet is probably a second hand Bradcot Portico or similar from ebay, preloved etc. Comes in three sizes and the smallest the Portico would be ideal for what you're after.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Thanks for that - I was bidding on a Dorema thinking 'thats just what we want'but OH says he would prefer a nylon/polyester tent type fabric so that he can throw it in the garage after a weekend to dry. We had to dry our Magnum last week and it took the best part of a week in our warm dining room. I was looking at a Kampa 200 which has a nice big window but although the poles go outside what are the extra steel poles I've seen - how does that work?? Its definitely just for coats and shoes but hmm may be Cadac too now Nigel has me thinking!!
If its for winter use I would think about an awning such as an Isabella Snowboy or similar. Strong steel poles and fabric that wipes clean and is easy to dry off when you get home. Having a steep sloping roof they are great in the snow when mostother awnings would colapse under the weight of the snow. They often come up on ebay etc.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
I'll have a look at the pics of the Kampa Rally, I'm sure there are some poles inside. Only used it once so struggling to remember. IMO would be perfect size for what you want to use it for. Its very easy to erect, we did the 260 in 20 mins including pegging and that was the first time too! The upright poles are steel and the others are fibreglass. If you do buy a Rally look for a 2011 as the upright steels are adjustable (bit like tent poles) which is very handy if pitch uneven. Ours came with the optional back poles for a better fit against the van.
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Poles on the inside run along front above the window, only fibreglass but we did get our coat hanger thingy to fit. Other poles are curved roof poles and wouldnt be suitable. Will put a pic on fb to give you an idea of fibreglass pole as I clueless and cant for the life of me work out how to do it on here!!
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
not got them, think they are for the roof to stop raining pooling on it?? We've thought of buying them but not got that far yet (need to find a decent van first )
------------- Thistledown Easter
Nantcol June
Domaine du Verdon Castellane and Etoile d'Argens Frejus Aug
Quote: Originally posted by nigel16 on 16/11/2011
We have a Kampa Fiesta 350 that we use for the shorter breaks or our winter breaks when the weather is most likely to be wet. I have a picture of it on my profile. It is easy to set up and can be done in about 20 minutes when you are familiar with it.
It is actually large enough for us to use the Cadac and a table and 4 chairs. Other than that we use it for coats and other storage.
I will second that! The Kampa Fiesta 350 is on my profile/Gallery too. There are steel roof poles on the inside, and the Fiesta is available as a smaller 270 (or is it 250??), if you don't want it as big.
My problem with the Kampas is that the poles are on the outside of the awning so I wouldn't be able to hang the wet coats off the poles inside - but if the monsoon pole went across the roof and was strong enough then that would be fine?
I think the Outdoor Revolution is the only one that has poles that allow you to have it flush against the caravan to reduce draughts. These poles are an extra.
I don't think there are any of the cheapy's which have poles on the inside. We have a Ventura porch for the summer and the Outdoor Revolution for the winter.
Quote: Originally posted by FionaW1971 on 17/11/2011
My problem with the Kampas is that the poles are on the outside of the awning so I wouldn't be able to hang the wet coats off the poles inside - but if the monsoon pole went across the roof and was strong enough then that would be fine?
Fiona: The Fiesta roof poles are steel and are on the inside. The huge curved front pole is on the outside. I would have thought you would be able to something with the roof poles?? We generally dry coats on the back of chairs, but tend to avoid going out in the rain - just between the c'van and car,
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 17/11/2011
I think the Outdoor Revolution is the only one that has poles that allow you to have it flush against the caravan to reduce draughts. These poles are an extra.
I don't think there are any of the cheapy's which have poles on the inside. We have a Ventura porch for the summer and the Outdoor Revolution for the winter.
The Kampa Fiesta also has poles you can fit to keep the awning flush against the van. They are also available as an extra and cost about £12-£15. We hardly ever use ours - my wife is good with pegging tightly against the 'van.
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Topic: A small steel poled porch awning
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