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Hi

We're off tomorrow for our first trip in our new (to us) van yippeeee!

We bought a ventura cadet porch awning but as the winds are supposed to be gusting at 39mph I'm wondering if we should put it up? 

It doesn't come with storm straps or have the facility to clip any on but OH will put some rachet straps on.  We have dogs and it would be a nightmare keeping the van clean if we don't use it.

Do you think it will be OK or would it be silly to try??

Thanks

Personally I wouldn't put an awning up during high winds, I would storm strap it if it was up and bad winds forecast, as when trying to put up an awning its very easy for the wind to catch it and it take off!

Quote: Originally posted by Ecocamping on 11/11/2010

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Personally I wouldn't put an awning up during high winds, I would storm strap it if it was up and bad winds forecast, as when trying to put up an awning its very easy for the wind to catch it and it take off!

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Nearly forgot I would avoid taking it down in high winds too for similar reasons!

be careful in strong winds, its so easy for the awning to blow around and then poles dent and damage the caravan. If you do go for it, as has been already said, try and turn the caravan around so that the door faces away from the wind direction and is protected, thus the awning will also be protected.

I wouldnt risk an awning in these winds either, especially a porch awning as they aren't as secure as the full awning, you could end up with it ripping or denting the van.

Just take plenty of throws for the seats & floor to keep muddy pawprints at a minimum.

Don't risk it, there will be a next time, and you would only regret any damage that happened to it or your van.

Dave

Hi, Havent posed for ages but,

All the best to you woofers on your first Bailey trip, seen many of your posts & sure you will love caravanning too.

I wouldnt put up awning either. We had ours up in stormy weather and the awning fabric actually ripped where the centre upright pole is. Luckily it is a blue awning and I was able to repair it with stick on (or was it iron on?) denim patches on either side and reinforced with lots of stitching. Also the very poles bent.  It's not worth it. Use plenty of throws on the seats for the dogs.

Also be very careful towing if there is highwinds!  You wouldn't want anything to happen to your new 'van.

Just seen weather forecast  Happy days, you might not need to worry!

Ohhhhhhhhhh I am really disappointed as its a new awning and I am the impatient sort and want to try it out

I will heed your advice however and if its blowing a gale it can stay in its bag

(Please please be less windy tomorrow please)

I have a pile of blankets/throws we're taking and will carry the dogs about all weekend lol

Quote: Originally posted by oakydoaky on 11/11/2010

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Just seen weather forecast  Happy days, you might not need to worry!

 

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Ooooo really what does it say?

Still windy when I look :(