Hi , just found out our beloved Isabella does not fit our new van (a couple of inches too short urhhhhh!) and an Isabella alteration will take 6-8 weeks. Have nearly 4 weeks of holidays booked in July/August so need an awning in a hurry. Going to replace our ultima 260 this year anyway so thought we'd go up a sze in the lightweight range. Anyone any experience of the Compactalite 400 (biggest lightweight I can find) or any other recomendations appreciated.
I would take a serious look at the Kampa Fiesta 350. I suspect it is not quite as large as the Compactalite, but IMHO it is a very well made lightweight and the poles are much more substantial than the tiny fibre and aluminium poles there are on most of these lightweights.
On my way out at the moment Jacqui, but will look it up later - it may be tomorrow now though.
P.S. Poles on the Kampa Fiesta are steel. One curved pole across the front (broken and spring joined); three poles across the roof in the manner of a traditional awning. Front and two sides zip out - leaving just a canopy if required.
we had a similar problem when we bought our new 'van and got rid of our Isabella Minor, we bought a Compactalite 400. We tried it for the first time a few weeks ago, and frankly we were a tad disapointed. The roof alwys seemed to have a dip in it, and therefore rain water settled on the roof. Also the two centre poles semed a bit reluctant to touch the ground, even when the door side of 'van was only raised about an inch. The awning is very well made, and has lots of features. I have emailed Outdoor revolution and they responded straight back. They suggested we attatch guy ropes to the two outer poles, this should solve the problem of the dip in the roof, and the problem with the two centre poles. As yet we have not had chance to try it again. I live in hope because as I aid, the awning is very well made
------------- It's not what you take when you leave this world behind, it's what you leave behind when you're gone
Thats different, not seen one of those before, how deep is it do you know?
I've checked the size and it's 350cm across and it comes out from the van 250cm - all the space is accessible. You will find more details here. We've had all sorts of lightweight awnings and easily vote this one as our favourite. It's also more flexible than most (in so far as you can take all the panels out and add a sleeping compartment/annexe on the side) as well as being really sturdy/well made. We find it much easier to put up than the 'lean-to' type, which we have also had before. We get most of the same stuff in it as we put in the big awning - it's just a little tighter. e.g.
Apologies to those who may have seen these before. (Note: Third picture - one bin for rubbish, one for dirty washing!).
Unfortunately, the Kampa Fiesta is not the cheapest of lightweights. If you do consider one, remember there are two sizes the larger 350 (350cm across) and the smaller 270 (270cm accross). They both come out 250cm from the van.
(P.S. I do not work for Kampa or have any vested interest. Just really like the awning. It suits us well.)
hi we have a riversway riviera swift 340 its similar to the fiesta but we only paid £149, its 3.4m wide and 2.4m deep and all useable, we are very pleased with it. its stood up to the wind on Romney Marsh very well so very happy
Yes, it was the Royal I saw but prefer the zip out sides on the Kampa. The Royal is shaped at the side so less of the material zips out. Do the sides zip out on the Riviera Swift?
mmmm empty champagne bottles.....so if any of you see this awning on a site near you.......
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 03/7/2010
mmmm empty champagne bottles.....so if any of you see this awning on a site near you.......
Phil
Don't remember what it was now, Phil, but it's unlikely to have been champagne. More likely to have been 'nasty Asti'. You're always welcome to come around for a drink if ever we are on the same site.
I'm really interested in all your reviews and comments about these awnings!
Have you had the Kampa/ Royal awnings up in strong winds? I don't mean gale force but a wind that would move it about a bit and if it wasn't very sturdy would see it flying off? What about heavy rain, I noted one comment which wasn't about these awnings mentioned the rain pooling on the roof, we find that happens with our little porch awning. I
What about the size of the bags etc when folded down? We have a little Towsure Portico awning which we use on weekends away. Doesn't fit a great deal in but is handy to put the chairs/ cadac shoes and toys in of an evening. It does pack down into a small bag about holdall size, which means it stays in the caravan all the time. Where as our full dorema awning is a pain in the bum to store when we don't want to use it!
Also what about the fit to the side of the caravan? Is it quite snug? as our porch awning isn't quite snug and I'm always worried it will scratch the caravan as it doesn't fit properly.
Sorry I've hijacked this thread but I really like the look of the Kampa Fiesta, so much so I might buy one with the sole purpose of replacing both awnings!
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Topic: Compactalite 400
Just really like the awning. It suits us well.)
Don't remember what it was now, Phil, but it's unlikely to have been champagne. More likely to have been 'nasty Asti'. You're always welcome to come around for a drink if ever we are on the same site.
