We had a single front pole pole, Outdoor Revolution (it was one of the older 'Spacelight' models) - really hated it. We also had a Sunncamp 390 some years ago (a bigger version of the 260 with an extra bendy pole). We found this was a pain to put up, although I am well aware it has many fans on here. As some on here will know, I am a Kampa Fiesta fan (see gallery images). It has a very sturdy front curved pole and three roof poles (a bit like a traditional full awning). The advantages, as far as I'm concerned, is that the side and front panel zip out (like a trad. full awning) which means not as much material to handle all at once. It is also possible to lean the heavy front pole forward so it stays up while attaching the roof poles (although, obviously it is much safer if you guy rope it down).
For us, the Fiesta is the best lightweight we have ever purchased, for the stability of the awning, the room it gives and the easy of putting it up. The 'but' is, of course like all awnings, the 'one man's meat is another man's poison' scenario. I would certainly urge you to go and have a look at one in the flesh (and for that matter, any other awning,) before making any purchase.
Hi folks,
First posting. I have a Sunncamp Encore 390 which I rate highly but even with two people it's a 30-minute job minimum to get up and down. Once up it is great - water tight, flexible - 5-doors to open, close to take-off plus the extensions make a huge space and provide a handy place for the extra guests who cannot fit in the van.
Like others I have a bad back and want something easy for short-trips. I purchased an Outdoor Revolution Easi Canopy for £75 delivered from Ebay and have used it four times in the last weeks and really rate the simplicity of it. Ok, it is not an awning and the sides are open but, it does take less than 10-minutes to erect and/or pack away. Plus the little 5kg bag is tiny so stores easily in the boot or van.
I use a drill-driver with bit and a box of storm pegs carrying around the caravan step to sit on for the 9-pegs required. Very easy.
I can foresee only using the awning when we know we're in one place for a week or more. If we want sides, I erect a Vango windbreak that is around 8m in length that takes an additional 5-minutes and adds shelter from wind, privacy and a play-pen for the kiddies. Again, a tiny package taking up minimum weight and space.
We definitely were not getting value / use out of our large awning (Sunncamp Encore 390) so after trawling the web and the forums, opted to buy a Dorema Mistral Ripstop awning.
Got to use it last weekend and it exceeded my expectations. A genuine 10-minute put up time in high winds. A very strong, taught structure that doesn't blow around or flap much. Supplied draught skirt. Non-breathable floor mat supplied also. Easy to pack away. Very easy and strong pole system. Doors, windows and blinds in perfect positions.
Delighted with it. Was also easy to take down and pack away again - though we've already decided to carry the body and poles separate to make this task easier again.
Due to the size and light weight, this is easy to keep in the van and will get used every trip. I'll only the full awning now when away for a week or more.
Instructions were not required as it is obvious how to erect... though my little tip would be:
- thread onto awning rail, position over door and align with windows as required
- then put in two rear corner pegs vertically beneath the roof corners on the awning rail
- next, thread the horizontal roof-pole through the roof and attached the size poles placing the foot of each pole loosely into the tie-down elastic at the bottom each side door - don't extend the poles at this stage
- peg out the two front corners
- peg front centre peg
- extend poles until roof tawt
- peg out guy two guy lines - these can be almost straight out - they don't need to take up too much space
- put in all other pegs - not the base is more curved than it is square
- Enjoy!
We bought the Sunncamp Swift 220 2013 model (which has the improved 5000HH waterproofing and bigger windows than the old version) as shown below:
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It was great at Easter and we got it for £79 inc delivery from Camping & General who are still the best priced supplier I have found with smooth and easy delivery.
As an indication of how good this offer is, I have seen the older 2012 models on ebay for over £100, and they dont have the improved 5000 hydrostatic head waterproofing or the bigger sized windows!
------------- 2015 - our 1st year of caravanning with a new baby. Can't wait! :)
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: porch awning easiest erection
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