Hi all just a quick question. someone has given us a roll up porch awning that u fix it to the van, has anyone got one if so how good are they and what are they like when towing the caravan, Thanks xx Gill
They are much easier to erect than a standard awning but I have known on two occasions where they have not been practical when the wind has picked up. On the first occasion the occupants were trying to dismantle it and the wind took it straight out of their hands and flipped completely over the top of the caravan roof and both poles whipped over and dented the offside wall in two places. The other occasion we were co. marsalling a rally and the owners were absent due to going out for a few hours. One of the poles had come free and was inches away from the caravan window. Three of us were holding the canopy whilst a fourth member had to fetch some tools and string to hold it down till the occupants returned. Luckily there was no damage but if it wasn't for the good nature of the fellow caravanners I'm sure that the window would have at least cracked. So, although they are somewhat easy to erect it is advisable not to leave them unnattended due to unforseen weather conditions. Many motorhomes use them but they fold them away every time before leaving the site for a few hours. They seem to be practical on motorhomes but no so much on caravans.
I have an omnistor on the side of the van at the mo. On the Bessacarr because the seals had become brittle it started to pull the awning rail away from the van. If the seals are good on your van and are still flexible then go for it.
I think you will find that a roll up awning weighs more than 2 kgs. if you consider that one lightweight director's chair weighs 3.4 kilo's. If you compare the amount of framework in both there is more in an awning construction than there is in a chair. 2 kgs. is actually the weight of two bags of sugar and I think there would be more than that really if you think about it.
So basically, it's just the canopy that weighs 2 kgs. That sounds a possibilty actually as the material is a waterproof lightweight plastic and not canvas. As I said previously, they use them a lot on motorhomes but I wouldn't have thought that it would have any detrimental effect when towing but hopefully someone will come along who has has one fitted who can offer the advice you are looking for.
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Topic: awning`s
