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Hi Folks

We just upgraded to larger caravan and have to get a new awning. As usual the sizes are confusing. Swift quote size 952 for this caravan, but Bradcot do either size 945, or 960. Do I go 7cm smaller or 8cm larger. Can I compensate ethier size by adjusting the poles? Or am I worrying over nothing either way.

Any help or suggestions would be gratefully recieved - Thanks in advance :)

Hi,

I know that Isabella has a van database on their website or through a main dealer on which you enter your van details and the "best fit" is suggested. Hopefully Bradcot will have the same.

Personally I prefer to see an awning that is on the tighter side of things, I do not like to see the windows sloping down towards the van, which is what you get with a very oversized awning. This cannot be compensated with the poles, as the awning, whatever you do is just too tall for the van.

If you think about it, in your case this  represents just 35mm or 40mm each side of the van, which can be taken out with tolerance on the skirt. Hopefully Bradcot can give guidance.

Mr UM

just add your details

http://service.isabella.net:591/isabella/uk/ameasurement/

Thanks folks

Very helpful Mr UM - I like the awning a bit tighter too and your reasoning is sound - the skirt should handle any shortfall.

Thanks for the link Michael - the Isabella sizes over lap the Bradcot sizes with a little translation.

I'll be going for the 945 Bradcot Classic after realising that 952 is on the cusp of two size ranges with ony a 2cm overlap - so we'll be at the top end of the smaller range rather than the lower end of the larger range.

If anyone has a 2005 Swift Utopia 530 and can confirm their awning size - It would help remove that last tiny nagging doubt and I'd sleep easy lol.

Thanks :)

Thanks Tango - We're going to the dealers today to measure the actual "A to B" length floor to floor through the awning rail. Your thinking is also spot on and I'm getting confused again.

If I get the actual length needed then I can be 100% sure. You'd think the Caravan manufacturers and/or the Awning makers would have this nailed by now - especially for sizes on the middle of two ranges. It would be so helpful if the manufacturers could give the actual A-B length and stamp it on the vehicle plate - I'm not even sure if that is what the 952 refers to when they recommend an awning size.

"It has to right first time" as you rightly say and seeing is believing - will let you know how I get on later cos I can't afford a mistake. Thanks again :)

Thanks again for the advice folks.

We decided to go to the next size up (960) - the top of the mud flaps reach the floor on each side exactly - so to enable pegging out we just shove a 1 1/2" plank under the nearside wheel which leaves room for 2 ladder rungs.The 945 woulda been at full stretch on the level so slopes would have been a big problem.

We got a brand new Bradcot Classic Plus 3m awning (2010 model) for less than the price of a new 2012 2.5m Classic - so very pleased with the extra space and very grateful for the good advice from all.

Thanks again :)

Thanks Tango :)

Heck you guys are quick at spotting new posts lol ;)