Air awning advice please

[Ihavenoclueaboutcaravans]

We have decided to buy a 420 air awning.

(checked measurements and it won’t obstruct a window - we are also in our early 40s and reasonably strong so weight not a concern).

I am really looking for recommendations from anyone who has one this size and we would ideally also like one that has the option of adding an annexe as we have kids and dogs so I think this would be useful.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Beachball]

We have decided to buy a 420 air awning.

(checked measurements and it won’t obstruct a window - we are also in our early 40s and reasonably strong so weight not a concern).

I am really looking for recommendations from anyone who has one this size and we would ideally also like one that has the option of adding an annexe as we have kids and dogs so I think this would be useful.

Thanks so much in advance!

if it a 420 air awning Vango is a great choice and they can have annexe .

 

[borderbilly]

Forget air, get a poled one.

 

[Buckman]

A 420 air awning will be very heavy which is why we got rid of ours after only a couple of outings. Another hassle is compressing it to fit back into the bag. Your choice.

 

[Ihavenoclueaboutcaravans]

Forget air, get a poled one.

Why? Any recommendations on a poled one this size? Thanks

if it a 420 air awning Vango is a great choice and they can have annexe .

Thanks ☺️

 

[Ihavenoclueaboutcaravans]

A 420 air awning will be very heavy which is why we got rid of ours after only a couple of outings. Another hassle is compressing it to fit back into the bag. Your choice.

Thanks, that’s useful info. What did you replace it with and are you happy with it?

 

[Buckman]

Thanks, that’s useful info. What did you replace it with and are you happy with it?

We bought a poled Isabella Magnum porch awning and it still looks as good as new several year later. Easier and quicker to put up than an air awning.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGibcUJBWew

 

[borderbilly]

I can't remember the make of my awning, but I got it 2nd hand for about £60. Never had a problem with it. Look around, plenty bargains out there 👍edit to say it's a INACA make awning.

 

[izzy]

We have a Vango but it is only the 280 had it 6 years without a problem and it has the extra canopy that we leave connected.
You could go for the Issabella but get a mortgage first

 

[woodsieboy]

We have a Vango 420 with an annexe, been very pleased with it,secret is to put it up/take it down with the panels renoved, same as when we had poled awning, weightwise Vango have different materials , some are heavier than others based on the type of use. We also have a Vango 390, the annexe fits both,and the 390 is heavier material, but suffered a torn awning bead in high winds in France last year, contacted the supplier to arrange a repair, expecting to pay for it, but the awning was collected and returned to Vango who replaced the whole of the awning bead without charge.hope this helps

 

[Dustydog]

You must choose what you fancy and why.

There are pros and cons but in all honesty and many years of practice I wish I’d never gone down the Kampa Rallye Air Route.

Perhaps I was unlucky but I had lots of problems which is why it still resides in the loft.

The bladders regularly failed . I tried various pressures at and below that specified.

Rubbish in wind. The legs bend back on themselves.

Amazing condensation issues fixed in the end by the purchase of a full roof fabric ceiling.

Very heavy to pull through the awning rail.

Heavy to lift in and out of the car.

The two Isabella awnings , porch and full come with carbon fibre x poles. The canvas is strong. The panels easily removed and installed. Erection is simple and the storm straps second to none for stability in high winds.

Check our the seasonals and I doubt you will see one air awning left up for weeks on end.

Entirely your choice but I do hope you don’t learn the hard way like me and waste your money😉

 

[Buckman]

One thing not mentioned is that the pitch needs ot be level. Slightly sloping and you have an issue as you cannot adjust the length of the legs.

 

[woodsieboy]

Oh dear, the OP asked for suggestions for a 420 air awning, and said in their opening that they had decided to buy a 420 awning, while the arguments for pole versus air are valid , I feel thay have previously been done to death, bit like auto v manual and dieselv petrol , so as some one who has the size that the OP asked about I will defend the air option.
In my view the condensation issue is to do with the fabric and applies equally to air or pole, we have never had an issue but we use a thin plastic tarp sheet under our awning carpet and always use hard standing pitches, which tend to be level ish.
In wind the air awnings do flex but we had pole awnings that suffered with bent/broken poles in the wind, I have not seen an air awning collapse in the wind, I have seen several pole awnings collapse due to wind
Yes for seasonal use most people seem to use pole awnings, but each air awning we have had stated the type of use it is designed for, same as poles, not all pole awnings are suitable for seasonal.
You willl never damage the side of the caravan by dropping an air pole against it, unlike metal or carbon,equally you won't lose any poles or break any brackets or fittings.
Ultimately it is the OP choice, but my feeling is that they had decided on air and asked for recommendations, and at the moment my feeling is that there is a pretty even spread, when on site between air, pole and no awning. The air option in my view has been growing with more choice from more manufacturers and the quality has also improved. I also note that air is used in some portable shelters used in disaster areas so the technology is proven , thank goodness we still have freedom of choice.

 

[Buckman]

However people also advised about the pitfalls of having an air awning and there are probably more than any poled awning. However as you say the OP has freedom of choice.

 

[Mel]

We had a Vango Varkala Connect 420 when we had a bigger van on a seasonal pitch. Really rated it but don’t think they make them anymore. You could put an annexe on it. It was heavy but we managed OK and are older than the OP.
Telta awnings are getting good reviews and may be worth a look. If you want to pay the bigger money then Isabella do an air awning but I think it is 400 not 420.
BTW, The Vango recycled shop is very good value. Bought a tent from them for my daughter marked “refurbished”. It was brand new with a small professionally sewn patch repair on one seam and half the price of the new equivalent. You also get 10% extra off if you are in the CAMC. Worth a look

Vango Camping Recycled

Camping Recycled is a sustainable initiative set up by Vango to reduce outdoor gear that ends up in landfill. New, Ex-display & Refurbished Equipment

www.campingrecycled.co.uk

Mel

 

[otherclive]

I had a Vango tent and their customer service was excellent as reported in an earlier post wrt how Vango dealt with an awning issue.

The only awning I have had condensation on was a lightweight poled porch awning. But it was caused by the lightweight nature of the fabric which was more akin to tent material.

Given the number and range of air awnings seen on sites they must presumably meet the needs of their owners.

 

[Dustydog]

Oh dear, the OP asked for suggestions for a 420 air awning, and said in their opening that they had decided to buy a 420 awning, while the arguments for pole versus air are valid

I agree Woodiesboy.
I went off at a tangent! Of course I should have said the Isabella’s are at least twice the price of the Vango.
I hope the OP enjoys a better time with his than I did. Each to their own 😉

 

[littlebasher]

We have decided to buy a 420 air awning.

(checked measurements and it won’t obstruct a window - we are also in our early 40s and reasonably strong so weight not a concern).

I am really looking for recommendations from anyone who has one this size and we would ideally also like one that has the option of adding an annexe as we have kids and dogs so I think this would be useful.

Thanks so much in advance!

IMO, The Dometic air awnings are better - we have never had any issues with them.

They also option for an annexe and a load of other accessories

 

[Buckman]

IMO, The Dometic air awnings are better - we have never had any issues with them.

They also option for an annexe and a load of other accessories

The Dometic is a rebranded Kampa awning. I have no idea if quality has improved as it still comes from the same manufacturer in China as previously quality was an issue?

 

[Mel]

The Dometic is a rebranded Kampa awning. I have no idea if quality has improved as it still comes from the same manufacturer in China as previously quality was an issue?

The folks who originally did Kampa awnings, started a new company and now do the Telta awnings. I don’t know where they are manufactured but they are allegedly made of superior material to Kampa.
Mel

 

[Ihavenoclueaboutcaravans]

Oh dear, the OP asked for suggestions for a 420 air awning, and said in their opening that they had decided to buy a 420 awning, while the arguments for pole versus air are valid , I feel thay have previously been done to death, bit like auto v manual and dieselv petrol , so as some one who has the size that the OP asked about I will defend the air option.
In my view the condensation issue is to do with the fabric and applies equally to air or pole, we have never had an issue but we use a thin plastic tarp sheet under our awning carpet and always use hard standing pitches, which tend to be level ish.
In wind the air awnings do flex but we had pole awnings that suffered with bent/broken poles in the wind, I have not seen an air awning collapse in the wind, I have seen several pole awnings collapse due to wind
Yes for seasonal use most people seem to use pole awnings, but each air awning we have had stated the type of use it is designed for, same as poles, not all pole awnings are suitable for seasonal.
You willl never damage the side of the caravan by dropping an air pole against it, unlike metal or carbon,equally you won't lose any poles or break any brackets or fittings.
Ultimately it is the OP choice, but my feeling is that they had decided on air and asked for recommendations, and at the moment my feeling is that there is a pretty even spread, when on site between air, pole and no awning. The air option in my view has been growing with more choice from more manufacturers and the quality has also improved. I also note that air is used in some portable shelters used in disaster areas so the technology is proven , thank goodness we still have freedom of choice.

Thanks for your input!
We are very new to the caravaning world.
We inherited a rubbish poled awning with our caravan which we have battled to put up a couple of times and it partially collapsed due to the snow on a recent trip to aviemore and there was loads of condensation (I suspect user error an issue!)
We had been advised the air ones are easier to put up so I thought we were set on an air awning but now we don’t know what to do! 🤷‍♀️
The video comparing the two was very helpful.
You mentioned you’ve been pleased with your air awning - which one do you have?
Thanks!

 

[woodsieboy]

Thanks for your input!
We are very new to the caravaning world.
We inherited a rubbish poled awning with our caravan which we have battled to put up a couple of times and it partially collapsed due to the snow on a recent trip to aviemore and there was loads of condensation (I suspect user error an issue!)
We had been advised the air ones are easier to put up so I thought we were set on an air awning but now we don’t know what to do! 🤷‍♀️
The video comparing the two was very helpful.
You mentioned you’ve been pleased with your air awning - which one do you have?
Thanks!

We have a Vakala Connnect 420 and a RIviera 390 both made by Vango, the connect is the older of the two and has an inflataeble main frame, with seperate roof poles that attach with velcro, has been a very good and durable awning, but starting to suffer some UV degradation, the Riviera is much newer and is a more traditional shape of awning, but is also deeper in that it is 275 projection and also due to its shape is higher and has more headroom.

The Riviera is also a single point inflation, which of course means it is heavier, of the two the Riviera is certainly the better awning, but only because it is more 'developed' than the original Vakala, in the same way my current Sant Fe towcar is better than the previous one.
In your situation I would visit a dealer with the awnings on display, you can compare like for like and also check the headroom, inflation points,curtains, and details like the zip quality, and do all panels come out, which annex fits etc

The best advice I can give is not to rush your decision,when you decide which make and model to go for , check on line what is available, often suppliers will have offers on previous years models, so currently 2024 models should be avai;lable at a discount, you will be getting a brand new awning at a lesser price, also some may offer ex display awnings, which as long as they have been erected indoors, can offer good value.
The chances are that whichever awning you choose, you will keep it for several years, so waiting a few weeks for the 'right deal' won't do any harm.

Once you decide,come back and let us know how you get on and what you eventually bought.
Good luck.

 

[Ihavenoclueaboutcaravans]

Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated.
I think visiting a dealer sounds like a good idea, we won’t be back in the caravan until Easter time so not a decision we need to rush.
I’ll be sure to let you know what we go for.
Thanks to you and everyone who has replied on this thread for the advice , I really do appreciate it.

 

[Brasso530]

As people above have stated,both have plus and minus.We have a Kampa 390 air awning and annex.Never had a problem with bladders or collapse in the wind. We have had issues with condensation but I think that’s a kampa issue,not an air awning issue. They are heavy,but as you stated you’re not bothered about that,putting away is easy.Just lie it out flat on its back,open the air ports and roll it up towards the holes,sama as you’d roll up a normal awning. Go see a few in the showrooms,then pick up some in there bags,there’s usually a few lying around,just to get a feel for the size etc.. one word of warning-if you pack your awning in the car then no problem,if like me you travel with it on caravan floor over the axle,because of the size they are a squeeze to get through caravan door.

 

[Buckman]

Thanks for your input!
We are very new to the caravaning world.
We inherited a rubbish poled awning with our caravan which we have battled to put up a couple of times and it partially collapsed due to the snow on a recent trip to aviemore and there was loads of condensation (I suspect user error an issue!)
We had been advised the air ones are easier to put up so I thought we were set on an air awning but now we don’t know what to do! 🤷‍♀️
The video comparing the two was very helpful.
You mentioned you’ve been pleased with your air awning - which one do you have?
Thanks!

An air awning will collapse quicker than any poled awning with snow on top of it. It now sounds as if you have one of those cheap awnings with the flexible bendy poles as the material of those awnings suffers from condensation. An air awning of the same material will do the same. Poled awnings are just as easy to erect as any air awning. With both they still need to be pegged down. However your choice and hope you make the correct decision.