Awning Conversion

[gooner44]

We want a large porch awning, but due to the configuration of our caravan (windows, door, vents etc) and the fact that I articularly want to use the rear awning channel rather than a padded pole, to improve stability, we are experienceing difficulty obtaining a suitable one. Our dealer has suggested a Bradcot Active full awning with an additional pad & porch pole kit will work but we would need to cut the awning rail cord to allow the drop on the "non-channel" end. Can anyone tell me how you determine exactly where to cut this cord and has it been done successfully ? How stable is this arrangement and is it as good as a designated Porch awning?

 

[WatsonJohnG]

We have had an NR and a Bradcott porch awning and both required cutting of the cord at the LHS with the awning channel being utilised on the RHS

We now have a Ventura that uses two poles and it is easier to site on the caravan side.

There has been no problem or apparent disadvantage over stability compared with the first two.

But to answer the question you measure the vertical distance from the channel to the ground and cut the cord at that point.

You then get a good fit on that pitch on that day but if you move to another pitch that requires say a ramp under the wheel then the cut could be up to 6 inches out.

You can allow for this in the first place by having a greater/lesser slope on the side that has the cut.You can't do this if you cut it for a perfect fit in the first instance if you follow.

Another method that gives more room for adjustment and avoids cutting is to borrow the tool for opening up the awning channel and make an opening at the point where the side wants to drop.

Having had both types I would say the type that avoids using the awning channel at the end is easier to fit and looks better on the van.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

We have had an NR and a Bradcott porch awning and both required cutting of the cord at the LHS with the awning channel being utilised on the RHS

We now have a Ventura that uses two poles and it is easier to site on the caravan side.

There has been no problem or apparent disadvantage over stability compared with the first two.

But to answer the question you measure the vertical distance from the channel to the ground and cut the cord at that point.

You then get a good fit on that pitch on that day but if you move to another pitch that requires say a ramp under the wheel then the cut could be up to 6 inches out.

You can allow for this in the first place by having a greater/lesser slope on the side that has the cut.You can't do this if you cut it for a perfect fit in the first instance if you follow.

Another method that gives more room for adjustment and avoids cutting is to borrow the tool for opening up the awning channel and make an opening at the point where the side wants to drop.

Having had both types I would say the type that avoids using the awning channel at the end is easier to fit and looks better on the van.

With ours it also means that the cassette toilet door is outside the awning as well