I bought a Sunncamp Swift 220 for our 2004 Avondale Dart, but because the door is toward the rear of the van, the awning is not a good fit along the rear rooflne, as it cuts half way down through the bunk windows. Anyone got any idea which older porch awning would work?
Awning 'fit'
- Thread starter crazyguider
- Start date
What you need to do is check what length you need to get past the window and any awning that size or bigger should then fit. If there is another window on that side though make sure you do go across that.
Mel
Moderator
If you are looking for a new awning Glossop Caravans awning dept had a book that told us which ones would fit without going over a window. I assume other awning dealers have it as well.
Mel
Mel
Search on ebay for Prestina 260 or 390.
I've used these for years and they are excellent. Just replaced ours at 5 years old, but only because I damaged it hanging it on the fence to dry! You can slide it along to fit anywhere, as long as the roof is straight ish.
260 is 2.6m long, 390 is 3.9m long.
I've used these for years and they are excellent. Just replaced ours at 5 years old, but only because I damaged it hanging it on the fence to dry! You can slide it along to fit anywhere, as long as the roof is straight ish.
260 is 2.6m long, 390 is 3.9m long.
This is the problem with the Dart - the area to the rear of the door is only about 18" of usable space, which mean the awning has to either cover the bunk windows, or be too close to the van door, and also has to deal with the roof curve. We only want a small one to put the bin and fridge in and to hang the coats in when wet. I loke the look of those suggested, but they're all too big. you can see why on this picture: http://carssoldquick.com/images-cars/6125-1.jpg if it loads!!
I know it's not ideal but if the awning is to keep wet clothes, etc then does it need to actually cover the door? You seem to have space for an awning forward of the door. In this situation you could put a canopy over the door
Some people have full awnings on the door side and a porch awning on the other side, especially in winter to cover the aquaroll and wastemaster.
Some people have full awnings on the door side and a porch awning on the other side, especially in winter to cover the aquaroll and wastemaster.
Looking at the photo, any porch awning you have will have to go down the rear windows.
Failing that, here's an idea. Buy a proper full size awning, but get one that is too small for your van. You can convert full awnings into porch awnings with a kit off ebay where you cut the beading to allow it to come out, and then add a leg and padding to bring the awning down the side of the van.
If you do this at the front, so the awning fits properly into the channel at the back, but finishes before the front window.............. job done!
Does that makes sense?
Failing that, here's an idea. Buy a proper full size awning, but get one that is too small for your van. You can convert full awnings into porch awnings with a kit off ebay where you cut the beading to allow it to come out, and then add a leg and padding to bring the awning down the side of the van.
If you do this at the front, so the awning fits properly into the channel at the back, but finishes before the front window.............. job done!
Does that makes sense?
I had not realised just how difficult this one was until I saw the photo. I doubt any porch awning will work for you and if that is what you want The Polishers solution looks the best way forward.
Pondered and pondered and I can't think of anything else either. Unless a small porch has beading down the back edge. Bradcot certainly do a tiddler and Isabella too.
Mel
Moderator
Isabella used to do a "combi" awning which basically went down the awning rail at the back of the van but was a "porch" i.e not in the awning rail at the front of the van. There are a couple on ebay now. Any use?
mel
mel
Mel said:
Bradcot did one too and I think our Isabella Magnum is what you're thinking of Mel, I think it would probably still interfere with the middle side window, May just fit but it'll be close. Careful measuring needed. If the minor had the same that may work?
Gannoying isn't it? Both Sir WC and The Polishers' ideas are great. We have thought about a far side awning, too, but the Issy, Ventura etc are all too heavy for just a couple of days. Thanks for every idea, but I think we'll just have to do without. Less is more I suppose...
Colin
We have an Izzy Magnum and as you say I'm also certain it won't fit at the rear end.Not enough rail left.
I have to agree the Polishers idea is best for the situation.
A wild card but how about one of those motor home free standing porch awnings that don't actually attach to the caravan?
We have an Izzy Magnum and as you say I'm also certain it won't fit at the rear end.Not enough rail left.
I have to agree the Polishers idea is best for the situation.
A wild card but how about one of those motor home free standing porch awnings that don't actually attach to the caravan?
Nice idea Dusty, but they are so expensive, and probably a lot more stuff to carry around than we need. I think we'll have to manage without. It does seem strange, though that there are no older porch awnings available to fit our style of van. maybe the great minds at PC know something we don't...
We have the same issue as the OP. Our door is towards the rear and that defines where the back of the awning/porch has to be sited, it then cuts half way across the front window. If we went shorter, it wouldnt be large enough for our needs, if we went longer, the front slope aspect would become an issue for fit and we would be better going back to a full awning. Its something I have learnt to live with and doesnt really bother us anymore.
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