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[tcarpenterblueyonder.co.uk]

I was just wondering how everyone else manages with there awning we are new to this and decided to put our awning up for the 1st time yesterday. But we struggled to thread it through and to reach the poles as we are both short, even standing on the caravan step, was no good, so in the end we had to use step ladders, but these are a bit bulky to take away with us, wondering how every one else manages.

thanks in advance

 

[Ray R]

Hi Tracey, We too are vertically challenged but we don't have too much trouble with the awning.

As far as threading it through the awning rail goes first make sure the rail is clean and a little spray of silicone spray or furniture polish works wonders at helping it slide along, we use the step to stand on and one feeds the awning into the rail while the other gives it a tug along.

Once its in position start making the frame up but don't put it up to the require height until you have it all together, work with it at a height you feel comfortable with and leave extending it up to its normal height until last.

Hope this helps and don't worry the more you do it the easier it will become.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

Tracey,

I am only 5' 5" and got around this problem by purchasing a two tread caravan step, but like Jasper has already said, make sure the rail is clean and preferably lubricated, this will help the beading glide through easier.

Also if you feed the awning through Left to Right, when you get to the sharp bend at the back of the van, most of the weight will be held by the awning rail,

best regards, Martin

 

[joeby]

i have a small piece of awning bead which i cover with a piece polishing cloth and the i apply mister sheen to the cloth and pull it through the awning rail ,then i apply mister sheen to the awning bead ,this only needs doing once a year

 

[MargaretW.]

Hi Tracey,

Spray the track with furniture polish. Especially from the end you are starting from and the awning with then spread it along - we have used this for years and the polish stays in the 'van.

Try starting from the front end - not so much weight to shift. If you are short, take lightweight steps with you.

Margaret W

 

[alaintaylor]

In case you missed it in the instructions, zip out all removable panels before putting up and taking down - with most full awnings this means you are mainly threading through the roof section, much lighter and easier to pack away afterwards.

Alan

 

[Happy-Lappy]

As Alan says, unzip all the front/side panels as this makes the awning alot lighter and easier to manage, just remember to re-zip them back in before you start the pegging process,

best regards, Martin

 

[JTQ]

Not that the current van features it but I prefer to use an awning entry point at eye level as on previous van. It meant having to "overshoot" at the final bit and then come back but it was far easier as the awning hung naturally nice and straight to facilitate smooth entry. You could also hold it in your arms to avoid the mud.

I now have to start at whichever end is highest from the ground and lay it all on the ground sheet, but as its so close to the ground it is difficult to get it entering straight. It goes better if I attend to the entry end pushing it up and the OH takes its weight off the rail.

 

[Colin_374342276]

Being short also, I carry a set of 2 tread aluminium steps with me. They are not very heavy and solve the reaching problem a treat. I have seen this piece of equipment carried by quite a few caravanners on sites.