Awnings

[eatonl]

Looking to purchase a full awning for our new caravan. Any advice on positives and negatives re the poles (steel, carbon etc) would be gratefully received. Obviously the carbon poles are lighter and more expensive but is there a trade off with strength or not and is it worth the added cost. Thanks in advance..........................

 

[Mel]

You need to think about how much you will use it and especially if you are going to use it on a seasonal pitch or for all year touring. Obviously you will have an overall budget as well. If yu are going to use it for lots of touring and mainly in summer then carbon poles are probably a better bet. However my full awning has carbon poles and I wouldn't have them again. The steel poles put more weight on the ground when it is windy and I have noticed the awning being more "flighty" now that we have carbon poles. It must be said that steel poles are not hurricane proof and if they do break then they will put a bigger ding in the van!
I also think that you get what you pay for in terms of canvas quality. Our current budget awning already has a broken zip and is showing wear after only 3 years of use (about 12 outings). Have a look at ventura. Made by Isabella which is probaly the best awning manufacturer.
Hope this helps
mel