We are new to Caravaning and love every moment of it, we brought a new van, an Abbey Freestlyle 540, a few minor problems but no job stoppers. At the time , short of money after all the expence we brought a cheap lean too igloo type awning, great for weekends but we feel we need more space for our weeks away so are saving for a full size awning, we have narrowed our choice to a Bradcot Classic with easy fit aluminium poles or the Isabella Capri lux , my Q is which would be the better choice, the cheaper Bradcot with what looks the easier to put up frame or the I assume better quatity Isabella ?
Bradcot V Isabella
- Thread starter Mr C
- Start date
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Quality if you want it to last !Check out the second hand ones advertised though, so many get sold in superb condition as they have had little use before the van is traded for another size.
Bradcot, without doubt. Why pay hundreds more for the name? The Bradcot easy system is just that. The Isabella IXL poles are an absolute pig when they're a few years old.
If you want quality, Isabella every time. the new carbon fibre poles are really strong. Go to the Isabella web site and see how easy it is to erect an Isabella. We owned a Bradcot for 12 months. Poor stitching and zips.
Hamer
Hamer
My 950cm Isabella awning is 7yrs old and is just like new.
I can put it up on my own in less than 45 minutes. I have no problem with the IXL poles.
Quality costs.
Steve W
I can put it up on my own in less than 45 minutes. I have no problem with the IXL poles.
Quality costs.
Steve W
not really any contest in this one, if you want an awning thats going to last and wont fail in bad weather then you have to go for quality over cost and you cant buy better quality than isabella.
if cost is your primary concern and your not too bothered about quality then go for the cheaper bradcot, but i would rather buy a second hand isabella than a brand new bradcot or any other of the budget make. but i do like quality i find it more cost effective in the long run.
if cost is your primary concern and your not too bothered about quality then go for the cheaper bradcot, but i would rather buy a second hand isabella than a brand new bradcot or any other of the budget make. but i do like quality i find it more cost effective in the long run.
H Paul
We have had both, as others have said the Isabella is a well made durable awning, we now use a Ventura awning, they are made by Isabella but are less expensive, just like Isabella including the IXL frame,but without the latest Isbella features.We have had no problem with the IXL frames, you need to keep them clean and occasionally spray with polish.We bought our latest awning via ebay, never been used and has proved excellent, if you look on ebay you need to know exactly the size and make you need. Then just wait for one to be advertised, satisfy yourself that the seller has good feedback, ask questions about the awning for sale , and you can get a really good deal.
We have had both, as others have said the Isabella is a well made durable awning, we now use a Ventura awning, they are made by Isabella but are less expensive, just like Isabella including the IXL frame,but without the latest Isbella features.We have had no problem with the IXL frames, you need to keep them clean and occasionally spray with polish.We bought our latest awning via ebay, never been used and has proved excellent, if you look on ebay you need to know exactly the size and make you need. Then just wait for one to be advertised, satisfy yourself that the seller has good feedback, ask questions about the awning for sale , and you can get a really good deal.
Paul
I have owned both makes of awning. I ended up taking the Bradcot back because of poor quality finishings. The Isabella is still going strong!
I have owned both makes of awning. I ended up taking the Bradcot back because of poor quality finishings. The Isabella is still going strong!
With now 16 years of use the IXL poles of my Isabella Ambassador are still going fine. Had to replace the plastic feet and some of the clamps a few times but these are readily available. I think its a brilliant frame so cant understand at all emmerson's comment that "The Isabella IXL poles are an absolute pig when they're a few years old."
I don't know about Bradcot v Isabella, but I can comment on Dorema v Isabella - and surprisingly, you may think, Dorema gets my vote...With now 16 years of use the IXL poles of my Isabella Ambassador are still going fine. Had to replace the plastic feet and some of the clamps a few times but these are readily available. I think its a brilliant frame so cant understand at all emmerson's comment that "The Isabella IXL poles are an absolute pig when they're a few years old."
I first owned a 2.1 deep metre Dorema, which was hugely satisfactory, but succumbed to a temptation to buy the 3 metre deep Isabella Commodore.
The Isabella may have been better canvas, but was inferior in a number of areas. At the inside corners, the canvas only went half way down the van's runners, making it a poor seal in the corner, and a seemingly unnecessary flaw. At ground level, the inside fold was flimsier and shorter than the Dorema's and left significant holes where it had to be tucked around the vertical posts. (My wife went round stapling polythene strips to it, to close the gaps - no such problem on the Dorema which has generous overlapping and seals completely.)
Then came the rains. The Isabella let water seep in through the gaps at ground level and dripped inside from the roof at the top of the front corner posts. We had to pack the holes with make-shift rubber washers. The Dorema has never let in a teaspoonful of water! The IXL poles were OK but definitely bowed a little - Dorema's steel ones are rock solid.
I have now changed my van and took the opportunity to go back to Dorema because of needing a larger size. Put it up last week and it was every bit as good as the first one - better in fact because of the standard clip-on storm straps.
So my vote goes to Dorema. I too would normally happily pay more for the best, but in this case I don't feel Isabella is the best, and certainly not to the extent of paying more than twice as much for something that, after all, is only a tent!!
I don't know about Bradcot v Isabella, but I can comment on Dorema v Isabella - and surprisingly, you may think, Dorema gets my vote...
I first owned a 2.1 deep metre Dorema, which was hugely satisfactory, but succumbed to a temptation to buy the 3 metre deep Isabella Commodore.
The Isabella may have been better canvas, but was inferior in a number of areas. At the inside corners, the canvas only went half way down the van's runners, making it a poor seal in the corner, and a seemingly unnecessary flaw. At ground level, the inside fold was flimsier and shorter than the Dorema's and left significant holes where it had to be tucked around the vertical posts. (My wife went round stapling polythene strips to it, to close the gaps - no such problem on the Dorema which has generous overlapping and seals completely.)
Then came the rains. The Isabella let water seep in through the gaps at ground level and dripped inside from the roof at the top of the front corner posts. We had to pack the holes with make-shift rubber washers. The Dorema has never let in a teaspoonful of water! The IXL poles were OK but definitely bowed a little - Dorema's steel ones are rock solid.
I have now changed my van and took the opportunity to go back to Dorema because of needing a larger size. Put it up last week and it was every bit as good as the first one - better in fact because of the standard clip-on storm straps.
So my vote goes to Dorema. I too would normally happily pay more for the best, but in this case I don't feel Isabella is the best, and certainly not to the extent of paying more than twice as much for something that, after all, is only a tent!!
I first owned a 2.1 deep metre Dorema, which was hugely satisfactory, but succumbed to a temptation to buy the 3 metre deep Isabella Commodore.
The Isabella may have been better canvas, but was inferior in a number of areas. At the inside corners, the canvas only went half way down the van's runners, making it a poor seal in the corner, and a seemingly unnecessary flaw. At ground level, the inside fold was flimsier and shorter than the Dorema's and left significant holes where it had to be tucked around the vertical posts. (My wife went round stapling polythene strips to it, to close the gaps - no such problem on the Dorema which has generous overlapping and seals completely.)
Then came the rains. The Isabella let water seep in through the gaps at ground level and dripped inside from the roof at the top of the front corner posts. We had to pack the holes with make-shift rubber washers. The Dorema has never let in a teaspoonful of water! The IXL poles were OK but definitely bowed a little - Dorema's steel ones are rock solid.
I have now changed my van and took the opportunity to go back to Dorema because of needing a larger size. Put it up last week and it was every bit as good as the first one - better in fact because of the standard clip-on storm straps.
So my vote goes to Dorema. I too would normally happily pay more for the best, but in this case I don't feel Isabella is the best, and certainly not to the extent of paying more than twice as much for something that, after all, is only a tent!!
What about customer care...
I can't comment on Isabella, as I have Bradcot.
I had a problem with the figure of 8 channel fiting to the draft skirt suplied with my Active awning; the bead in the skirt was too large a diameter for the hole in the fig. 8.
Called Bradcot, they arranged for DHL to pick up the Skirt the next day (Wednesday), the skirt was returned on Friday with new bead.
Okay, manufacturuing fault caused the problem, but they certainly satisfied me with their no quibble after care. Could you say the same for a non-uk based manufacturer?
I can't comment on Isabella, as I have Bradcot.
I had a problem with the figure of 8 channel fiting to the draft skirt suplied with my Active awning; the bead in the skirt was too large a diameter for the hole in the fig. 8.
Called Bradcot, they arranged for DHL to pick up the Skirt the next day (Wednesday), the skirt was returned on Friday with new bead.
Okay, manufacturuing fault caused the problem, but they certainly satisfied me with their no quibble after care. Could you say the same for a non-uk based manufacturer?
Quite right colin it does seem strange but as with everything you do get some things that dont seem right even when you think you have bought the best.
All my isabella awnings have been supplied with rubber seals to stop any water leaking in through the holes where the poles go through the roof, its obvious water will come in if these are not fitted as all the rain runs down to these corners since they are at the lowest point.
With regard to the gaps round the bottom ? again all our isabella awning have been fitted with regulater tabs that the poles fit into which allow the awning to be adjusted for a good fit at ground level and all have had very generous mud walls that overlap by about 4 to 5 inches.
with regard to the canvas only coming half way down the van, ours come about 3/4 or more down (i think a lot depends on whether you get the right size) and we have found that the rest of the material which is the same as the plastic has an edge stiched in which fits in to the awning rail and continues the seal, below this we have lots of material that pegs down and seals the corners perfectly. My isabella dealer tells me that this feature is to allow the awning to be put up tight if it is used on a pitch with the awning going away from the van on an uphill or downward slope. if the awning was tighly fitted to the van then you would not be able to stretch the roof without getting some wrinkles in it.
It seems you may have been putting the awning up a bit tight possibly as non of our ixl poles have shown any sign of bowing unless over tightned, we now use the correct tensioning tool and the awning allways looks perfect, no wrinkles no bowes no leaks.
I suppose it does depend a lot on how often you are going to use the awning, if like us it is up every three weeks for the weekend plus 3 or 4 times per year for a fortnight then the isabella is a sound investment but if you are only going to give the awning limited use then one of the other makes may be good enough.
All my isabella awnings have been supplied with rubber seals to stop any water leaking in through the holes where the poles go through the roof, its obvious water will come in if these are not fitted as all the rain runs down to these corners since they are at the lowest point.
With regard to the gaps round the bottom ? again all our isabella awning have been fitted with regulater tabs that the poles fit into which allow the awning to be adjusted for a good fit at ground level and all have had very generous mud walls that overlap by about 4 to 5 inches.
with regard to the canvas only coming half way down the van, ours come about 3/4 or more down (i think a lot depends on whether you get the right size) and we have found that the rest of the material which is the same as the plastic has an edge stiched in which fits in to the awning rail and continues the seal, below this we have lots of material that pegs down and seals the corners perfectly. My isabella dealer tells me that this feature is to allow the awning to be put up tight if it is used on a pitch with the awning going away from the van on an uphill or downward slope. if the awning was tighly fitted to the van then you would not be able to stretch the roof without getting some wrinkles in it.
It seems you may have been putting the awning up a bit tight possibly as non of our ixl poles have shown any sign of bowing unless over tightned, we now use the correct tensioning tool and the awning allways looks perfect, no wrinkles no bowes no leaks.
I suppose it does depend a lot on how often you are going to use the awning, if like us it is up every three weeks for the weekend plus 3 or 4 times per year for a fortnight then the isabella is a sound investment but if you are only going to give the awning limited use then one of the other makes may be good enough.
I concede that "half way" down the caravan was not quite right - more like two-thirds, to the point where the van channel has an opening before continuing to the bottom of the van. That part of the awning could easily have piping fitted to give the option of sliding into the bottom part - but it had none.Quite right colin it does seem strange but as with everything you do get some things that dont seem right even when you think you have bought the best.
All my isabella awnings have been supplied with rubber seals to stop any water leaking in through the holes where the poles go through the roof, its obvious water will come in if these are not fitted as all the rain runs down to these corners since they are at the lowest point.
With regard to the gaps round the bottom ? again all our isabella awning have been fitted with regulater tabs that the poles fit into which allow the awning to be adjusted for a good fit at ground level and all have had very generous mud walls that overlap by about 4 to 5 inches.
with regard to the canvas only coming half way down the van, ours come about 3/4 or more down (i think a lot depends on whether you get the right size) and we have found that the rest of the material which is the same as the plastic has an edge stiched in which fits in to the awning rail and continues the seal, below this we have lots of material that pegs down and seals the corners perfectly. My isabella dealer tells me that this feature is to allow the awning to be put up tight if it is used on a pitch with the awning going away from the van on an uphill or downward slope. if the awning was tighly fitted to the van then you would not be able to stretch the roof without getting some wrinkles in it.
It seems you may have been putting the awning up a bit tight possibly as non of our ixl poles have shown any sign of bowing unless over tightned, we now use the correct tensioning tool and the awning allways looks perfect, no wrinkles no bowes no leaks.
I suppose it does depend a lot on how often you are going to use the awning, if like us it is up every three weeks for the weekend plus 3 or 4 times per year for a fortnight then the isabella is a sound investment but if you are only going to give the awning limited use then one of the other makes may be good enough.
The awning size is definitely correct, sitting a comfortable 2-3" above ground level.
My Dorema has no rubber seals at the top of the posts and has never let a drop of rain in. Around the bottom, the weather-proofing/sealing is definitely superior with really generous overlaps.
Paul,
if you fancy an Isabella but can't justify the cost, what about considering a Ventura, parent company is Isabella, same quality but without the Isabella logo & cheaper to!
I have the Atlantic full & cadet porch awnings, both with the carbon fibre poles
if you fancy an Isabella but can't justify the cost, what about considering a Ventura, parent company is Isabella, same quality but without the Isabella logo & cheaper to!
I have the Atlantic full & cadet porch awnings, both with the carbon fibre poles
I had an Issabella with my old van, it was excellent and we always thought we would get another Issabella when the time came for a new van.
However, they are so very expensive, and as it turned out they didn't appear to make one that fitted my van very well. I looked around and bought a Dorema Senator Lux, with lightweight easy fit poles etc, and I can say that its every bit as good as the Issaeblla if not better in some respect. Its clearly copied the design of the Issabella, the materials are great, its goes together really well and its about half price of a Issabella.
The problem with Dorema appears to be that they make a range of qualities, and their basic unit still uses a very outdated system of heavy steel poles, and clips that need to be drilled to the van, so I suspect many people see some of these and rule Dorema out.
However, they are so very expensive, and as it turned out they didn't appear to make one that fitted my van very well. I looked around and bought a Dorema Senator Lux, with lightweight easy fit poles etc, and I can say that its every bit as good as the Issaeblla if not better in some respect. Its clearly copied the design of the Issabella, the materials are great, its goes together really well and its about half price of a Issabella.
The problem with Dorema appears to be that they make a range of qualities, and their basic unit still uses a very outdated system of heavy steel poles, and clips that need to be drilled to the van, so I suspect many people see some of these and rule Dorema out.
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