Caravan Pullout Sun Canopies

[bertieboy1]

Considering one of these pullout sun canopies that travels with van whilst in situ. but concerned about the distance from the awning channel opening and the top of the awning light.
The models I've been looking at all hang down too far and would cover the awning light.The distance from the awning channel opening and the top of the awning light is 75mm.The concern is damage to the awning light.
whilst travelling.Is there such a thing as a pullout sun canopy that goes up rather than hangs down from the awning channel.(In the travel/stowed state)

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

Click here and scroll down to Roof Mounted Awnings. However such a design may impinge on the water integrity of the roof.

 

[KeefySher]

After having a roll out awning (Fiamma Zip) on the MH that could convert to a full awning, or add an end or 2 or a front or add to a driveway i.e. total flexibility; we looked for a sun canopy for the caravan, buying one off a member on here.

It is a Dorema Monaco: http://www.dorema.co.uk/de/sun_canopies/canopy_monaco.htm

Folds down to the size of a small pillow, with the 3 poles in a small bag. Pop it in the boot or under seat locker in the caravan. Full length of the awning rail so no moving chairs into the shade. Goes up in minutes and comes down equally as quick.

An option to consider?

 

[Andy-H]

We considered the Quest roll out which comes with the zip in panels to make a full awning, half awning half canopy or just sides and looks like a versatile bit of kit but I'm really not keen on having the weight on the awning rail whilst travelling and it probably would foul the awning light which is quite high on our van.
For dry-ish short stays I sewed a length of Kador strip to a camping tarp to make this which does the trick but can flap a bit in the wind

That Dorema one above looks really good though

 

[Martin24]

We certainly thought about going down down this route with swmbo needing to put the awning up on her own. In the end as it was going to need two sides to protect the wheelchair from the elements over night and two people to roll it up, we decided to stick with our very easy and user friendly porch awning. I can see the benefits especially for short stays or maybe in good weather abroad but for us it just wasn't quite right.

I know many people have them and use them with every success but I have never liked the idea of putting the weight on one side and up high. As far as stability goes it's much better to have an awning or canopy removed and in the van over the axle. If payload/weight is an issue then in the car or in a roof box on the car. I also think there is a chance, if hanging by the awning rail with it's weight all the time, there could be damage to the awning rail fixings over time. That's without considering the possibility of damage to the upper part of the side wall in transit. As far as permanent roof mounting goes on a van still under warranty it would certainly null and void that area of roof for any claims from leaks etc the same as an after market solar panel area of fixings would.

 

[RayS]

I've used a Fiamma caravanstore for many years with no problems.
The weight is evenly distributed and you can position it fore and aft to get the centre right over the axle while towing. I use Isabella slide in clamps at each end to stop it shifting both for towing and when errected.
In a really stong wind the whole bag may lift and the bang back against the side of the van.
I stick small pads of foam rubber to the outside of the bag to cushion this, including one above the awning light. You don't see them in position.
It is easier to thread into the awning rail from the front of the caravan rather than the rear as the front corner of the awning rail is generally larger radius than the rear.