We have a 3.6m Caravanstore Zip and are extremely pleased with it. We have used it in high winds (top of the Yorkshire Wolds) and have had no problems.
The big advantage is that the canopy can be extended in less than 5 minutes and about the same to put away. Fitting the sides and pegging out is about the same as for a standard awning (but you have some shelter when doing this).
Some recommendations: a)make or buy the footplates for the legs as these are much easier to peg down/remove and are more secure. b) The underside of the bag can get dirty and this can result in the road muck scratching the 'van wall where the poles press against it. Use some sticky-back plastic (freezer tape works well) on the wall where the poles sit to remedy this.
c) make sure that the sides won't fould windows, lockers or vents - the walls sit some 50mm inboard of the published length.
As for the issue of the weight on the awning rail - bear in mind that this is evenly distributed over the length of the rail whilst in transit and the fact that the main force is where the poles are pushing against the caravan when it is erected - but this is true of all awnings - and the forces involved in high winds will far exceed those caused by the weight.
As for resting on the awning light, we had an Elddis Cyclone which had a Britax light (protruding about 6cm) and the Caravanstor rested on it. This caused no problems over several thousand miles of towing.
Issues - they can suffer from condensation when it is warm and damp - the penalty from being able to put away when wet and, the roof can flap a bit in high winds. Drainage isn't a problem as long as it is erected with enough fall.
I am happy with ours and if you trawl the various caravan websites you will find plenty of other recommendations and others who have tried them and don't like them.
Hope this helps.
Mike
