Quite fancy this type of awning which gives a bit of cover but can be rolled up very quickly.
Are they worth getting any views would be appreciated
Are they worth getting any views would be appreciated
Caravanstore Awning - Fiamma
- Thread starter James3
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- Mar 14, 2005
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We have had the caravanstore for 6 years and now have the "Zip"
They have now made them to roll up underhand rather than overhand and this is much harder to do.
Its also quite a stretch to roll up.
Our friends bought a Caravanstore Zip a month ago and although I put it up for them twice and helped last week to put it down they feel unable to roll it up and are seriously considering selling it.
They are in their 70s and below average height.
I can put mine up and down unaided but I am 6ft+ and a mere 66 years old!!
They have now made them to roll up underhand rather than overhand and this is much harder to do.
Its also quite a stretch to roll up.
Our friends bought a Caravanstore Zip a month ago and although I put it up for them twice and helped last week to put it down they feel unable to roll it up and are seriously considering selling it.
They are in their 70s and below average height.
I can put mine up and down unaided but I am 6ft+ and a mere 66 years old!!
The original type is quite easy to roll up but as john says it helps to be 6ft. We carry a light 3 step stepladder which is very useful for other things like cleaning the roof etc.
I've had my awning four seasons and would buy another. You need an awning tie down with the strap taken one turn round the end rafters if it is quite windy or take it down altogether if very windy. Try to get it tight, or it will tend to flap and may start to tear along the front seam at the corners. Tensioning the Fiamma centre rafter pole is not too easy unless you have a good strong grip. I've replaced mine with a washing line prop (
I've had my awning four seasons and would buy another. You need an awning tie down with the strap taken one turn round the end rafters if it is quite windy or take it down altogether if very windy. Try to get it tight, or it will tend to flap and may start to tear along the front seam at the corners. Tensioning the Fiamma centre rafter pole is not too easy unless you have a good strong grip. I've replaced mine with a washing line prop (
- Sep 25, 2005
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We have one (3.1) and are about to get the 3.6 model for our new caravan as we use it every weekend. We also have 2 end panels which tie on and it becomes a quick and easy semi awning.
We love it as it only takes a minute to put up and take down, also (checked with fiamma) its OK to put away wet as it doen't rot or shrink.
Hubbys 5'10" and copes - uses the step if he can't reach!!!
We love it as it only takes a minute to put up and take down, also (checked with fiamma) its OK to put away wet as it doen't rot or shrink.
Hubbys 5'10" and copes - uses the step if he can't reach!!!
An alternative solution is Isabella's "Shadow". It is simply a sheet run in the awning rail and supported by two or three grp uprights. Available in various lenghts; ours is 3.6 metres, and has three uprights.
It only takes a couple of minutes to put up or take down. We use it a great deal; often using it to replace a full or porch awning for the final night, if we need a "dry pack". Its dead easy to dry it latter with it just hanging from the rail at home, or you could put it on a clothes line.
A big plus for us is that it does not compromise using our other awnings as it leaves the awning rail free.
Thought I would seed you this alternative approach.
It only takes a couple of minutes to put up or take down. We use it a great deal; often using it to replace a full or porch awning for the final night, if we need a "dry pack". Its dead easy to dry it latter with it just hanging from the rail at home, or you could put it on a clothes line.
A big plus for us is that it does not compromise using our other awnings as it leaves the awning rail free.
Thought I would seed you this alternative approach.
I bought a 4m Caravanstore Zip and partner said "what have you got that for?"
However after our holiday this year she will now not have anything else! We get on site and it is rolled out in less than 5. I can leave my fridge and chairs under it. Recently bought the sides and front [
However after our holiday this year she will now not have anything else! We get on site and it is rolled out in less than 5. I can leave my fridge and chairs under it. Recently bought the sides and front [
- Mar 14, 2005
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d do you have someone to help you roll it up??
I have to DIY (or myself) and could not cope with rolling anything bigger
I have to DIY (or myself) and could not cope with rolling anything bigger
- Mar 14, 2005
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Hi again David and thanks for the reply
I am puzzled that you had to buy the "Zip" side and front seperately as ours came complete.
Do you have the zips along the top sides
I ask because our 6 year old Caravanstore without the zips is much easier to roll up
The side zips seem to cause the plastic to "bag" when rolled up.
I am puzzled that you had to buy the "Zip" side and front seperately as ours came complete.
Do you have the zips along the top sides
I ask because our 6 year old Caravanstore without the zips is much easier to roll up
The side zips seem to cause the plastic to "bag" when rolled up.
Hi John
Mine was bought privately but it had never been used. The guy was emigrating. To be honest I did not even realise it was a zip model till I unrolled it down in France! My original idea was just to use a windbreak as a blocker on rallies. When I realised whgat it was I of course wanted the sides and front!
Yes it has zips along the sides and a channel to insert the front bit.I agree the side zips cause the ripple effect slightly but it does not seem to cause any damage and soon stretches any creases out once erected. Now I think it is brilliant - much easier than putting the porch up and i generally just insert whichever "end" is necessary if shelter is needed. I am going on an owners club rally next week to the NEC show so I suspect the complete thing will have to be erected. Ask me after that what I think!! I should probably buy a tie down kit as well. Do you use one of those?
Regards
DavidC
Mine was bought privately but it had never been used. The guy was emigrating. To be honest I did not even realise it was a zip model till I unrolled it down in France! My original idea was just to use a windbreak as a blocker on rallies. When I realised whgat it was I of course wanted the sides and front!
Yes it has zips along the sides and a channel to insert the front bit.I agree the side zips cause the ripple effect slightly but it does not seem to cause any damage and soon stretches any creases out once erected. Now I think it is brilliant - much easier than putting the porch up and i generally just insert whichever "end" is necessary if shelter is needed. I am going on an owners club rally next week to the NEC show so I suspect the complete thing will have to be erected. Ask me after that what I think!! I should probably buy a tie down kit as well. Do you use one of those?
Regards
DavidC
- May 12, 2006
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Try this for a small video for the assembly of the Caravanstore zip
www.fimma.com/fimma%20video,htm
Val & Frank
www.fimma.com/fimma%20video,htm
Val & Frank
- Mar 14, 2005
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It is worth considering the length of awning you buy.
The longer the (Fiamma)awning the heavier it is to roll up.
As my wife cannot assist with putting our Fiamma awning up and away, I have found I can manage a 2.55 metre size on my own (using the caravan step to reach high enough).
The longer the (Fiamma)awning the heavier it is to roll up.
As my wife cannot assist with putting our Fiamma awning up and away, I have found I can manage a 2.55 metre size on my own (using the caravan step to reach high enough).
- Mar 14, 2005
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I can manage the 2.8m caravanstore "Zip" on my own.
As they now roll up "underhand" I find the best way for me is to centralise the canopy about the van door and sit on the step inside the plastic sheet so that I am rolling up "overhand".
I then roll up a little and move upwards so that I am sitting on the caravan door frame and then I stand up while still rolling and finish off standing on the the door frame (step) .
with practice it gets easier.
I have also extended the velcro loops on the canopy to make it easier !
Now I have to train my friend before he sells it !!
As they now roll up "underhand" I find the best way for me is to centralise the canopy about the van door and sit on the step inside the plastic sheet so that I am rolling up "overhand".
I then roll up a little and move upwards so that I am sitting on the caravan door frame and then I stand up while still rolling and finish off standing on the the door frame (step) .
with practice it gets easier.
I have also extended the velcro loops on the canopy to make it easier !
Now I have to train my friend before he sells it !!
I have a 2.55 size and use the step to roll upWe have one (3.1) and are about to get the 3.6 model for our new caravan as we use it every weekend. We also have 2 end panels which tie on and it becomes a quick and easy semi awning.
We love it as it only takes a minute to put up and take down, also (checked with fiamma) its OK to put away wet as it doen't rot or shrink.
Hubbys 5'10" and copes - uses the step if he can't reach!!!
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