Choosing an Awning

[Andrew_5133297]

We are stepping into the wonderful world of caravanning...exciting or what!

We are presently searching for a nearly new van.

Whilst we are looking we are also considering what type of awning we want to buy based on what is the most effective on the market(we are looking at paying in the region of £300)...does it depend largely on the van type we have or can we pretty much buy any type of awning irrespective of the van model?

If so, does anyone have any recommendations ?

Andrew and Amanda.

 

[Icemaker]

Andrew take a look at the link titled who does the best awning below http://www.practicalcaravan.com/newforums/fm_messages.asp?FO=11&FM=71361 unfortunately i cant see you getting much for only

 

[Andrew_5133297]

Thanks Icemaker...I suppose if we find an awning that looks good we will pay more. Cool nickname by the way..

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

Hi Andrew, I would suggest you give some thought as to your needs with the van and awning. We find that with just the two of us we dont use the awning unless we are staying on a site for at least two weeks. We fid we have plenty of room in the van for our needs and its just not worth carrying the full awning just to store the BBQ and the wellies - the porch awning is OK for that.

Having said that, to answer your question we have a Bradcot and are well satified with it. We have the easy fit alloy pole system so the awning goes up quite easily and has stayed up with no problems through some nasty storms.

 

[cris_408518]

We have a large Senator TA and steel framed Bradcot awning, when I can stand up I can put the Awning up on my own in under thirty minutes and take it down in less.

It's just a case of engaging brain and laying out the frame work and setting up in a set routine.

loads of woooly heads faff around for half a day with bits and awning bobs scattered about. Work out where the poles go and mark them up clearly. You can use different coloured insulation tape to mark the correct leg and roof bar tubes for front middle and rear of van.

Unless we are only staying for one night the Awning always goes up.

You can bin porch and compact awnings, you don't have to use all the space of a full sized Awning but silly cramped little Awnings can not stretch in size when the need arises!

Porch and compacts are for those who want to sit and enjoy your space and enjoy your hospitality, they have not got the room to reciprocate of course.

 

[Andrew_5133297]

Thanks Clive and Cris for your comments...we will be often travelling with my sister and bro-inlaw (keen vanners for 2.5 years now) so they will give advice on awnings etc as well.

We will probably want an awning big enough for us all (4-5 of us)to get together for a few beers late in the evenings inside the awning when its chilly outside...so the kids dont wake up in the van...our van size will be approx 21ft 4-5 berth when we eventually get it...

Are deals/contacts sometimes sorted out on here where people buy and sell vans to each other ?

Andrew.

 

[Fouldsy]

Andrew

Look at buying used, if you go for something like an Isabella you can pick up medium aged ones for the money you have but the quality is so good, its like having a new or nearly new cheeper one.

Now is a good time to buy because the season for some is ending, look at the For sale bit on this website, Ebay are also good.

If you read a few theads earlier there is a big bit on which is the best awning....may give you food for thought

Happy hunting

F

 

[gypsy]

Have a look at the classifieds on the home page.there are some Awnings on there.