Hello from sunny(ish) Bolton: )

[SimonBWFC]

Hi

We (Jill and I) have just bought a 2012 Lunar Venus 320/2 and had our first trip out in it. I'm amazed at what can be done with such a small space! We had a quick run out with it at weekend to Anglesey and so far we love it! We are towing it with a Skoda Octavia 1.6tdi and it copes well with it... though it did feel a little strange on first towing the caravan: )

We are on the look out for an awning for a bit of extra room for chairs, boots and semi alfresco dining. Would there have been a lunar Venus specific awning or is it just a case of finding a 3rd part fit awning?

Regards

Simon

 

[Anseo]

Welcome Simon and Jill

Plenty of awnings to choose from out there, new and used.

 

[Craigyoung]

Simon and jill ,
Hi , check out gumtree , and ebay , that's where we got ours from a few months ago , plenty on there and deals to be done on there , good luck ,

Craig

 

[Anseo]

SimonBWFC,

I just noticed in your OP that you said "3rd part fit awning", assuming this means you do not want a full size awning then measure your caravan doorwindow distances etc. and choose an awning size that does not part cover a window or locker etc.

 

[audiorob]

On a 320 van you might find that a full awning takes no longer to erect than a porch awning, and saves the measuring and the care needed so that if possible a porch does not obstruct a window or hatch. Google is so handy so:
Venus 320 2 2012
Year - 2012
Mass in Running Order (Kg) - 763
Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (Kg) - 905
Internal Length (metres) - 3.265
Shipping Length (metres) - 4.915
Width (metres) - 2.09
Awning Size (cm) - 780
(from caravan talk/caravan specifications site)
So your full awning is as given a 780, which is the 'ground to ground' measure through the rail from front to back. Porch awnings are given by the length that is covered along the caravan wall - so 280 is the width in cm, and usually the depth is quoted too - so 280 x 250 where the 250 is the depth from the caravan side.
One major advantage with a porch is that you can retain it if you change the van. Probably a used will have steel and or fibre poles, although inflatable tube versions are starting to appear, new you still have the choice, although mast manufacts have moved to inflatables.
Hope all this detail helps - and happy caravanning!

 

[Raywood]

Welcome to the forum and I hope you enjoy using the new caravan. There are no Lunar specific awnings so you will have to buy one from the market. Given the size of the caravan a full awning should be light enough to put up easily, but do get a demonstration if possible when you buy, or at least if second hand get instructions. Without these you will probably struggle to get it up as knowing which pole is which is often not that easy without a diagram unless they are colour coded. if you can do a dry run before going on site with it as this is far less embarrassing if things go wrong. On site you will probably get help if you need it just ask.

 

[Beachball]

Welcome Simon and Jill to the forum

 

[LizziePope]

Hi there Simon and Jill and a warm welcome to the Practical Caravan forum. Thanks for posting and introducing yourselves.

 

[Lynnybobs]

Hello and welcome, we though a lot about awnings when we bought our caravan last year.
In the end we decided to go for a large porch awning which we can still use if we change the van and it has suited us very well.
Mainly used a place to sit and relax with a cuppa, or enjoy a meal in when the weather is not quite up to eating outside and also house the muddy walking boots and wet coats/towels so we don't bring too much mess into the van.
Just needs a bit of careful measuring to ensure that you avoid obstructing windows.

 

[Kiveton]

Ann and I have just been out for our first few days in our Caravelair Antares 335, and, like you, loved it.
Small caravan, but Tardis-like inside. Easy to handle (I am 77 after all), and tows like a dream.
The porch awning that came with the caravan is an Outdoor-Revolution 280 Air awning. Not used it yet, but looking forward to that day when we do.
You're quite right - move the awning to a new van whenever you change vans. Makes sense.
Enjoy your caravan as much as we will.
John.