How do I choose an awning?

[Alison0207]

I have looked at various awnings but can't distinguish between them.

Any clues how to make the choice-not sure impact differing grades acrylic,fibre poles to keep the weight down seems a good idea,storm straps seem to be on most of them etc,& they all come in green or blue or red...

 

[MrsMothy]

Hi Alison

I think the first thing you need to think about is a budget. This may mean buying a new low quality awning (as long as it is up to the job) or a second hand good quality one or perhaps a porch as opposed to a full awning. Then you need to consider which awning may be the best fit as not all awnings are a good fit on all vans (eg because of the front slope). It may be a good idea to post what make model of van you have as there may be forum members with the same van who have experience of different types/make of awning. You need to consider under what circumstances it will be used. Some of the cheaper awnings don't do well in winter whether. We had a Dorema whose poles were a right mess after a windy day in the Cotswolds and whose seams and finishing left a lot to be desired so we have now got an Isabella which has proved to be just about bombproof over the last year in all whethers and year round. As to colour, that has got to be personal preference. Have a look at the colours on the sites especially on vans of similar size and shape to yours. What looks good to you colourwise. Its you thats going to be using it after all.

Hope you find whats right for you.

Denise

 

[SirRogerFFS]

Alison , Denise is absolutely right but just to help you , have a look at www.towsure.com various awnings there to help you choose .

Hope this helps

Regards Stewart

 

[GeorgeB]

Alison , Denise is absolutely right but just to help you , have a look at www.towsure.com various awnings there to help you choose .

Hope this helps

Regards Stewart

Alison ,

Denise & Stewart are absolutely right, but to add to the contributions I would say that the considerations should be;

1. Budget, buy the best quality you can afford.

2. What do you want the awning for? I know that this sounds a bit strange, but if you only want one to keep the weather out & keep your wellies in then there's no point in buying a full awning, conversly, if you need the space then ther's no point in buying a porch awning, personally we have 2, a porch for weekends & a full for longer stays.

3. Weight, if weight is an issue, then can it be carried in the car, if not then light weight poles, fibre or alluminium are a must.

4. Colour should be your last consideration.

Finally, one last tip, what ever you end up with, study the instructions (if any, may not be with a second hand one) work out how the poles go together & do a dry run fitting them together, if you have space at home or at your storage location, put the awning up before you go away, (saves a huge amouint of embaressment on site!) and liberally spray the awning rail with silicone lubricant, don't half make life easy attaching the awning to the van!

 

[Alison0207]

Alison ,

Denise & Stewart are absolutely right, but to add to the contributions I would say that the considerations should be;

1. Budget, buy the best quality you can afford.

2. What do you want the awning for? I know that this sounds a bit strange, but if you only want one to keep the weather out & keep your wellies in then there's no point in buying a full awning, conversly, if you need the space then ther's no point in buying a porch awning, personally we have 2, a porch for weekends & a full for longer stays.

3. Weight, if weight is an issue, then can it be carried in the car, if not then light weight poles, fibre or alluminium are a must.

4. Colour should be your last consideration.

Finally, one last tip, what ever you end up with, study the instructions (if any, may not be with a second hand one) work out how the poles go together & do a dry run fitting them together, if you have space at home or at your storage location, put the awning up before you go away, (saves a huge amouint of embaressment on site!) and liberally spray the awning rail with silicone lubricant, don't half make life easy attaching the awning to the van!

thanks for all your comments-

we will be using it for the children to sleep,the dog to sleep and generally to use rather than keep wellies etc,so it will need to be full awning.

Fibre poles will keep weight down-can't put it in car boot-dog will be in there!

is it really only price that suggests better quality?Any clues in its construction?fabric type/grade?