Isabella full awning.

[X5Neil]

We bought a Isabella full awning for our Bailey Unicorn Barcalona. It would appear that our van falls between 2 awning sizes.
The van and awning were purchased at the NEC show last year and the company that I bought the awning from said that they would measure the awning rail as the van was there in situe.
But we put the awning up for the first time the other week and as this was the first time we have ever put an awning up it was not level a both ends and had a gap from the floor to the bottom of the awning (not including the storm flap) of 21cms at one end and 16cms the other. Isabella books say the gap should be no more than 10-12 cms
Having spoken to the company that sold me the awning said they supplied the smaller of the 2 sizes to help keep it taught and i had to stretch it out. Having spoken to them today they said that the gap was ok. But the gap is big enough for my dogs ( German shepherd x collie ) to get out.
Seeing as this is a premium awning I can't say as I am happy with the advice given so far. They are chasing this up with Isabella but get the feeling I am being stitched up. The larger awning size is only 15cms longer which it can handle but maybe i am missing something.
So please any advice from any of you with your opinions would be very much appreciated please.
Hope I have not waffled
Regards
Neil.

 

[waffler]

You asked the dealer to supply the right awning and they have failed to do so. The one supplied is not fit for purpose. You should return to the dealer and remind him of his responsibilities under the sale of goods act. He should then supply the right awning or at least give you your money back. You might eventually have to take him to court but I doubt it will come to that. Awning size is critical and the sides should come to ground so that it is reasonably draftfree. I understand the alu tech bodies seem to be harder to size correctly but the dealer is supposed to be expert. By the way I am sure you'll enjoy having an Isabella when you get it sorted.

 

[X5Neil]

Many thanks waffler.
I thought it should go to the floor. And to not have to use the storm flap to make up the difference. But having no hands on knowledge was not sure, which is why yourself and all the other forum users are invaluable to us newbies.
Thank you.

 

[colin-yorkshire1]

hi Neil, from reading your last post it would seem that the larger of the awnings would be a better fit. I am not sure exactly how the Isabella fastens down, but if you were putting up the awning on a levelish pitch then a average of 18.5 cm does seem a bit large and the 15cms extra would bring it down to about 8cm either side which I reckon is about right.
however it is difficult to describe to a complete novice (no offence intended) just how the awning sits, when assembled sometimes you have to because of the pitch put the awning off center or higher or lower if the pitch slopes away from the van, also the sides can be brought in or out slightly to accomodate the ground the angle of the poles may also be moved in or out to tighten the canvas.
when it has only been up once it is hard to know if it is actually up right, our dorema was a pig to get right from the start it must have been up 8 or 9 times before I figured out that the sides had to be spread in order to get it tight I was convinced it was 18in too long but I just had not put it up right.
ps there has to be a gap from the ground to the awning btm thats what ladder straps are for,
colin

 

[JTQ]

I know you have not purchased from Isabella however talk to them on the correct size you need, we have found they could not be more helpful.
Then armed with the knowledge from Isabella you can tackle your supplier knowing exactly what awning you need.
Our experience of dealing with Isabella leads me to believe they will take things on and get you sorted.
Next time at the NEC go directly to Isabella for your requirements rather than involving an intermediary who has a good chance of cocking things up.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Neil
When the Bailey Senator Wyoming S6 first came out Bailey said it needed an 1190cm awning. Isabella produced a special awning in that very size specifically for our Wyoming over their full model range. I'd be surprised if the boffins at Izzy haven't done the same for your new model.
I'm with the others on this, no way should you have the gaps you describe. Seems to me the selling dealer got it wrong and it's his problem to resolve . Our Izzy cost nearly £1200 four years ago so I bet yours is even dearer!
Don't put up with a modification to what you have as it is NOT what you ordered.
Let us know how you get on.

 

[X5Neil]

Thanks for your input.
Will keep you posted.
Neil

 

[HenryB1]

Hi Neil
We have an Isabella Capri Lux so have plenty of experience of putting one up. If yours is the correct fit you certainly should not have room for your dogs to get out if it is pegged down correctly. Have you looked at the Isabella web site? It seems to show that the awning size for your caravan is 1100. Check this against the size that has been supplied to you. You will also find on the Isabella site videos showing you how to put up your awning that also show clearly what it should look like when it reaches the ground. The only comment I would make is that with Alu tech, you will find it easier to get the awning into the rail if you start from the front first. If you need to speak to Isabella you will find them most helpful, we had to have our awning increased in size when we purchased our Pegasus and they could not have been more helpful. Finally we had a similar problem to you when we purchased an awning for a previous caravan and the supplier sent us one that was too small. Despite the fact that we had put it up they replaced it immediately with a larger awning that fitted properly. As others have said your contract is with the supplier and they should replace it or give you your money back if they have supplied the wrong size, particularly if they have decided upon the size needed for your van.
Hope you get it resolved soon as you have a great awning.
HenryB