Isabella Universal Porch Awning

[DanPaula]

We are considering buying an Isabella Universal Porch awning, we currently have a Sunncamp Ultima 260 and find this easy to put up. Is the Isabella easy to put up and does anyone know the rough time span for this. The sunncamp is bad for drafts at either side of the caravan as it doesn't fit perfectly snug up to the side walls of the van - does anyone know how snug the isabella fits? I know quality for the material should be excellent but it is a lot of money to send if we buy it and it is no good. Thanks

 

[Angus1]

Not had an Isabella porch, but the full awning was excellent.

I had an Ultima 390 which I thought was garbage and got rid after 3 nights, but found a Harrison Supreme on Ebay (unused, boxed, listed at

 

[JTQ]

I have the Isabella Magnum and have used it extensively since 2002.

I have not timed myself putting it up but don't think it can be more than a relaxed 15 minutes. I rate it an excellent awning that is potentially transferable from van to van, however they have some inherent minor points that ought to be mentioned. These are more likely to be encountered if your a rough field rallier that a lawn caravaner.

Unlike a full awning that can run around the rail to accommodate being on a longitudinal slope these cant do that, so in my case one side gets a bit "on tip-toes " so to speak. However I have a 250 cm high awning rail that accentuates this, the design is for a 240cm rail and with that it will not be an issue.

The fit against the side of the van whilst usually good is affected by the transverse slope of the ground. If the ground rises towards the front of the awning this tends to pull the pads away as they come down from the rail. This can be addressed by stepping the base of the front back a bit but at the expense of a taught fit.

Also if the van features horizontal rails then rain water can find its way along these if the van is not completely level longitudinally. This can be addressed by slipping a "J" cloth or the like where the rail passes the pad for the water to wick down.

Also the obvious, you need to check that both pads will be clear of windows as whilst they can go across windows they will inevitable cause some fretting makes as it moves in the wind and it looks naf anyway. Mine does go across the loo window which it has marked but this is not an issue with the obscured "glass".

Having mentioned "wind", I have found on several occasions that it's robust enough to stand some pretty extreme weather.

 

[JTQ]

I have the Isabella Magnum and have used it extensively since 2002.

I have not timed myself putting it up but don't think it can be more than a relaxed 15 minutes. I rate it an excellent awning that is potentially transferable from van to van, however they have some inherent minor points that ought to be mentioned. These are more likely to be encountered if your a rough field rallier that a lawn caravaner.

Unlike a full awning that can run around the rail to accommodate being on a longitudinal slope these cant do that, so in my case one side gets a bit "on tip-toes " so to speak. However I have a 250 cm high awning rail that accentuates this, the design is for a 240cm rail and with that it will not be an issue.

The fit against the side of the van whilst usually good is affected by the transverse slope of the ground. If the ground rises towards the front of the awning this tends to pull the pads away as they come down from the rail. This can be addressed by stepping the base of the front back a bit but at the expense of a taught fit.

Also if the van features horizontal rails then rain water can find its way along these if the van is not completely level longitudinally. This can be addressed by slipping a "J" cloth or the like where the rail passes the pad for the water to wick down.

Also the obvious, you need to check that both pads will be clear of windows as whilst they can go across windows they will inevitable cause some fretting makes as it moves in the wind and it looks naf anyway. Mine does go across the loo window which it has marked but this is not an issue with the obscured "glass".

Having mentioned "wind", I have found on several occasions that it's robust enough to stand some pretty extreme weather.

Fretting MARKS

 

[LesleyRussell]

We have an Isabella Universal porch awning which we have used for the past 4 or 5 years. It is very good quality and stays put in stormy weather. It fits well to the sides of the caravan and looks perfect every time it's put up. Just as you see it in the brochures! My husband usually gets the polls ready and in place on the ground. From the time I assist in pulling it through and and erecting it I would say this takes about 10 minutes. I then leave him to do the rest i.e. pegging out and putting in the back legs (against the caravan). No probs.

The only problem is it never wears out so you would feel reluctant to let it ever go.

 

[DanPaula]

Many thanks to all the the info & advice. I will certainly have a closer look at one of these awnings.

Thanks again, Dan.