Looking for Full Size Air Awning – Pressure Valve Concerns?

[Bazzel33]

Hi all,

We’re currently looking at buying a full-size size 18 air awning and are torn between brands like Camptech and Dorema. We like the look of both ranges but have one concern — pressure build-up in hot weather.

From what I can tell, Outdoor Revolution is the only brand that includes an automatic pressure relief valve as standard in their air tubes. That seems like a really sensible feature for peace of mind if you're away from the van on a hot day.

Neither Camptech nor Dorema appear to have anything similar built in. Has anyone had issues with over-pressurising or tube blowouts during hot weather? (We often go to South France and last time we had a week at 40 degrees)

I'm also considering retrofitting a Leafield A6 pressure relief valve to whichever awning we get — it seems straightforward if the valve threads are compatible, and would give us that extra bit of safety.

Would love to hear if anyone’s done this or if it's overkill? Are there any other brands I’ve missed that offer similar pressure protection?

Thanks!

 

[Mr Plodd]

I would check very carefully about thread compatability as I have discovered that they can be ever so slightly different on different makes. I tried to get a pressure relief valve to fit my Sunncamp 390 and ran into that exact issue.
As for inflating it I tended to inflate until it the beams were reasonably rigid, and then check them in the early afternoon (when they had been exposed to sunshine for a fair while before inflating them further. Mine had a maximum of 7psi, I never iinflate them beyond 5.5.
My 390 is for sale if you are interested, its not full sized (well wasnt on my Baioey Phoenix, but its pretty big and, having a "bay window" at tge front its very spacious inside. Its in the classifieds section. Having changed to a PVC I have no use for it anymore.

 

[Jcloughie]

We were staying at Plymouth sound some years ago when someones tube blew. No one was hurt, but it made a surprisingly big bang.

John