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

 

[ProfJohnL]

On the basis that any manufacturer who enters this market, they should be fully aware of how temperature and exposure to direct sunlight will affect the pressure in air beams, they should also have ensured their products will manage these inevitable changes.

Some my decide to vent excess pressure.

Others should have designed enough mechanical strength in the materials to cope with changes in pressure without damage.

Others may set out in their instructions what to do in the event of higher temperatures. This could be to instruct the user to manually vent some pressure, or not to use the awning if a certain temperature conditions are exceeded.

Its essential that you follow the manufacturers instructions, and not to over inflate the air beams.

Providing you follow the instructions, the awning should perform perfectly. If it doesn't, then its been described inadequately which case you should have a claim against the seller under the CRA 2015.

 

[GaryB]

Bursting air beams isn't common place but it does happen, even on "good" brands. Our Isabella Cirrus burst one of the beams last year in Wales, temperature was low 20's. Ours doesn't have a relief valve, perhaps surprising given the price/perceived quality.

I now ensure that I inflate it to 1 PSI less than the recommended pressure but ultimately even this won't compensate for a manufacturing fault/poor quality material.

 

[toad a caravan]

My cousin had his caravan set up with an air awning at the start of the season till the end of the season,left unattended at times never had any problems,,( campsite near Mevagissey Cornwall)