New member

[laurenmcsporen]

Hi all, im Gilly, been caravanning for many years. Currently have a Bailey V Cabrera and tow with a BMW x5. (Previously had a BMW ix50, fully electric which was superb, but heavy on tyres 😅) now partly moved back to the dark side with a hybrid.
Just had a fiamma f45s canopy fitted to the caravan & hoping itll live up to my expectations this summer.
Sadly its taken best part of 3 years to get the cabrera in to shape. Sadly build quality and attention to detail is very much lacking. So pleased my late father taught me so much as I was able to rectify the problems myself. Looking forward to being part of this community.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Welcome. Look forward to hearing your experiences and sharing knowledge. Hope you have lots of great trips. 😀

 

[toad a caravan]

Welcome aboard

 

[Dustydog]

Welcome to the Forum Gilly, Any issues? Ask away

 

[Mel]

Welcome to the forum. Keep posting
Mel

 

[otherclive]

Welcome to the Forum interesting comments about your tow cars.

 

[laurenmcsporen]

Welcome to the Forum interesting comments about your

The electric car was great initially, when charging points weren't in demand lol. From 20% to full in less than an hour on a fast charger. It was great, and quite cheap too. The journey to the Dordogne took much longer, but with careful planning, it wasn't too bad. Then the subsidies ended. 😅 We worked out our annual trip to the dordogne was actually cheaper in the x5, so not much point in the ix50. Plus last year, we were queuing for charging points, and therefore abandoning the caravan while we waited to take our chance to charge, it all started to get a bit stressful, so we changed.
I think an electric car as a tow car is great, just dont think the infrastructure is quite there yet.

 

[Jcloughie]

Welcome to the forum Gilly.

I am interested in your awning. Just considering one, or an Omnistore. Love to know about your fitting. Is it on the roof or the side? Photos perhaps.

Just had a quote of £1580 including fitting for a 4 meter Omnistore. This is from Rose awnings who have a good name.

Not sure if my Alicanto may have roof restrictions with the Ariel and solar panel.

Work in progress while I save my pennies.

John

 

[Beachball]

Hi Gilly Welcome to the forum any questions you will receive a answer they are great bunch on here hoping to hear more about your experiences and trips

 

[laurenmcsporen]

Welcome to the forum Gilly.

I am interested in your awning. Just considering one, or an Omnistore. Love to know about your fitting. Is it on the roof or the side? Photos perhaps.

Just had a quote of £1580 including fitting for a 4 meter Omnistore. This is from Rose awnings who have a good name.

Not sure if my Alicanto may have roof restrictions with the Ariel and solar panel.

Work in progress while I save my pennies.

John

Hi John,

I initially opted for a Thule omnistor, to
be fitted by the supplying caravan dealer while it was serviced.
However, on closer inspection they said it was impossible due to the placement of the solar panel and ariel. Moving them wasn't an option.
So they fitted a 4m Fiamma F45s which attaches to the side/edge of the roof. So far im really happy with it, tho I haven't used it in the "wild" yet. I think the cost for supply and fit was around £1200, so much cheaper than the Thule.
I purchased a isabella buddy awning to go with it, due to its flexibility, one side of which can be seen in the picture.
The only downside side is you dont have the option to use the awning rail on the side of the van as that's covered (which is why I initially wanted the roof mounting) but I wanted the canopy to cut down on stressing when putting the awning up as ive limited mobility in 1 shoulder - so im not really fussed 😊

Hope this helps

Gilly

 

[Jcloughie]

Hi John,

I initially opted for a Thule omnistor, to
be fitted by the supplying caravan dealer while it was serviced.
However, on closer inspection they said it was impossible due to the placement of the solar panel and ariel. Moving them wasn't an option.
So they fitted a 4m Fiamma F45s which attaches to the side/edge of the roof. So far im really happy with it, tho I haven't used it in the "wild" yet. I think the cost for supply and fit was around £1200, so much cheaper than the Thule.
I purchased a isabella buddy awning to go with it, due to its flexibility, one side of which can be seen in the picture.
The only downside side is you dont have the option to use the awning rail on the side of the van as that's covered (which is why I initially wanted the roof mounting) but I wanted the canopy to cut down on stressing when putting the awning up as ive limited mobility in 1 shoulder - so im not really fussed 😊

Hope this helps

Gilly

Fantastic information. Just what I needed. I need to move away from the bag awning as it is far too difficult to handle now. Also, a decent price compared to the Omnistore.

Do you know if they had to drill or was it bonded.

John

 

[laurenmcsporen]

Fantastic information. Just what I needed. I need to move away from the bag awning as it is far too difficult to handle now. Also, a decent price compared to the Omnistore.

Do you know if they had to drill or was it bonded.

John

There's 3 metal brackets fixed to the roof. 2 bolts/screws in each, that go through the roof. The dealer sealed it in well with silicone sealer & the fixings inside are hidden. It all looks a really clean job. Im out at the moment, but will post a picture of the mounting brackets later. 😊