newbies - awning problems for older van & new awning

[joanddave4kids]

We have recently been converted from camping to caravaning. After our first trip away we have a minor problem with our awning. We have an older van Abi Marauder 400d. Our awning is a Bradcot.

The front of our van slopes (as do most of the modern vans), but when we put the awning up, the side door - which is right next to front slope, seems to sag. The awning is the correct size for the van and attaches properly, but when we tensioned the poles, added the windows/sides etc, the door was very tight to close in places and was puckered/runched in others and at times difficult to zip up. With four children this became a bit of a pain!! Does anybody have any suggestions or perhaps advice??

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi jo

from the graphic description you give it would appear that the awning was not erected correctly with practice it will get easier also the shape of awnings vary so some poles will fit vertical and others spread out at an angle have a look around the site for someone with a simmilar awning to see what it should look like

colin

 

[colin-yorkshire]

hi jo

from the graphic description you give it would appear that the awning was not erected correctly with practice it will get easier also the shape of awnings vary so some poles will fit vertical and others spread out at an angle have a look around the site for someone with a simmilar awning to see what it should look like

colin

PS.next time try putting the awning up with all the doors zipped up and the van on level ground. colin

 

[angela999]

Hello guys

Awning nightmare ! new to caravaning too, we almost got divorced first time we tried to put ours up, but we had a really nice Welsh bloke help us he was lovely.

Anyway, You could try NR Awnings they give directions for all sizes which may help you for your next trip.

Angela

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Jo

The secret in my book is to ensure you get the tensioning correct and that all the poles are correctly angled where they join. Did you tension with the doors in or out?

As per the other suggestions here, why don't you visit a reputable dealer and have a chat with their staff. Most of them are very good at awnings. You could also have a word with Bradcot and get hold of the erection instructions for your model.

Patience and practise will give you good results in the end.

Cheers

Alan

 

[joanddave4kids]

thankyou for all your comments - we zipped the windows/sides on after tensioning - so, next time we go away - in about a weeks time we will try putting them on first and then tensioning - will keep you posted on outcome!

 

[Ray R]

Hi , Always zip all the panels and doors up before you tension and peg down the awning oterwise you will have problems with tight zips etc, practice makes perfect as they say !!.