On the subject of Awnings.

[GrahamE]

After returning from a first trip with the caravan on the want/need list would be a porch awning. I am thinking s/hand e-bay etc etc. It seems Isabella is a popular make and looking at the prices i presume good quality, so can anybody name any other good makes or those to avoid.

Graham.

 

[Sproket]

Hi Graham
First of all you need to measure the distance that you have between your front & back windows as ideally you don't want it to go over any windows as they could get scratched, with that max size in mind you can start your search.
We looked at all sorts of variations before we bought a Eurovent Veranda this is a good size for us as it goes over one window & the door but misses the other window & the storage hatch we also have a annex that will fit either side

Just to give that bit more space when on a long break

 

[woodsieboy]

Hi Graham
I agree with Sproket,the windows position is critical,we have bought porches from ebay and sometimes you can get previous years models at good price,from personal experience IsabellA would be first choice for quality but you will pay a premium,they also own the Ventura brand and the quality is good also,we currently use a Quest porch, which is made in China and the design was obviously 'inspired'by Isabella,wh bought ours new and about half the cost of the new Isabella Magnum,it has choice of steel or alloy frame,and lots of useful features.Your other coNsideration could be roof shape,some have apitched type roof,and some have plain slope,I would advise a visit to a dealer with a good awning display,take a tape measure and see for yourself.When you find something suitable have a look on ebay and get an idea of the costs involved.

 

[Surfer]

We would recommend the Ventura brand as easy to erect and no arguments!

 

[RayS]

Dorema are pretty good too. They also offer a good service at reasonable rates for replacement of zips etc.

Beware that some porch awnings slant the poles that fit next to the caravan walls such that the distance along the awning rail is less thna the distance on the ground. This means that although it may seem you have the necessary width between, say, the front of the door and the rear of the side front window for a truely vertical pole, the salnt may take the pole and awning across the bottom of the window - not recommended - and that the other end is similarly compromised if you try to move the whole thing back a couple of inches. it needs some pretty carefull measuring and unfortunately you often cannot see this sort of detail from the maker's website or catalogue.

Incidentally if you look at the on-line ads on PC and other sources you will find probably hundreds of awnings for sale. Some makers e.g. Dorema also sell direct and may have a last year model at a really good price.

 

[Mel]

Hi Graham. We have a Dorema Quattro porch awning. We have only used it once so I am reserving judgement. But so far, the canvas seemed of good quality and it is a good size porch awning. (some porch awnings look so small that i wonder why you'd bother). The layout is good with a door at each side. The draught pads that go against the van are nice and thick. The construction is interesting, and this is the bit that I am not sure of. Instead of the usual bracket pads that you fix on the inner awning beading and then hook the roof poles onto, the frame is freestanding. The canvas goes through the awing rail as usual and then the frame is underneath. I don't know if there is any advantage to this. It seemed to work OK.
mel

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Graham

I was lucky enough to buy a s/hand Isabella Magnum porch on Preloved.

I had to travel 120miles each way to collect it. It was worth every penny.

However be careful the Izzies hold their price and sometimes for a sake of a few hundred more you could buy new.