Roof Mounted Caravan Canopy Awning

[Johnb]

For many years we have enjoyed a Fiamma Caravanstore Canopy Awnings - the bag in the awning channel variety. It's survived weather where it should have been ripped apart and, although rarely used, has side and front walls if needed.

The only problem is simply the weight.

Rolling it up the last foot or so, balanced on the caravan entry steps, and making sure it's strapped tightly to allow the zipped bag to close along its length is quite an effort and there will come a time when that effort will be too great to contemplate.

Our caravanning is mostly in Europe and hopefully with good weather. For winter UK we have an inflatable awning (SunnCamp) which is light and quick to erect and serves us well although, as with all awnings, pegging out still remains a pain.

Whilst there are sun canopy style awnings around which might be suitable for our personal needs we are considering a roof mounted, wind out, style replacement for the Fiamma. Perhaps a Thule Omnistore with appropriate adapter.

If anyone has any advice regarding this type of awning we would be grateful to hear it. We are in North Derbyshire and a reasonably close supplier and fitter would be a bonus.

Whilst there are always issues to consider including weight, strength, convenience and the rest, as you might expect, we have already thought carefully about these within the context of our personal circumstances.

Any advice is useful but we are basically seeking advice from anyone who has taken the route we are considering and can offer first hand experience.

 

[Mel]

I have no experience of this type of awning so can’t comment. In terms of awning suppliers though: are you very far from Clay Cross? We have found Renishaws Caravan accessories helpful in the past. Don’t know if they do the sort you want though. The other option is Glossop Caravans as they do awnings. They get mixed reviews.
Mel

 

[birdman101]

The main thing is fixing. Over the years I have read this question many times and don’t record anyone ever getting a positive answer from Caravan manufacturers.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Having replaced a wind out awning on a motorhome in the past I can confirm they are pretty weighty items, and are either bolted through metal bodywork (panel van conversion) or set back into a recess in a coachbuilt motorhome body (same construction as a caravan sidewall) I would most certainly not be happy fixing such an awning directly onto the side of a caravan without it being in a recess designed to take the majority of the weight, the sidewall just won't be substantial enough.
That probably why you have never seen such a set up on any caravan.

You could always email Thule or Fiamma and ask their views on your desired option.

 

[trevormonty]

Did bit research on sun shade type awnings when condidering them. With next to no videos by manufacturers showing how they attach or operate, gave it away.

I've bought a few products thanks to youtuber reviews, mainly because they show how product works. Manufacturers spend all this money developing and advertising product but don't bother with 10minute Youtube video.

 

[Johnb]

Having replaced a wind out awning on a motorhome in the past I can confirm they are pretty weighty items, and are either bolted through metal bodywork (panel van conversion) or set back into a recess in a coachbuilt motorhome body (same construction as a caravan sidewall) I would most certainly not be happy fixing such an awning directly onto the side of a caravan without it being in a recess designed to take the majority of the weight, the sidewall just won't be substantial enough.
That probably why you have never seen such a set up on any caravan.

You could always email Thule or Fiamma and ask their views on your desired option.

But its a ROOF mounted one I'm considering!
I've seen them abroad. The weight is comparable to the Fiamma.

 

[Mr Plodd]

Sorry!!!
Only trying to help

 

[Jcloughie]

But its a ROOF mounted one I'm considering!
I've seen them abroad. The weight is comparable to the Fiamma.

Roof mounted is what I considered once. They can be glued on which removes the need to drill. I managed to continue using the Fiamma by taking a couple of these benches with us. They had multi purpose and we also used them in place of a table.


John

 

[IanB1485]

I have fitted several Fiamma wind out awnings to campervans (not to a caravan yet) and they come with various adapter plates to spread the load ( you have to buy the plates separately which can be a minefield)so they won't rip out the wall/roof . As a retrofit on a caravan then the internal spreader plates will be visible. I have also repaired several Thule omnistors . As Mr Plodd says , they are fairly weighty items at about 20kg.Personally I wouldn't want one on my caravan as the tearing forces on the roof as the arms wind out are quite substanstantial.

 

[IanB1485]

As to being glued on - no the instructions definitely included bolts with internal plates AS well as a specific high modulus adhesive( which came in at an extra £12 a tube

 

[birdman101]

Depending on age and manufacturer of the caravan the roof will either be a sheet of flimsy Aluminium or a sheet of GRP. Both not strong enough to absorb the weight without reinforcing blocks in between the roof skin and ceiling

 

[Johnb]

Thanks for responses - food for thought!

 

[otherclive]

Just an additional thought what about a lightweight gazebo pegged down outside the caravan. We had one in our garden a whole season and I used some additional guy ropes using tarp grips. Only query might be would site owners allow one. But I’ve seen them used on some campsites alongside campervans and tents.

Gazebos & camping: a wonderful match! | House of Tents Magazine

Gazebos make excellent caravan awnings. Find out about the benefits of using a gazebo while camping & what to look for when buying a camping gazebo.

www.houseoftents.co.uk

 

[Jcloughie]

As to being glued on - no the instructions definitely included bolts with internal plates AS well as a specific high modulus adhesive( which came in at an extra £12 a tube

When I made enquiries regarding an Omnistore, the bonded fitting was suggested. It spreads the load and the stresses.

This company is recommended.

Thule Omnistor Awning Specialists: Hill View Awnings

Our specialist workshop supplies and installs world famous Thule Omnistor awning products, bike carriers and accessories throughout the UK and Europe.

www.hillviewawnings.co.uk

To check. I just asked Mr Google the question and here is the AI answer.

 

[otherclive]

When I made enquiries regarding an Omnistore, the bonded fitting was suggested. It spreads the load and the stresses.

This company is recommended.

Thule Omnistor Awning Specialists: Hill View Awnings

Our specialist workshop supplies and installs world famous Thule Omnistor awning products, bike carriers and accessories throughout the UK and Europe.

www.hillviewawnings.co.uk

To check. I just asked Mr Google the question and here is the AI answer.

View attachment 8548

My concern would be how such an arrangement would be viewed by a future buyer or dealership if p/x. People tend to be somewhat conservative when it comes to fragile, flexible “boxes”.

 

[Jcloughie]

My concern would be how such an arrangement would be viewed by a future buyer or dealership if p/x. People tend to be somewhat conservative when it comes to fragile, flexible “boxes”.

Good point.

When I was considering having it done, I was aware that if I sold the van, I would either have sold the Omnistor with it, or just left the bracket in place.



John

 

[Beachball]

This might be another option to a roof awning google Quality Caravan Awnings they have Sunncamp Arco sun canopy 260 SF2021 + Free roof poles very reasonable price .

 

[Johnb]

Again more food for thought - appreciated everyone.

Speed of use is an essential for us. Currently pegging down consists of two guy ropes holding the corner support poles so in reality canopy bag unzipped, canopy rolled out, corner poles in place and side horizontal tensioning poles sorted well within a 5 minute period. Similar timescale for putting away except the last bit of rolling up, arms extended over the head is not the most enjoyable experience hence the wind-out canopy style being considered.

If weather dictates side, front, sunshade added to suit - again versitility and speed paramount.

Each to their own but for us as mainly "tourers" abroad speed matters. We do sometimes stop for only 2 nights and rarely more than 4 or 5 at each site. Two weeks at our favourite site on the Mediterranean some years but here, of course, only a canopy is required in view of the weather.

We would never contemplate a full, heavy. multi-pegged awning simply because it doesn't fit our camping patterns/style.

I will check out a dealer/accessory outlet for views of course. I'm told that "Rose Awnings" near Poole are an excellent company but long way from home.

Once more thanks to those members who have taken the time to help.

 

[Johnb]

Re-sale value is not a real deterrent for us John. My view is that our caravan must fit our needs otherwis why have it? And anyway, who knows, one with a fixed awning might increase desirability to some future purchasers!

 

[RogerL]

Depending on age and manufacturer of the caravan the roof will either be a sheet of flimsy Aluminium or a sheet of GRP. Both not strong enough to absorb the weight without reinforcing blocks in between the roof skin and ceiling

For the short period that Geist caravans were made, basically LMCs but with the door on the "proper" side and equipped to British tastes, many were fitted with pull-out awnings attached to the roof. AFAIK the roof was bonded aluminium/foam/plywood.