- Mar 17, 2020
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For those still interested in fitting a Thule Omnistore to a caravan roof - in our case a Swift Eccles 480.
We decided to go ahead in spite of Swift making it clear they do not advise mounting an awning on the roof and doing so would invalidate the water ingress warranty.
My view is that the van is a 2019 model and completely dry. If a leak were to develop anywhere - particularly the roof - then the way the van is constructed makes rotting wood etc an impossibility. Fibre glass exterior and interior with closed cell hard foam between does not rot. We wanted a canopy for camping in sunny climes and the Fiamma had had its day.
We considered the wind-out version but for the sake of an extra 1kg decided to indulge in the motorised version - definatelty the right decision I can say now having lived with the canopy for 6 weeks in Europe.
I'll add a pic below but for us the Thule length is 3.75m. That fits exactly between the crossways taped joint at rear and front of van roof - a perfect fit. Sizes above 3.5m also include the extra tensioners built in so that was an extra bonus.
We also asked for the optional LED light strip to be included. This operates from its own switch (with red indicator near the van door. The control switch for the canopy is sited close by and again at the side of the door. Operating "box of tricks" is hidden inside upper cupboard by door next to original equipment (radio etc)
Putting out is easily a one person job but since I have a wife she managed the switch and I simply opened the legs from their housing and let hang vertical, then supported the canopy front "box" to walk out until full extension was achieved. The motorised version extends fully with slack canopy but then immediately winds itself back a little to set tension - very clever.
Only task left was to add "storm" straps and a peg through the vertical corner posts' feet.
We have also bought what Thule call a "rain stopper" which is an end "wall" that takes a matter of two or three minutes if needed.
To ensure stability and strength (I'm sure this is overkill) I also bought a central leg and a roof pole. When set up and pegged down in my view nothing below a gale would move the awning!
Size 3.75m * 2.5m and weight 28.5 kg
If anyone needs more information please just ask.
We decided to go ahead in spite of Swift making it clear they do not advise mounting an awning on the roof and doing so would invalidate the water ingress warranty.
My view is that the van is a 2019 model and completely dry. If a leak were to develop anywhere - particularly the roof - then the way the van is constructed makes rotting wood etc an impossibility. Fibre glass exterior and interior with closed cell hard foam between does not rot. We wanted a canopy for camping in sunny climes and the Fiamma had had its day.
We considered the wind-out version but for the sake of an extra 1kg decided to indulge in the motorised version - definatelty the right decision I can say now having lived with the canopy for 6 weeks in Europe.
I'll add a pic below but for us the Thule length is 3.75m. That fits exactly between the crossways taped joint at rear and front of van roof - a perfect fit. Sizes above 3.5m also include the extra tensioners built in so that was an extra bonus.
We also asked for the optional LED light strip to be included. This operates from its own switch (with red indicator near the van door. The control switch for the canopy is sited close by and again at the side of the door. Operating "box of tricks" is hidden inside upper cupboard by door next to original equipment (radio etc)
Putting out is easily a one person job but since I have a wife she managed the switch and I simply opened the legs from their housing and let hang vertical, then supported the canopy front "box" to walk out until full extension was achieved. The motorised version extends fully with slack canopy but then immediately winds itself back a little to set tension - very clever.
Only task left was to add "storm" straps and a peg through the vertical corner posts' feet.
We have also bought what Thule call a "rain stopper" which is an end "wall" that takes a matter of two or three minutes if needed.
To ensure stability and strength (I'm sure this is overkill) I also bought a central leg and a roof pole. When set up and pegged down in my view nothing below a gale would move the awning!
Size 3.75m * 2.5m and weight 28.5 kg
If anyone needs more information please just ask.
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