Seasonal Awning Query

[AG12]

Hey all,

I'm after an experienced view. I'm looking for a seasonal awning, what would you recommend, air awning or poled? I'd be looking to use it a minimum of April-September but ideally the whole season.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mr Plodd]

For a seasonal pitch there is really only one option, and that's a poled awning, and one of quality. Isabella are recognised as the very best, and their price reflects that.

Air awnings can slowly deflate over time. No problem short term, but if you are away for say a week it could be a serious issue. Plus they are seldom made of material that will withstand long term exposure to sunlight. Air awnings are designed for touring use rather than long term use.

 

[AG12]

For a seasonal pitch there is really only one option, and that's a poled awning, and one of quality. Isabella are recognised as the very best, and their price reflects that.

Air awnings can slowly deflate over time. No problem short term, but if you are away for say a week it could be a serious issue. Plus they are seldom made of material that will withstand long term exposure to sunlight. Air awnings are designed for touring use rather than long term use.

Thanks for the help 👍

Would you recommend a full or porch style awning, or is it personal preference?

 

[otherclive]

Thanks for the help 👍

Would you recommend a full or porch style awning, or is it personal preference?

I would go for a large porch, sometimes referred to as midi. A 350 size would comfortably meet the needs of four people and you wouldn’t have to sell it if you change caravan. I’ve had Isabella Magnum which is top quality, and a Dorema which was significantly cheaper but did the job.I’ve also had full awnings but with hindsight I wouldn’t have gone back from a large porch to a full size. But it’s a personal choice.

 

[Mel]

Have a look at Walker Awnings for a good quality seasonal. We had one, very pleased with it.
mel

 

[Mr Plodd]

The problem re size is that a "porch" awning covers a large range of sizes. Some are onky basically a small "airlock" over the door whilst others are not far short of a full sized awning (which can seem vast). If its of any help there are two of us and we have a 390 porch awning (that's 3.9 metres) which extends outwards 3.25m (it is an air awning so not realy suitable for what you want. It's this one but it gives you an idea of how big it is when attached to a caravan (that caravan is 7.3m long)

That gives us plenty of room for a table and a couple of directors chairs to eat at and a couple of Lafuma type recliners, along with a bit if storage space.
If you are planning on being resident for an extended period, rather than visiting at weekends/the odd full week then I would suggest that a full sized awning would be more suitable.
Best bet is to find somewhere where there is a wide range of awnings erected. That way you can get a "feel" for the various sizes and see what would suit you.
One last comment " You don't get what yiu don't pay for!"

 

[otherclive]

Have a look at Walker Awnings for a good quality seasonal. We had one, very pleased with it.
mel

I had a Walker poled awning that was custom made to fit a pop top caravan. It was excellent quality and fitted like the proverbial glove.

 

[Jcloughie]

I would go for a large porch, sometimes referred to as midi. A 350 size would comfortably meet the needs of four people and you wouldn’t have to sell it if you change caravan. I’ve had Isabella Magnum which is top quality, and a Dorema which was significantly cheaper but did the job.I’ve also had full awnings but with hindsight I wouldn’t have gone back from a large porch to a full size. But it’s a personal choice.

I agree re. Dorema. we had their all weather porch, only available with steel poles. An extra pole kit could be added for more strength.

Heavier than normal awnings, but necessary for the weather.

This was years ago. I don't know what their current offerings are.

 

[Jcloughie]

I would go for a large porch, sometimes referred to as midi. A 350 size would comfortably meet the needs of four people and you wouldn’t have to sell it if you change caravan. I’ve had Isabella Magnum which is top quality, and a Dorema which was significantly cheaper but did the job.I’ve also had full awnings but with hindsight I wouldn’t have gone back from a large porch to a full size. But it’s a personal choice.

I agree re. Dorema. we had their all weather porch, only available with steel poles. An extra pole kit could be added for more strength.

Heavier than normal awnings, but necessary for the weather.

This was years ago. I don't know what their current offerings are.





John

 

[Beachball]

I had a Walker poled awning that was custom made to fit a pop top caravan. It was excellent quality and fitted like the proverbial glove. View attachment 4342

Very nice setup

 

[Beachball]

When we were seasonal some friends of ours brought a
Kampa Rally 390 (All Season) for me it look great and very reasonable price

 

[Beachball]

I agree re. Dorema. we had their all weather porch, only available with steel poles. An extra pole kit could be added for more strength.

Heavier than normal awnings, but necessary for the weather.

This was years ago. I don't know what their current offerings are.

View attachment 4343

View attachment 4344

John

Hi John nice pictures still looks great

 

[Jcloughie]

Hi John nice pictures still looks great

The pictures are from 7 years ago. I had to sell the awning. It was too heavy for me to handle. But it did look good.

John

 

[Raywood]

I agree with Mr Plodd that a poled awning is probably best for seasonal use and bearing in mind it will probably get some bad weather and needs to last one of the good, but unfortunately dearer, ones is best as cheap ones may not survive.
The size you need depends on what you need to use it for but as it will be left up without the hassle of putting up and down a large one seems appropriate. A full awning will give the maximum space but if you change the caravan is unlikely to fit the next one where a large porch one probably will. That apart it is just down to personal preference, including even the colour.

 

[Beachball]

The pictures are from 7 years ago. I had to sell the awning. It was too heavy for me to handle. But it did look good.

John

Hi John we had a brand new Vango Varkala 11 280 air awning we sold it because me and wife could not lift it .

 

[Beachball]

Have a look at Camptech Savanna DL Seasonal Traditional full caravan awning and free straps (2023 )
With a variety sizes available
Frame Steel or Carbon Fibre
Very good value

 

[Dustydog]

I have to assume price is not an issue but reliability and strength is. A full sized Isabella with Carbon fibre poles and the Isabella internal storm straps. Use decent metal pegs , eg screw pegs. Otherwise everything Mr Plodd said