Shock horror!

[Surfer]

We recentlky bought a Ventura porch awning and needed storm straps. Looking through the catalogue the dealer was unable to find any, but came across the Isabella set at £28 so we ordered them. Yesterday we went to collect the set and was surprised to see only one stake in the package and one strap. Even the delaer thought this was incorrect and double checked and yes you only get one stake and one strap with no spring for £28.95. Needless to say I rejected it at that price.
We then bought an universal set which cost £9.99 and contained two stakes and two springs plus straps. We can't use the straps so bougt two 5m restraining straps from Halfords for £15. Worked out cheaper than the Isabella set for only one stake etc! I think Isabella are a bit over the top for their prices for storm straps as a pair woudl set you back nearly £58!

 

[Steve L]

Oh no you weren't being ripped off at the dealer shop were you!

I use dog tie down corkscrews from 99p shop, 5mtr 1500kg rated ratchet straps from poundland & heavy duty elastic straps for springs from 99p shop.
To hold my 3mtr deep all year Inaca Mirage full awning down in 50Mph winds and gusts of upto 80Mp. I use 5 corkscrews, 4 elastic straps with spring clips, 5 Heavy duty elastic straps and and 5 ratchet straps. So my total storm kit which has been tested in those conditions cost me a grand total of £18-95.

I use the corkscrews as I have arthritic shoulders and prolonged hammering plays them up something cronic. Plus they are easier to retrieve when the ground is frozen.

 

[DerekBrad]

Steve! You're a man with the same thinking process as mine! Why pay for an item which is "specifically for caravans" when suitable kit can be cobbled together for a fraction of the cost? If more folk did likewise then, I feel, the accessory prices may drop. I think that many people feel a sort of "comfort" knowing they have bought the top end branded product of a range and would feel uneasy buying or trying any other brand. The same thing applies to everyday shopping...a relative of ours would never buy sugar from Aldi although it's about 30 pence cheaper per kilo than the main supermarket's. My sympathy for your shoulders Steve, arthritis is a bad one if you like to keep fairly active. Good luck.
Regards
Derek

 

[Surfer]

We now always look for alternative options as the moment you put the words "camping " or "caravan" in front of something the price trebles!

 

[Jaydug]

put the words "caravan" in front of something the price trebles!

How true! I wanted a cross over activating bar for the mover on my recently acquired van. Cheapest I could find was £50+carriage. I bought 2x10mm sockets for £4.50, a length of 1/2" square bar for £8, both off ebay. Half an hour of sawing and welding+a few bits and pieces from the garage had a working bar finished.