The issue with porch awnings.

[Thingy]

When we bought our caravan, we measured up for a 4m Isabella Magnum. and found that one end would be very close to the curved part of the awning rail, and so went for the 3.4m version. We chose a porch for two reasons, one, we dont really need a full awning, as we can use the annex for extra space if needed, and two, the logic being that if we changed the caravan, a porch should fit, whereas its highly unlikely a full awning would unless we bought an identical caravan.

So, having decided to change the caravan, we decided on the Unicorn, and in that range, there are three vans of equal size, with identical front half, and a different rear configuration, being Cadiz, Vigo, and Cabrera. Our inital thought was Cadiz, with two fixed single beds, and having measured that up, our 3.4m would be a perfect fit. But, having now decided the beds are a bit narrow, we looked at the Cabrera, and found that the rear side window was further back than the Cadiz, meaning our porch drops right across the window. So, on to look at the Vigo with transverse bed. However, when the bed is pulled out into night mode, anyone sleeping at the front of the caravan would literally have to climb over madam and I to get to the loo, which isnt ideal.

Back to the Cabrera then and the situation I hate most having the porch side drop right across the window, Sitting inside the van its as if your left eye and right eye are seeing two completely different scenes, I really dont like that. But then comes the worst issue because a porch awning will always rub the side of the caravan, and on a soft window, its going to scratch. Even washing the window and side panel on arrival isnt going to stop grit blowing in.

I am now faced with the prospect of having to realce an awning I have only used twice from new due to Covid unless I can figure a sensible way to protect the windows. I know a lot of people do have a porch that sits half over a window, but its really not ideal.

 

[GeorgeandAde]

We've got the Cadiz(2015 model),and our 3.9m Kampa air fits perfect in between door catch and front(side)window and clears the rear side window and locker door.
Sorry but don't have a full picture of the awning fitted.

 

[Beachball]

We've got the Cadiz(2015 model),and our 3.9m Kampa air fits perfect in between door catch and front(side)window and clears the rear side window and locker door.
Sorry but don't have a full picture of the awning fitted.

your caravan looks great

 

[Thingy]

Yep, ours would fit the Cadiz perfectly, but those beds are a bit narrow. Hence we have changed our order to the Cabrera. Just have to swallow the price of another new awning.

I could never figure on that model why on earth they put the mains hookup on the nearside. Its one of the most illogical things i have ever seen.

 

[GeorgeandAde]

Yep.
Certainly agree about the fixed single bed widths.(Grandchildren love them though🤣).

It is a bit of a nuisance with the mains point being on the n/s.
Picture was taken the evening before we left the site.
Usually take awning down the night before.

 

[Beachball]

Thingy Don"t think you will have any problem of selling the awning you got good luck

 

[Mel]

It is very easy to accumulate a lot of awnings. We cleared out our garage and one full awning went to the tip (torn and old and unsaleable) one poled porch awning went to Daughters’ FIL. That still leaves 3! (2 inflatable porch and one full poled.).
Mel

 

[Thingy]

Be a bit daft in my case keeping it, two identical awnings of slightly different size.

 

[Beachball]

It is very easy to accumulate a lot of awnings. We cleared out our garage and one full awning went to the tip (torn and old and unsaleable) one poled porch awning went to Daughters’ FIL. That still leaves 3! (2 inflatable porch and one full poled.).
Mel

We sold 3 porch awning one inflatable and two poled
We only have one new 2021 porch awning ....

 

[Thingy]

Now would be the best time to sell it as people are screaming out for them, but I need to keep it for both Woosiefest and our October trip as we arent sure when the new van will land.

 

[Beachball]

Now would be the best time to sell it as people are screaming out for them, but I need to keep it for both Woosiefest and our October trip as we arent sure when the new van will land.

We did not have any problems selling three they were gone in three days well sell the awning when you don"t need it

 

[Buckman]

Now would be the best time to sell it as people are screaming out for them, but I need to keep it for both Woosiefest and our October trip as we arent sure when the new van will land.

When we had a similar issue many years ago I used foam pipe insulation tube and it never marked the window.

 

[woodsieboy]

Have you considered having your porch extended? We had a similar problem a while ago and had our relatively new at the time porch extended, didn't have a problem with it and a lot cheaper than changing the awning.

 

[Mel]

Have you considered having your porch extended? We had a similar problem a while ago and had our relatively new at the time porch extended, didn't have a problem with it and a lot cheaper than changing the awning.

Good thought. Specialised Canvas are not far from you, Thingy. Near Poolsbrook country park toward Chesterfield. They did a good job on our full awning.
mel

 

[Thingy]

Its a thought for sure. Would need to check if the frame would fit.

 

[Beachball]

Yep.
Certainly agree about the fixed single bed widths.(Grandchildren love them though🤣).

It is a bit of a nuisance with the mains point being on the n/s.
Picture was taken the evening before we left the site.
Usually take awning down the night before.

Our routine has always been the same as yours, will be dry when taken down and easier the next day when going home.

 

[woodsieboy]

I think Isabella allow up to 50cm at either end of the awning as a maximum, the front stays the same size, as an extra triangular piece is fitted either side in the roof, so the noticeable extra length will be the bit in the awning rail, so your existing frame should fit, when we had ours done the only difference when it was up was that the sides tapered from the back to the front rather than being parallel, why not give Isabella a ring and see what they say. the job they did on ours was excellent, because they replaced the awning bead and matched the roof material to the original

 

[Beachball]

Its a thought for sure. Would need to check if the frame would fit.

Thingy i hope the frame fits your new caravan

 

[Dustydog]

Thingy, My Isabella Magnum slightly touching front window.However , when we don’t need access to the wet locker it can be moved back a few inches
leaving the window clear. Sadly in my case there are compromises and trade offs. That said the Magnum is just the right size for us

 

[otherclive]

My Dorema porch had to touch the caravan front side window as the space between the edge of the door and the window was insufficient. Before setting up I would wash the window with water to get any dirt off. Also wipe down the awning section that came into contact with the window. I also used awning restraints in the top rail. These prevent the top of the awning moving sideways. In three years there were never any abrasions/scratches on the window.

 

[Beachball]

Thingy, My Isabella Magnum slightly touching front window.However , when we don’t need access to the wet locker it can be moved back a few inches
leaving the window clear. Sadly in my case there are compromises and trade offs. That said the Magnum is just the right size for us

View attachment 2178

looks nice

 

[Dustydog]

looks nice

👍👍👌

 

[Beachball]

My Dorema porch had to touch the caravan front side window as the space between the edge of the door and the window was insufficient. Before setting up I would wash the window with water to get any dirt off. Also wipe down the awning section that came into contact with the window. I also used awning restraints in the top rail. These prevent the top of the awning moving sideways. In three years there were never any abrasions/scratches on the window.

View attachment 2179

nice

 

[Dustydog]

Clive ,
was that a Dorema Toronto? I had one years ago but found the poles over complicated compared to the Izzy.

 

[otherclive]

Clive ,
was that a Dorema Toronto? I had one years ago but found the poles over complicated compared to the Izzy.

Dusty
It’s a Dorema Quattro and was quite easy to put up and withstood some severe weather over a couple of New Years in Cornwall. We thought about a Magnum again but it was a bit to large for a 6.5 m van, but the Dorema was ample for us even three up. I enjoyed sitting out in it in the evenings. Glass in hand and reading.