What type of awning carpet?

[ScouseIan]

I need to get some awning carpet by next week.

Towsure has a number of options on page 22 but I might as well be buying a nuclear reactor as I've as much knowledge of both.

Anybody have any recommendations?

Also, does the carpet need to fit 'exactly' to the size of the awning or do I have a six inch gap between awning wall and carpet?

Is there any restrictions on the type I can use on the continent. Somebody told me you could only use certain types???

Awning is a Corsican and caravan is Bailey Pageant Provence. 1000 size. So I am thinking of 2.5m x 4m.

Many thanks

 

[KeithJ]

Ian

I'm not trying to be unhelpful, but the choice really is up to you. Personally I use the breathable ground sheet that comes on a 2.5 metre width roll and you buy it cut to your required length. It's main purpose, as far as I am concerned, is to prevent sand, grit etc being trodden into the van, so personally I am not bothered if it doesn't fit the awning exactly, and ours is a few inches short. In fact, because we tour, we more often use the groundsheet on its own, only putting the awning up if staying for a week or more. Others fit their awnings out as a living room for the whole holiday in one place, so are more careful with how it fits, and maybe require heavier carpet.

The breathable ground sheet comes in a choice of colours, is reasonably light and tough, and is soft under the feet. We nearly always caravan on the continent, on sandy/gritty surfaces, and hardly ever on nice green grass!...and this can affect your choice - although the breathable ground sheet is favoured on some grass sites as it does less damage.

I think you are less likely to come across restrictions on continental sites - mainly because there is less grass...at least in more southerly places. Similarly the sites abroad are less fussy about awnings. I have never come across restrictions, but there may be some in more grassy areas.

Hope this helps

Keith

 

[Auvergne]

We too have a breathable groundsheet but it didn't come on a roll and is more than big enough, we tuck the edges under. The downside is it is quite heavy, but its very good quality - its the thick stuff and not the lightweight spongy material. If it gets wet or muddy we scrub it off and hose it down when we get home and its like new again. It is an Isabella groundsheet by the way, a bit pricey but quality.

 

[Oldfogey]

There are pros and cons to both types of groundsheet.

The breathable ones are nicer underfoot, kinder to the grass (though after 3 weeks the grass dies anyway). Some sites insist on them, but not either of the clubs.

On the other hand they are heavy, expensive, and in prolonged wet weather mud can start to ooze up through them.

We mostly use a cheap "factory second" breathable from ebay, but still carry an old cheap ordinary one in case the mud issue gets too bad.

 

[DanPaula]

Try going on www.breathablegroundsheets.co.uk our friends and us have used this site a number of times and the service is second to none. The delivery is normally next day. They have a range of sizes and some can be cut to size as well.

 

[Alf_374346853]

WE just got an 'end of roll' breathable offcut from the dealers. Left about a foot of awning floor not covered on 3 sides but not bothered by that. Came in really cheap as the dealer just wanted rid of the oddment.

 

[J.Lo]

Why do you need a groundsheet at all? Would you put one on your own lawn for a week or two? Would you put one down if it cost