New to caravanning need some advice please

I agree. I have said this before (and got shot down) but a glass of wine or cup of coffee somehow tastes nicer when sitting in the awning watching the world go by.

Don't you have to be sitting on the moon to watch the world go by

Thank you all for the advice. I will take on board what has been said about waiting for a little while to get an awning but the main reason for one is we have a springer spaniel dog (2yrs old) and although there is only my wife and myself the dog does like some space to chill.

No fixed bed in your new van fo r the dog then

Funny you should say that, a fleece blanket over the fixed bed completely frees up all our floor space 

We have two dogs and an awning is ideal and so many benefits, somewhere to store their leads, harness and toys, somewhere to dry them off when its wet, they have day beds to sleep during the day, somewhere for them to eat, the list goes on and also it keeps all of that stuff out of the MH.

Hi Simon and welcome to our hobby. we are seasoned vanners with 40 years of towing and club members for 20 plus years ,Your choice of awning will be dependant on a few factors,ie: for short or long term use,strength{air verses poles} , material ,space time to errect,{and a good lawyer for the inevitable divorce}.

We have in the past changed awnings when changing vans and currently use a large poled porch awning ,easier / less time to erect than a full size awning for short stays ,and fits most family vans

As awnings can be a fairly large investment take your time , buy what suits your needs. and most importantly ignore the negativity and simply enjoy the great outdoors    Kind regards   BackshiftBill