Air Awning choice

thanks, so obvious, but old habbits die hard, will give that a go then we would only have to worry about getting one leg over the light,

Regarding weight, I checked out the different Kampa versions and the 3metre looks to be the one to go for. I also checked out the weight of our 'lightweight' Ventura unit (our small alternative). That weighed in at 24kg, without poles so the additional 4kg of the 3metre Air Pro 400 looks manageable. the actual weight of the lightweight Ventura poles is  quite considerable on their own so we would see a saving overall.

I have use both a length of rope and a metre length of 1/4" steel rod to catch onto the leading edge of the awning bolt rope, giving a better pull angle from the floor.

Only thing now is whether the slight downturn at the front would upset the roof line too much. A good look at an erected awning is a must, but at least I have a better idea what I am looking for! 

We have had a Bradcote air aspire for over a year. The air awning concept is great, much less stressful and faster to erect than a pole based awning. They are a little heavier but between the two of us its not been a problem and we both hover either side of 70. However, we don't rate the bradcote. When we bought it the workmanship was poor and it had to go back for corrective work, which to be fair Bradcote carried out free of charge. But when it rains we end up with puddles on the skirt where water has penetrated. This has been traced to the stitching and we were advised this might happen until the cotton swelled but after a couple of days of wet weather rain still penetrates. The most frustrating aspect though is that the poles that are supposed to hold the awning sides against the caravan don't.  No matter what pegging strategy we try a gap always remains.

We bought a new Kampa fiesta air, used it twice but found it heavy to manhandle and very prone to condensation.

sold it and bought a new Isabella Minor. Love it, looks a lot neater, and coupled with wind in pegs makes life easier.

kev

The most frustrating aspect though is that the poles that are supposed to hold the awning sides against the caravan don't. No matter what pegging strategy we try a gap always remains.

Kampa have a limpet system that basically are suckers that push through the side flap and stick to side of caravan, it comes with a hole punch so you can put neat holes through the material, it may also work on your Bradcote , it is quite expensive

Thanks for that Rufs.

"No matter what pegging strategy we try a gap always remains."

Are you sure that you are pegging the corners, next to the caravan, slightly underneath the van, so as to pull the sides close to the van? I have the additional poles for our Kampa awning but have never had to use them - always managing to get a good tight seal against the van, this way.

The other thing I have found is not to have the back poles extended too much. This has the effect of pulling the cushion away from the side of the van. They are intended as a straight edge for the sealing cushions not a prop like a pole awning.

If you buy a kampa easy pulley from ebay for about £23 your problems will be solved.  I have a Kampa 390 air air awning and also had no experience of caravanning but this pulley system allowed me to pull the awning through the rail quickly and easily on my own.  There are utube sites which show you how its done.

If you buy a kampa easy pulley from ebay for about £23 your problems will be solved. I have a Kampa 390 air air awning and also had no experience of caravanning but this pulley system allowed me to pull the awning through the rail quickly and easily on my own. There are utube sites which show you how its done.