Awning Help

Smiles25 replied on 07/06/2018 18:40

Posted on 07/06/2018 18:40

Hi there,

 

As seasoned campers my husband and I have taken the plunge and purchased a caravan. Exciting and also daunting times. 

We have gone for an Elddis Xplore 304 as we were limited on driveway space. We are now looking for an awning to fit. As it’s a smaller caravan we understand that we are more limited on selection. We ideally would like a full awning to maximise space as we have a daughter and dog to accommodate as well.

We fancied an inflatable but there don’t seem to be any that I can find that would fit.

We have seen the Isabella 825 but someone said it could take 45 minutes to erect and we worried that could be the old “divorce ina bag”.

the other issue is size. Elddis says the A measurement is 820, Bradcot have it as 810 and Isabella at 825! We are very confused.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

ChrisRogers replied on 07/06/2018 19:14

Posted on 07/06/2018 19:14

Once you have got used to putting an awning up, it does become a lot easier, it is all about team work and it works, takes us around 40mins to put our full awning up with no arguments! Awnings should have a size also i.e. my awning 880 - 910cm my last caravan was 903cm, our new caravan is 920cm and it fits. Isabell awning sizes are 800 - 825cm, next 850 - 940 too big. If Elddis say 820 then you need the 800 - 825.

artyboo replied on 10/06/2018 17:20

Posted on 10/06/2018 17:20

Have a look at the outdoor Revolution Air awning (3x I think). It has all the benefits of a full awning but is light and easy to put up.

Daisy3 replied on 10/06/2018 18:38

Posted on 10/06/2018 18:38

Congratulations Smiles25.  We bought a 304 (used) in January after switching from a motorhome and are very happy with it (1 adult, 1child and 1 cat).  Being the only adult in the party I opted for an air porch awning and went for the Kampa Rally Air Pro 200 which fits fantastically and we are delighted with the additional space it provides.  I think the 260 would also fit if you don't mind it covering back window.  I can't comment on the full awnings as I was happy with the porch and ability to put up alone.  Enjoy your new van!

 

Daisy

Smiles25 replied on 10/06/2018 21:55

Posted on 10/06/2018 18:38 by Daisy3

Congratulations Smiles25.  We bought a 304 (used) in January after switching from a motorhome and are very happy with it (1 adult, 1child and 1 cat).  Being the only adult in the party I opted for an air porch awning and went for the Kampa Rally Air Pro 200 which fits fantastically and we are delighted with the additional space it provides.  I think the 260 would also fit if you don't mind it covering back window.  I can't comment on the full awnings as I was happy with the porch and ability to put up alone.  Enjoy your new van!

 

Daisy

Posted on 10/06/2018 21:55

Thanks everyone for your input.

artyboo - I’ve not heard of the revolution air awning. I will definitely check that out.

Daisy, I’m glad to hear you are enjoying the 304. We are very excited about it.

i have looked at the Kampa rally air pro 250 plus. It comes with an optional extension which makes it almost the size of a full awning. Which window do you think would be blocked by the 260 size? Do you think we could still access the toilet cassette?

thanks

S

Daisy3 replied on 11/06/2018 00:21

Posted on 11/06/2018 00:21

Smiles25.  The 200 fits neatly with one edge just fitting between habitation door and toilet cassette locker (so cassette still accessible), the other between the kitchen and lounge windows. If the 260 fitted I suspect it would come down across the lounge window.  The Kampa's design does mean the full space is useable and the 250cm depth is great.  The 304 has more storage than I gave it credit for, but not all of it is easily accessible.  If we had the capacity for a larger awning I personally would go with the size we have (I think I would find the larger size a challenge solo) and one of the annexe options.  The tall annexe benefits from a fitted groundsheet I believe so could make a great storage area with a camping wardrobe etc.  Whereas the conservatory is more 'awning like'.  Depends on what you want the space for.  Now we've had a couple of trips though I've kind of got the hang of what works where (bit of trial and error) and I'm pretty happy with the space we've got.  We use the awning for a couple of chairs, small table, shoes in stacked boxes and a small clothes rack to hang coats etc.  The advantage of the porch and annexe option you mentioned is that for short stays you have the option whether to put both parts up or not.  But then I have no experience of a full awning and we didn't use an awning with the motorhome, so still a bit of a novelty ;-) .Good luck!

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