Thule Omnistor wind out awning

Surfer replied on 29/12/2017 14:44

Surfer

Posted on 29/12/2017 14:44

As it is now becoming an effort to erect the Magnum Porch awning we are considering the Thule Omnistar 5200 4. 5m for our Buccaneer Cruiser, but in order to avoid issues with wind we will probably also buy the Panorama "tent" bits so that it has sides.

We can then leave articles inside plus we have three dogs so can contain them if necessary. We like the idea that it is quick to wind out and can be held in place with 4 guy ropes for mild wind conditions if just using the shade part and not the sides.

In addition to wind, the concern is the weight on the caravan as the Omnistar is bonded to the roof of the caravan? Also are there any detrimental effects if you wind back the awning while it is wet? We have never investigated the wind out awnings as we been quite happy with our traditional Magnum Coal so any suggestions positive or negative would be appreciated.

Air awnings are totally out of the question as we cannot manage them.

21 replies

JVB66 replied on 29/12/2017 17:16

Member

JVB66

Campervanner

Posted on 29/12/2017 17:16

We have the Thule omnistore 6200 on the roof of our Bailey it is the fixing brackets that are bonded,we have not got the sides but have not had any problems in the year since fitting and over 140 nights away not alway useing awning

hitchglitch replied on 29/12/2017 22:18

Member

hitchglitch

Motorhomer

Posted on 29/12/2017 22:18

We had a Fiamma on our Bailey Caravan and have the Thule on our Motorhome. I thought that the Bailey Unicorn was the only UK van which allowed a fixed canopy and still maintain the warranty although they are very popular on continental vans.

There was a problem with the Bailey because the standard dealer fit was on the side of the van not the roof. I understand that the dealers found it difficult to get a good seal between canopy and van side so water would run down the side of the van, although in four years of ownership we had no problems and found it a great accessory. Our dealer said that they had stopped fitting them for that reason.

Also, be aware that the side fitting means that you cannot use an awning and it may not be easy to remove the canopy to allow a future awning so this could affect the resale value.

We love the Thule on the Motorhome but be sure to fit the storm straps if the weather looks bad.

replied on 30/12/2017 10:23

Posted on 30/12/2017 10:23

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Surfer replied on 31/12/2017 12:42

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Surfer

Caravanner

Posted on 30/12/2017 10:23 by

I have the Omnistor fitted to the roof of a Lunar Clubman and have completed 4 120 night seasons now with it. We bought it and the panorama room in attempt to get away from the physical effort of erecting a traditional awning , just love the convenience of the wind out canopy but have found it not much quicker or easier if the room is added.

The gap below the cannopy is difficult to seal and the "awning" will get wet at times

Posted on 31/12/2017 12:42

Thanks David. The 5200 4m that we are looking at weighs about 28kg. The 3.5 length same as our Magnum Coal is about 25kg. Apparently the gap for the roof mounted version that is fixed to a bracket is now being sealed with a strip of plastic.

Can you fit a normal awning underneath the Omnistor if it is fitted to the roof? We would only erect the Panorama for long stays or if it is going to be windy.

replied on 31/12/2017 13:15

Posted on 31/12/2017 13:15

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Surfer replied on 01/01/2018 09:36

Member

Surfer

Caravanner

Posted on 31/12/2017 13:15 by

Yes in our case the awning rail is still clear and could be used for a conventional awning. That gap I referred too we try to close with pipe insulation foam tubes and its reasonably successful apart from the end where the van roof slopes down. We tend to only put up the panorama for longer stays and at other times just put an end panel in as required. When the sides are in and pegged down it has stood up well to pretty severe storms but if I only had the canopy out I might wind it in if it got rough

Here is ours fully erected and just with the sides in

Posted on 01/01/2018 09:36

Thanks David. Read your blog and very interesting. We have only just in the past two years ventured onto the continent and in future most of our holidays will be in France or Spain.

However getting back to the Omnistor, it seems to fit the bill as no issue pegging down the Panorama as we use screw pegs and an electric drill. The only concern is fitting the sides as on a traditional awning "the side" is already in place making it easy to zip in the panel.

If buying the Omnistor it will probably be wise to buy the storm strap accessory to peg down the canopy just in case if we are only stopping for 2 nights.

The only thing left for me to do now is to check whether adding it will still be within the MTPLM of the caravan as don't want spend a grand or two only to find out that we are over the MTPLM etc.

hitchglitch replied on 01/01/2018 16:21

Member

hitchglitch

Motorhomer

Posted on 01/01/2018 16:21

With 30 years experience of awnings, canopies and the like, might I suggest you delay buying the side pieces? You will find that on the continent you may not need them. Our Caravan and, now, Motorhome canopy takes about 3 minutes to erect. Storm straps are put on later if the weather looks dodgy but sometimes it is easier just to wind in. So liberating not to have the fuss of an awning.

replied on 01/01/2018 17:59

Posted on 01/01/2018 16:21 by hitchglitch

With 30 years experience of awnings, canopies and the like, might I suggest you delay buying the side pieces? You will find that on the continent you may not need them. Our Caravan and, now, Motorhome canopy takes about 3 minutes to erect. Storm straps are put on later if the weather looks dodgy but sometimes it is easier just to wind in. So liberating not to have the fuss of an awning.

Posted on 01/01/2018 17:59

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brue replied on 02/01/2018 11:10

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brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 02/01/2018 11:10

We like our Omnistor, it's integral to the van so slightly different to a caravan fitting, as long as it's pegged down well and storm straps are used in windy weather we've been pleased to use it. We sometimes take a windbreak rather than panels to close off an area or give some extra shelter.

Surfer replied on 03/01/2018 09:18

Member

Surfer

Caravanner

Posted on 02/01/2018 11:10 by brue

We like our Omnistor, it's integral to the van so slightly different to a caravan fitting, as long as it's pegged down well and storm straps are used in windy weather we've been pleased to use it. We sometimes take a windbreak rather than panels to close off an area or give some extra shelter.

Posted on 03/01/2018 09:18

We have the Jormax Vision windbreak which we use most times we stop over for more than a night and can be used to make an enclosure for the dogs.