What would you do?

At the Oct 2014 NEC show we purchased a Kampa Air Ace awning plus the electric pump as we wanted the easy to erect option.  We like the shape of the awning, the ease with which it can be erected but sadly that is where it ends.

The rear back poles are a total nightmare to deal with as they are springloaded and require two people to get them in place otherwise they either come out at the top or come apart as the pole is in 4 sections all of which are spring loaded. 

On using the awning we found a large mark on the inside of the awning and another on one of the side walls.  Neither will brush out. 

During first use in wet weather when it rained quite a bit we had a huge amount of water gather in the middle rear section and the concern was that the material could stretch.

One of the curtains on first use was found to have a broken clip causing it to sag when hung.  On second use a few days later, one of the other curtains looked all frayed at the bottom with threasd hanging out all over the place.

All awnings experience condensation but this awning is particulairly bad.  We have the vents at the top on either side open as wide as possible, we have the panels in front open a couple of inches, and one of the side doors open at the bottom for about 3 foot to alow the dogs to enter or leave the awning area.  IMHO this is more than adequate ventilation especially on a cinder harstanding however the amount of condensation beggars belief.  Touching the awning produces a rainfall liek in the Amazon forests.

Considering that the awning with the electric pump and Easy tread carpet cost us over £1000 we are very disappointed.  We have advised the supplier who to give them their due have bent over backwards to help us however their hands are tied as Kampa can't source replacement curtains until after the caravan season and cannot replace the awning until later in the year as the stuff has to come from China.  Kampa are letting down their resellers very badly.

Kampa sent a brochure advising on condensation so it seems it is very common place with their awnings.  They avoid answering questions about the water pooling on the roof and the next to useless back poles.

The supplier has offered us compensation if we keep the awning as Kampa state that marks will not affect the water proofing etc. The supplier has also offered to let us keep the awning for use during the summer and then to replace the whole awning when new stocks arrive. Lastly there is the option of a refund which ahs not been discussed yet.

We are not sure what course of action to take as we are not happy with the awning as the downsides appear to outweigh the positives.