Posted on 10/05/2019 20:35
Hi, we are considering ditching the porch awning in favour of a canopy. We really only want to create a dry area and somewhere to put the bin !! The kids no longer van with us so we don't need a storage area anymore, as usual Google throws up a myriad of options from dirt cheap to very expensive. Recommendations please and also how do they hold up in wind ?? Thanks
Posted on 11/05/2019 06:59
We have two of Isabella's Shadows, a 3.6 metre, we have had since 2002, and a more recent 4 metre one, that complete with the useful front "Net" silverised sun screen.
We got the second one as we have been so pleased with the original, and now in the heat of France can deploy one on each side of the van.
They serve more than as a sun capony, being equally a rain shield.
These Shadows come in various lengths, the 3.6 metre upwards featuring a three pole system, those below just two poles. As already mentioned there is the front "Net" accessory which we have, there are as well one or two side nets which we have never thought we needed. For use in sun, the front net greatly extends the "throw" of shade.
They can stand very significant amounts of wind, and can be dropped down in half a minute by slipping off the guys and poles, if needed; I would not and do not leave the front "Net" up if leaving the van unattended as I suspect it is the more likely to catch a squall.
Clearly we are very pleased with ours, given the time , the extensive use we have made of them , and buying a second one. As all things of Isabella's quality, they don't come at a bargain basement price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhiQ4ZZvuh4
The trivial weight and bulk of our 3 metre allows it to live in a bedlocker, there for use whenever needed.
Posted on 11/05/2019 08:13
We use a 4m (also available in other sizes) Fiamma Caravanstore and have found it perfect for our usage, our needs are similar to yours. It has stood up well to high winds and snow and to be honest, it stood up to a storm when I was very concerned about it, the storm straps doing their job well. About 5 mins (max) to erect.
Posted on 11/05/2019 08:38
Some very informative posts for the OP. We had a roll out caravanstore I got for those occasions when we wouldn’t be putting up an awning but found those times so infrequent we were not using it so it was sold.
It was also a real faff taking it off to use an awning on arrival at holiday destinations.
We also found that it’s most frequent use on weekend rallies was, as said very easy and quick, but that it’s 3.6m length and SW horizontal rain gave little benefit at times!
We are now looking for an Isabella Shadow, for the reasons mentioned above, to use mainly while enroute to destination and the now less frequent short stays.
Posted on 18/05/2019 18:03
We went for the Thule 6200. I won't lie, it wasn't cheap, but the quality is excellent (as you would expect). It stands up pretty well - it's more substantial than most, but we always use the tie down kit, and peg down each of the legs. We purchased the extra centre leg (which is an option), and an extra telescopic pole for each end (not supplied).
Like you, there are now generally only two of us and find little need for a full awning. We can convert it into one though, but the full awning is quite heavy and very substantial.
David
Crookie
Caravanner