Awning advice

That's what we like too, Rocky2Buckets.  We have used just a sunshade recently, but in early and late season when the dark comes earlier it can be nippy, and we were always reluctant to go 'indoors'. This year we replaced our stolen full awning and in early April it was lovely to sit inside, with one of the panels unzipped half-way, just listening to the birds, squirrels quarelling, the frogs croaking in the river, and the river in the background. We cook inside the awning, so the heat from the oven and hob warmed up the air.  We have grass under our feet - no carpet, and I don't care what anyone says, but food (and wine) definitely tastes better 'outdoors'!  As the evening temperatures got warmer towards the end of our stay we unzipped the front panels during the day and put them back in again in the evening. 

True on all points Valda, plus in the Autumn when it's dark sitting in the Awning listening to the Owls too-wit too-wooing is relaxing, that can't be heard that well inside an LV, Awnings really bring you closer to nature.

I once worked on a heritage site where the next-door display was a medieval style blacksmith. Never seen anyone else put tent pegs in with a quick tap then one solid blow per peg!

I'm learning much about awnings here - thanks for all the comments... at least those still showing after removed content .

We have a newly acquired 17 yr old van, used it once and didn't take the awning, and this afternoon I just spent an interesting hour working out where I think the poles probably fit together. (No instructions!)  I'll try it with the cover on another time.
Meanwhile, and this IS meant to be constructive!... one of the reasons we've just come to caravans after over 40 years in all sorts of tents & all weathers, is that I've wearied of the faff of erecting then taking down at start and finish of holiday, packing it away, quite possibly in the rain, then having to re-erect the thing to dry it out later. I'm sure we will make some use of our awning, but it's a joy not having to fiddle about with it, and just to have the box on wheels.

I suppose the Air awnings might be the equivalent of our latest light-weight tent, a Quechua, which more or less is thrown at the ground and erects itself. But yes, it still needs pegging out, and still needs folding up in the wet, and isn't so robust in serious weather.
So I'm with the minimalist brigade here!

Happy hunting!

OK, you might yet convert me!

Like ValDa and Rocky we also love to be in the awning and if possible with the panels open or removed.

We are lucky to live in Cornwall but even there you spend a long time behind a closed door so being outside is a real bonus, in fact, that's why we go to find the sun to be able to do so.

It may be due to our climate here but when abroad it does seem that it's just the Brits that can be found in the van of an evening when most people are outside or in the awning.

I too like to sit outdoors, so that's what I do, rather than sit in a tent strapped to the side of the caravan.

And so do we, when it's warm enough and light enough and dry enough, and we spend many holidays in France without bothering to put up our awning,  but early and late season it can even get frosty, and it gets dark very early.   It can also rain............... and few people want to sit outside with a glass of wine in the rain in the dark!  

As we like to read outside we can do this with the awning light on.......... and later, when the temperatures warm up we can move the awning light forward to the front of the awning and sit outside. In early April this year, on the warmer evenings, we set outside the awning, continuing to feed the barbecue with twigs (the site allows this, even in southern France - subject to local by-laws which may change with the dryness of the season). 

An awning at least gives you options, and if you have one you don't always need to put it up!  If you don't have one, and in early season or bad weather,  then it's either sit inside the van or motorhome, or sit outside in the dark and the rain.

But your happy to sit in your conservatory that's bolted to the side of your house 🏡 

....but you dont carry a conservatory around with you and errect/dismantle it every trip.....

at the end of the day (or when you arrive on pitch) everyone makes a judgement call as to whether an awning is worth the effort or not...

it seems that those that 'awning' love them and those that dont, dontpersonal choice.