Awnings

[violet]

I know there has been a lot of discussion re awnings but I can't find if any have ever been suggested that would be easy enough for a single lady to put up.

Need to go on an Autosleeper Talisman and I have been looking at Riviera Mobil or the RV room M300 from Riversway (although that is a bit more than I wanted to spend) and I also read somewhere that Khyam awnings are the easiest to erect.

Am I hoping for too much to be able to find one I can put up on my own???

violet

[gdf]

Hi Violet

 

Don't know how far from Riversway shop in Preston you are but we phoned about what was on display and had a day out to have a look (3 hours drive each way). Took the van with us and the sales staff were fantastic! Took time to go out and look at the van and then said which ones were suitable and how each worked. As I rejected ones that I didn't like the look of or method of attachment we moved on. Eventually came to one we liked. Asked about putting up/taking down and salesman started taking it down in the showroom to show me!!

 

It wasn't the most expensive that they had either!

 

We felt that we were important as customers and inevitably bought more stuff.

 

If we wanted something big again I'd drive over again.

 

Dave

[flicka]

Hi Violet

Agree with GDF, Riversway are very friendly & knowledgable, but a long way for you to travel to see the range before buying.

Generally speaking the cheaper range will have Fibreglass poles, medium range Alloy poles & top of range Steel Poles.

Similarly Fibreglass pole model are lightest & Steel Pole models the heaviest.

Other common brands include SunnCamp, Outwell, Outdoor Revolution & Kampa

Some suppliers in your area, (where you may be able to see some erected.)

http://www.johnscross.co.uk/products/Outdoor-Revolution-Movelite-XL-Awning-.html (Robertsbridge) also do Kampa

http://www.campersandleisure.co.uk/camping-caravans-tents/product_detail/1285 (Ferndown)

http://www.towsure.com/product/Towsure_Touring_XL_Motorhome_Awning (Southampton)

 

or a couple of Used, in classified on here:-

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Motorhomes/Classified/Accessories/Contact_cl103420

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Motorhomes/Classified/Accessories/Contact_cl103915

 

[Brian Kirby]

I'd definitely suggest looking at Khyam as a make. I have only seen them erected, but they appear good quality and stable. They also do a couple that are basically gazebos, for which various side walls can be obtained, or may be included. These would be completely free standing in use, so no complications over trying to attach to the side of the van, which also means they do not need to be detached when you want to go off somewhere, and can be left on your pitch to indicate it is occupied. The only things I would add, are to remember to try the weight of the packed unit before buying, and to make sure you have space to stow it, especially when you have to pack it down on a wet day!

 

I assume you have considered a permanently attached roll out awing? It will only give shelter from rain and sun, and they don't like wind, but they are simplicity itself to wind out/in and there is virtually no weight lifting involved. They can be equipped with side walls etc, but these are generally somewhat difficult to erect, and are expensive. They also have to be removed before moving the van, and and re-erected on return which, IMO, totally defeats the object of a motorhome.

[Bob Elswood]

http://www.somersetcamping.co.uk/detail.asp?p=341&gclid=CKen8v6MiakCFYFB4QodFGL9iQ

 

We have one of these that we use when we stay on a site for more than a few days! Very easy and quick to erect and take down. I would not go back to a 'conventional drive away awning' after using this!