Movelite Midi Awning

[Bartonfolk]

Has anyone any experience of using an awning such as the Movelite Midi. We are looking for a lightweight , easy to erect awning to use with a Symbol Autosleeper. We want an open front style which runs along side the sliding door, which will just take two chairs and a table. Any feedback would be really useful.

Thank you.

[Guest JudgeMental]

depends on your intended usage I guess......If out of season, and Spain for instance, where winds can be severe, I would think a bit flimsy? unless you go for the carbon model maybe. it really all depends what you want it for....

[pepe63xnotuse]

We had a Movelite "square" when the first came out(for our first van,a Duetto)..but we sold it on before using it in anger, as it was too much like going back to putting the tent up again!?(...and we switched to a "camper" to get away from that).

Also be aware that ,although these type may cover the door opening, they probably won't cover all of the door when it's in the open position(..resulting in any interior trims getting soaked when it rains)..

 

If the van was staying put for a few days, we just used a cheapie/simple caravan porch, fastened to the drip moulding(not ideal but it worked).

 

Although not an awning,we now use one of these as our "outdoor shelter"...

 

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/base-seconds-pop-up-shelter-living-area-green-id_8208602.html

(..I don't think I'd want to rely on it in a howling gale though! (lol) )

 

Just to add, although you say you want something "open fronted", personally I'd say look for something that gives you the option of opening any/all of the sides, that way would be able to choose whether or not to stare straight into the neighbour's awning/bbq & patio set/dog compound etc ! (lol)

[Tea Cup]

We had a Movelite when we had a Bongo. Fibreglass poles broke second time out (replaced with stronger ones free). Does the job but difficult to put up and lug around so we bought a Quechua seconds base, which will still have and occasionally use. This is a great tent, easy to carry and handle but folding takes some practice, and it wouldn't work well against a high van door. Best used at the end of a roll-out awning in that case.

 

We last used it 3 weeks ago in the Pyrenees on a rainy day, 2 children and 4 adults sat around a table most of the day. Sigh!! Wish we were still there. But it was worth lugging it around for a month, just for that day.

[Bartonfolk]

Many thanks for all the advice. We now think the Movelite will be too flimsy. trying to find a stockist for the Kyham Motordome classic, but this product seems to have sold out and be relaunched at the Motorhome show in Oct.

Thanks again

[Guest JudgeMental]

best ordering form someone who has an awning in stock...cant remember what manufacturer but some ordered a certain awning last year from a show and were still waiting at last count...

[ips]

I have a sun camp aspect dl for sale used once cost 170 last year 75 and its yours

 

http://www.towsure.com/product/Aspect_Motorhome_Awning

[hughman]

Vango Airway (or name similar to that). It has inflatable tubes instead of poles, so nothing to break and it flexes in the wind instead of resisting. We have one with optional inner tent as guest bedroom. It opens on 3 of 4 sides, and attaches to awning rail. Good for table, chairs, leaving bikes, etc etc. Wouldn't use for short stay (1 or 2 days) but good for longer stops.

 

Drive away is dead easy - the art lies in returning to more or less exactly the same position so you can re-attach :-)

[Mel B]

We've had various Movelite awnings, VRX, Square (2 versions), XL and Midi. We bought the Midi simply because we wanted one specifically for our van conversion as they are 3m wide and 2.4m deep so allow the sliding door to be opened fully within the awning 'tunnel' thus avoiding the problem with narrower ones that don't allow this.

 

We have found that the Movelite awning are actually very well made and robust and do stand up very well to the weather as in addition to the standard tied down cords, they have additional securing straps (storm straps) that many other similar but usually cheaper awnings do not. We also found it quite quick and easy to put up and we've put up a lot of tents and awnings in our time so know the 'good' from the 'bad' and the downright 'nasty'!

 

We weren't overly happy with the fit of the Midi on our 2012 Fiat camper though and depending on what model of base vehicle/age you have you may find it will fit your camper better. One thing to consider, though, is where you are going to store it when you aren't using it, some awnings can be quite bulky and/or heavy.

[grahamw]

Have the Movelite Square and found it very robust. Helpful if two people put it up as threading the poles through the appropriate slot can cause snagging. Have had the awning erected in strong winds and it stood up very well to this. Plenty of tie down cords to keep it stable but it can become a bit crowded with all these in use but they do give you confidence.

 

We usually extend our Fiamma wind-out awning out about a metre and have it attached at that position - makes driving away and re-docking a doddle. It also gives you an extended covered area where our opening side sliding door doesn't collide with the awning. In a hot climate this also give far better ventilation to the van as well as the awning. Although not the most heavy duty materials employed they are light (12.6kg) and compact when bagged which is important to us. All in all very good value for money.

 

Graham