Awnings

[BurtTheBeast]

Hullooo

 

How do awnings work. Looking around at campsites it seems that every awning has been custom made for each motorhome, but that cant be right? How do they fit to the side of the van so perfectly?

 

We could really use an awning for our van. The problem is there is no side door, so the awning would have to fit around the front door of the van. Can you get awning that would somehow fit any shape of van?

 

Sorry if this sounds like a really thick question!

 

 

Thanks

 

[Mike Chapman]

Hello Burt,

 

If your van has rear doors there are awnings made to suit several rear door configurations. The other option is to use a stand alone side fit awning and access it from either end, the cab door or the rear door.

 

Have a look in the various catalogues such as Towsure or do a google search on Motor Caravan Awnings.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Regards,

 

Mike.

[Brian Kirby]

Burt

Generally, they just fit onto brackets attached to the sides of the vans, most of which are flat.  The roll out awnings come in a variety of lengths and a smaller range of depths.  Try looking under Omnistor or Fiamma.  Both very similar with detailed differences.  You may have to drill through the side of your van to fit, or there may be suitable gutter brackets that would avoid this.  There are short awings suitable for single doors or windows, some designated as porch awnings that could fit across rear doors. 

They have one common shortcoming: they don't tolerate wind!  If sufficient wind get under them, they end up wrapped over the van roof.  This risk can be reduced by pegging down the legs (or, in some cases, by taking the legs back onto the sides of the van), but fittings can pull, or work, loose.  Alternatively, they can be guyed down via the articulating rafters.  However, beyond a certain wind strength the canvas just baloons up, with the articulated rafters repeatedly folding in and springing out again, and making quite a row.  No good at night! 

In warm, calm weather they are a delight.  In unsettled weather, best wound in at night or if going out.  In rain, they keep the ground nice and dry where you step out.  In rain with wind - forget it!

[dogmad]

We have a Movelite drive- away lightweight awning. They do 2 sizes, one fits van type vehicles the other fits motorhomes. You don't need to connect it to the vehicle as it has straps that go over the top of the van and you just peg them down. This make it easy to drive away, leaving your awning up. It is quick and easy to put up and folds down into it's own carrying bag.