Awnings

Just wondering......Awnings!

How often are they actually used. They hang on the side of the van...are bolted through...could be a cause of water ingress.

Get damaged.....ripped.....mildewed.

Extra weight.

Are they really neccessary. Could we do without them???

Last van I had for 3 years and used it twice. Didn't go to France though....

Is that just me or am I an exception??

Same here.....used it once in 3 years,,,,,Dead weight.

If you are lucky enough to get to a sunny climate then they are very useful for shade from the strong sun,if you live in our climate then they are very useful to give cover from the rain if you decide to bring the barbeque out.
I would rather have one and have the choice as to whether I use it or not.

But if they get wet you can't really roll them up.

If you leave them out overnight or while you are away from the van and it gets windy they could cause damage.

Every Camper seems to have them......but are they really worth it??

Are they an overkill in this Country.

If you park in any of the few Aires we have or in a lot of our wild camping spots.....you can't really use them!

Sorry...just having a rant..!!!!!

I have'nt one on my present van and wonder how many more just would not bother fitting one if they had the choice????

:shock: :shock:

Definitely useful in sunnier countries. Never used it in Ireland and thought that it was a waste of money , but wouldn't be without it in Spain, total sun here and heading for 28c today. :sun:

I mostly use camp sites and put mine up all the time it's a great extra space

What does the awning weigh?
I reckon it's between 10 to 15 kgs max. I can think of other similar weight items in the MH thst I should throw out instead.
Wind is the one thing that stops us from using our awnings to the maximum in this country. Most campsites are laid out, that the door of our camper/MH/caravan faces south, the direction of our prevailing wind.
After been in France this summer and parked on a pitch for 8 nights, the awning was set up, not for the overwhelming sunshine but for the thunderstorms that hit in an instant. The wind speed in france was the equivalent of a Irish dog farting on our Wild Atlantic Way. Some Dutch people marvelled at our fiamma tie down kit since they didn't know such a thing exsisted.
To remove your awning for whatever reason, what product does one use to reseal the walls to prevent water ingress?

Wouldn't be without one, mine came with it installed and even here in supposed windy locations we use it, once its setup properly it makes a big difference to living space, with a decent carpet it doubles the area available to you. Cooking cab be done outside keeping the van clean and fresh.
I use heavy duty loops of tractor inner tube as shock snubbers and some 6mm glow in the dark rope attached to dog corkscrew ground anchors to secure the main canopy, also one of the Lilypad shades as a front panel and the Fiamma window type shades for the sides.
If I had the option I'd buy a proper safari room to fit the awning but they are expensive and the only thing I really would like is a windstopper for under the van.

I only have a 6mt. Van and its a struggle at times to fit, what I think are the essentials. ( even though these essentials never seem to get used ).

Where do you fit this carpet, Safari Rooms, tie downs, BBQs, Chairs, tables.

Jeez.....gonna have to start shrink wrapping!!

Ours is a roll out awning it's about 6 metre long and takes about 1 hour to put up buy that includes all side and door entry carpet table chairs etc and off course the cooler box full of beer I would not be with it . And iv got a big garage to fit every thing in to and at that its only ever half full

In this country we call ours the rain canopy ..
It only takes minutes to put out especially if you want to bbq
In france its a necessity to keep your van cool .