Dorema "Nice" sun canopy

KjellNN
KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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edited October 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

This looks like the type of canopy we would like instead of our now worn out Fiamma Zip.

Like the idea of being able to have the "side" at whichever end would give shelter from the prevailing wind/rain

If anyone has one.......

What is the fabric like?  Is it sturdy?

Do we need to have it along the whole length of the awning rail at roof level?

How good is it in wind?

Would the size 9, which seems to be the largest size be OK for our Sterling Searcher, the normal awning size suggested is 1050.

All comments/suggestions welcome.

Comments

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #2

    Nobody?

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
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    edited October 2016 #3

    We have an Isabella shadow sun canopy, it's brilliant as just that, but flapped about a bit earlier this month in the strong wind.

  • katieb
    katieb Forum Participant Posts: 74
    edited October 2016 #4

    We also have the sun shadow with three upright poles and extra guy lines if it's likely to be very windy.  So easy to put up so although I'm not familiar with the one you refer to Kjellnn I would certainly recommend the Isabella - probably similar quality
    but quite pricy.

  • Jazzybaby
    Jazzybaby Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited October 2016 #5

    Hello, we used to own one of these but soon got rid of it. Firstly they are really only suitable for good weather. They flap around in any slight breeze. The ladders/loops which hold down to the ground  soon ripped, we did obtain some clips that gripped
    the fabric and then pegged these to the ground which worked slightly better. However if you have the curvy front of a van then they dont hang right and so water gathered on the roof so we had to have the side part at the back.  We then tried the panorama canopy
    which has panels at both ends  this is basically a full set of awning poles but without the front panel, it was fine but as soon as you get any wind it gets under the canopy and that came crashing down putting dents in our van. We now use a Isabella shadow
    and just have the two pole version. The middle guy line when pegged out makes a 'V' shape and any water runs off, if you have the three pole version it makes a upside down 'V' shape and water runs off either end if you get the angles right otherwise it can
    soon pool. Obviously the longer the span the more it is prone to do this.

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #6

    Thanks!  A very comprehensive reply, looks like we need to rethink this.

    The Isabella does seem expensive for what is a very simple design.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited October 2016 #7

    We have an Isabella Shadow.  Which we bought this year.  

    Itweighs nothing, Goes up in a few minutes. In my opinion the poles could do with being a bit longer as the canopy doesn't quite clear the door.  We do get some water pooling but it's not a big deal. 

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited October 2016 #8

    Boff.....can you tell me how long the poles are?  Our door is quite tall so that is  something we would need to consider.

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
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    edited October 2016 #9

    We had one too - note 'had'.  Like Jazzybaby we found it great in good calm French weather, but given a breath of wind it became a pain.

    Our first problem was that it 'crept' along the awning rail, so we had to find a way to stop this.  Then it needed extra guys - we too had clip-ons - and this helped, but in rain (even that short sharp unexpected shower) it became a nightmare as rain seemed to collect somewhere, however taut you thought you had made the canvas.

    The fabric was sturdy, and indeed so sturdy that we've just dug it out of the garage where it's languished for a few years, and all appears well.  We are trying to think of an alternative use..................!

    Friends of mine bought the Dorema Panorama awning, with add-ons, and are very happy indeed with it, comparing it favourably to their previous full awning!  I think they bought it from Holland, along with some panels for the front which are not available here.

     

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited October 2016 #10

    Boff.....can you tell me how long the poles are?  Our door is quite tall so that is  something we would need to consider.

     

    Sorry away in the van at the moment not sure I have any thing to measure the poles.  If you search on the caravan talk forum someone contacted Isabella and had a solution. For us the positives out weigh the negatives. We also looked at a second hand eclipse?
    but it basically had a full frame so took much longer to erect  

     

  • AutoAddict
    AutoAddict Forum Participant Posts: 114
    edited October 2016 #11

    The top of our caravan door is approx 12" below the awning rail, and our Shadow doesn't foul the door. Having said that, if the pitch sloped away from the caravan I could see a potential probem, but it would have to be quite a slope. Not sure of the length
    of the poles, but a quick email to Isabella would reslove that problem.

  • Hatter
    Hatter Forum Participant Posts: 44
    edited November 2016 #12

    Hi

    Regarding the poles for the shadow, we did what Glen and Les had already done. I'm sure they won't mind me posting. You can get from Isabella some short extension pieces that fit on top of the original poles, so increasing the height. Ours are 2ft 6in long and cost £10 each. You can specify your own length though cost will probably be different. We ordered through YC Leisure Awning Dept at Bawtry, so no delivery charge. Very helpful people. I'm  sure your local dealer will do the same.

    Regards

    Peter

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
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    edited November 2016 #13

    We have the Dorema Monaco sun shade. Fits full length of the awning rail with loops you can secure a tie to the caravan grab handles. 3 poles, the middle one is longer than the other 2. It's a sun shade so don't expect it to be used in storms or rain. Good
    quality Tencate fabric. We are happy with it. Folds down to nothing, Ebay is your friend. We wanted a full length shade as opposed to a Caravanstore / fiamma / isabella shade. Next year will change the guy lines to some heavy duty ones for peace of mind in
    case we leave it up in windy weather.