Thule Omnistor wind out awning
As it is now becoming an effort to erect the Magnum Porch awning we are considering the Thule Omnistar 5200 4. 5m for our Buccaneer Cruiser, but in order to avoid issues with wind we will probably also buy the Panorama "tent" bits so that it has sides.
We can then leave articles inside plus we have three dogs so can contain them if necessary. We like the idea that it is quick to wind out and can be held in place with 4 guy ropes for mild wind conditions if just using the shade part and not the sides.
In addition to wind, the concern is the weight on the caravan as the Omnistar is bonded to the roof of the caravan? Also are there any detrimental effects if you wind back the awning while it is wet? We have never investigated the wind out awnings as we been quite happy with our traditional Magnum Coal so any suggestions positive or negative would be appreciated.
Air awnings are totally out of the question as we cannot manage them.
Comments
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We had a Fiamma on our Bailey Caravan and have the Thule on our Motorhome. I thought that the Bailey Unicorn was the only UK van which allowed a fixed canopy and still maintain the warranty although they are very popular on continental vans.
There was a problem with the Bailey because the standard dealer fit was on the side of the van not the roof. I understand that the dealers found it difficult to get a good seal between canopy and van side so water would run down the side of the van, although in four years of ownership we had no problems and found it a great accessory. Our dealer said that they had stopped fitting them for that reason.
Also, be aware that the side fitting means that you cannot use an awning and it may not be easy to remove the canopy to allow a future awning so this could affect the resale value.
We love the Thule on the Motorhome but be sure to fit the storm straps if the weather looks bad.
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Thanks David. The 5200 4m that we are looking at weighs about 28kg. The 3.5 length same as our Magnum Coal is about 25kg. Apparently the gap for the roof mounted version that is fixed to a bracket is now being sealed with a strip of plastic.
Can you fit a normal awning underneath the Omnistor if it is fitted to the roof? We would only erect the Panorama for long stays or if it is going to be windy.
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Thanks David. Read your blog and very interesting. We have only just in the past two years ventured onto the continent and in future most of our holidays will be in France or Spain.
However getting back to the Omnistor, it seems to fit the bill as no issue pegging down the Panorama as we use screw pegs and an electric drill. The only concern is fitting the sides as on a traditional awning "the side" is already in place making it easy to zip in the panel.
If buying the Omnistor it will probably be wise to buy the storm strap accessory to peg down the canopy just in case if we are only stopping for 2 nights.
The only thing left for me to do now is to check whether adding it will still be within the MTPLM of the caravan as don't want spend a grand or two only to find out that we are over the MTPLM etc.
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With 30 years experience of awnings, canopies and the like, might I suggest you delay buying the side pieces? You will find that on the continent you may not need them. Our Caravan and, now, Motorhome canopy takes about 3 minutes to erect. Storm straps are put on later if the weather looks dodgy but sometimes it is easier just to wind in. So liberating not to have the fuss of an awning.
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We like our Omnistor, it's integral to the van so slightly different to a caravan fitting, as long as it's pegged down well and storm straps are used in windy weather we've been pleased to use it. We sometimes take a windbreak rather than panels to close off an area or give some extra shelter.
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We have the Jormax Vision windbreak which we use most times we stop over for more than a night and can be used to make an enclosure for the dogs.
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like Brue, we have a wind out Omnistore and a windbreak, this combination seems to work well although i have seen the Lillypad Leisure windstoppers and may get one side for the Omnistore.
as Hitch says, perhaps see how you get on 'over there'....we dont lime to be enclosed when its nice and sunny, but as AD says of ypure in one place for a long time, the extra space might help.
good luck
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When we had the MH we had a fiamma Zip roll out awning, worked well in all sorts of conditions from winter force 12 storms where we fully pegged down and used storm straps, to extremely hot periods where we used windbreaks to give privacy and ability to sleep outside under the canopy.
With the slot in the front face of the cassette we were even able to add a drive away awning and provide an under cover open area. Where pitch sizes weren't an issue.
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I contacted the manufacturer and they came back with this reply;
We would not recommend fitting the wind out awning as this is not in the specifications of this model and would not have any provisions to hold it.
Considering they were told by myself that it was to be roof mounted I find the reply quite extraordinary? I have seen other Buccaneers with the Omnistor awning fitted.
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I would definitely suggest that you see how you get on with just the canopy to begin with. Some years back we got past what we considered to be sensible awning age with less energy and creaking joints. Since then we have managed with just an Isabella canopy and, as most our trips are in warm France, we have never felt the need for sides or front and it would get too hot had we used them.
We are now looking forward to the delivery of our motorhome which will have Thule Omnistore included. The Isabell canopy is simple but I imagine the Omnistore is even easier to use.
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Fairly easy as it needs to be hammered into the ground like any other windbreak. If the ground is really hard like many hard standing pitches on CC sites then I use the drill with masonry bit to make the hole and then hammer in the pole which has a spike at the end.
We have 2 x 4m sections and the gate. Not cheap but ours is now nearly 8 years old and still looks like new.
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As I mentioned earlier, I am not aware of any other Caravan manufacturers apart from Bailey who will warrant a Caravan when a wind-out canopy is fitted. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that Bailey have retracted on this.
When we were considering buying another Caravan I talked to a Company who fitted Thule to caravans and they were a bit vague about how it might affect warranty. I am convinced that if you had a problem with the structure of the Caravan which could in any way be associated with a retrofit canopy, the Caravan manufacturer would wash their hands of any responsibility. This could include water ingress around the roof seal, rippling etc.
On a secondhand van out of warranty I don’t think that I would worry but on a new van it might be an issue.
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are caravans really that brittle?
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Bailey have agreed that roof mounted wind out awnings are acceptable and will not affect the warranty,both DSB and I have Thule 6200 fitted by the fitting brackets being bonded to the roof ,and do not let water past as Thule use a water tight strip the length of the awning,
And as the structure of Bailey caravans can stand the weight of a large Volvo car parked on the roof then there will not be a problem with a 30kg wind out awning
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