Newbie Alert - Berks
Hi completely new to this experience, we have just bought our first caravan a Abbey Vogue 470 , I having many years experience towing a horse trailer means I get to do all the driving, as OH will not consider Towing.
We pick up the caravan on 28/8 and I have booked our first adventure for 7/9 only a short drive from home 1.5Hrs to be precise.
I have booked for a caravan and awning but am wondering if its worth using an awning for a 2 night stay,? as its mainly for the dog's rather than us to use, also having not bought the awning yet is it easier to go for a air awning or poles, only really looking for a porch awning
Am excited about our new venture but at the same time a bit nervous
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Welcome to the forum and caravanning. I suggest you go with just your caravan the first few times. there will be enough to do without an awning. When you decide to go for an awning do your research. If you buy a porch awning yo need to know how long it needs to be to avoid windows etc. Also check height to awning rail. Then you get what you pay for. A cheap porch with one or two fibre poles will be easy to erect but will not last too long and might not be big enough. I would suggest an air awning. We don't have one and it is a regret. They are easier to put up and shouldn't damage the caravan if poles go array. Againyou get what you pay for. One word is to check UV filter ability if you are going to sit in it in the sun.
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Hi and welcome. I see awnings are already causing you a problem, which is good in a way because they will always cause you a problem, whether you're new or ancient but do not despair as you're in good company.
Glad you're going somewhere close for your first outing. With club sites it doesn't matter if you book a pitch with awning and don't actually put one up or even have one with you. It just means that, due to the club following spacing guidelines, some pitches cannot have an awning as they then impinge on the minimum space the club wishes to have between units.
With regard to pole or air awnings it really depends what you want out of an awning. Pole awnings generally take longer to erect but you can get ones (Kampa are a decent make) where they minimise the number of poles and make them more user friendly. You tube videos will help.
Kampa also make air awnings. They are more expensive but people who have them tend to find them the bees knees. You'll still need to peg them in though.
Have a look at as many videos as you can then when you've narrowed it down come back on here and ask more specific queztions.
Good luck with your first outing.
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Talking of awnings - we have a Kampa 200 air awning - only 2 metres wide but about 2.5 metres deep which is more than big enough for us even on our 2 weeker outings.
Little heavy for one but two of us manage it easily - a dozen pumps or so and it's up.
Still got to nail it down though - that's why we now select a grass pitch whilst the weather is kind.
As previously said - get out and " practice" for a bit and enjoy your new experience.
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Hi Willow2016. Welcome to the Caravan and Motorhome Club and especially to Club Together. Feel free to ask any questions you wish - there are plenty of sections, just use the most appropriate section in order to get the best replies.
Do keep us up to date how you get on with the caravan. Personally, I wouldn't worry about an awning for a couple of nights.
David
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Hi newbie great your getting a van.
my first bit of advice is don’t worry about anything ,you’ll find your way of camping and no matter what have a smile .as there are lots of people will be sat in their house watching crap tv when your having fun with pegging down levelling the fresh air and even the rain drops on your head 👍
i’d allways Advise using a awning for me . Porch awning for short breaks 1`2 nights and full for longer .
I find having a porch awning when it’s wet /cold and raining is great you can leave all the wet coats and stuff in there and retreat into a lovely warm van . Also great if you have dogs .you can towel them off in the awning no problem .
Even if it’s wet when you pack it away a porch doesn’t take much to wash off and dry when you get home.
I reckon air awning is the way to go . No poles no problem . You can get them that you set as a porch and can then extend when you want more space . 👍
have a great time and enjoy . And remember it’s a hobby not just a sleeping compartment 👍
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After years of useing awnings of both types we no longer bother,and just use a canopy it gives shelter from the rain (and sun this year)is easy to erect and put away and then can also deploy a wind break round if more "security" is needed ,and does not need add storage space
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