Fiamma Caravanstore canopy
Does any member have experience of the Fiamma Caravanstore canopy.
I am interested in buying one but I am concerned about the storage bag damaging the side panel whilst on the move and does the awning light above the door hamper siting the bag in the awning rail?
Comments
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We were going to buy one but bought a motorhome instead! Our caravan dealer said that they cause damage to the side panel and would invalidate any warranty but when I asked Fiamma (at the NEC) they said that the later versions had padding to prevent side
wall damage. They are popular so I guess that any problems are exaggerated.Check that you are comfortable with the unwinding/winding in process. You can see it on YouTube. Personally I would need a step because I don't think I could reach high enough to do it.
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I fitted a used Caravanstore to my 'van; the manual roll out type, not crank handle. Lots to choose from failed van converters. Very easy with two, but do-able with one person. Fiamma website is good guide, with instructions and videos of operation of the
differnt types. I use caravan step to position and tension side poles.I also fitted a couple of pieces of rubber padding at the side pole points to reduce chance of damage.
Best accessory I have, as it is so easy. I made a side curtain to improve privacy and reduce draft, but it's great in warm weather. Beware of winds or heavy rain; they are meant to be wound in. Much easier than an awning, and stops you carrying all the junk
to fill one too!0 -
We have had a Caravanstore since 2000, now on our second one, this on a 2008 van.
No problem with awning light.
No damage to van, used about 4 months per year.
No problem in heavy rain. have also had it up when windy, just hold it down well.
If unsure, it is easy to roll up.
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I agree with Kjell you do need to roll it up in strong winds! No damage to the sides. One minus in seriously strong winds it can bang on the van side. I mean seriously strong though - I was caught at Ullapool when it was too rough for the ferry to sail
and I had a very disturbed night. I needed both hands and a lot of strength to get the van door open. If I was in that situation again I would slip it out of the rail or turn away from the wind. I am taller than average and manage it alone although the
Fiamma door handle/bar comes in useful for resting half way up! I wouldn't go with the sides again bit those light weight ones are useful.0 -
Two years of use now with a 3.6m, no damage to my caravan or awning rail and it is fitted with gel pads for resting against the caravan wall, or come to that the awning light as one end of the bag rests on there
.Good bit of kit and although the two of us erect the canopy it can at a push be done by one person, but not comfortably. Rolling up is quite simple, I can do that on my own (if need to) from its centre then velcro strap it in the bag before doing the same at the ends.
Quite a sturdy unit when erected, especially with the storm straps, and the centre pole for the longer units of 3.6m and above. Five minutes to put away in the bag if a tornado is fast approaching, good in a stiff breeze but like most canopies it's not designed for very bad weather. Comes into its own when abroad for shade if needed.
I also have a side piece to act as a windbreak and a bit of shelter for the bike and boots etc if raining, the side piece is designed to be used on either side dependent upon which way the wind is blowing.
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We actually have the "Zip" version, so do have the 2 sides and the front, which we generally use when away in UK.
Abroad, we often just use the canopy, or sometimes add the side nearest the door.
Having now used the canopy for about 4 months per year for 8 years, the sides etc are still good but the canopy faqbric is starting to wear out.
Would a new canopy be able to be used with our existing other bits?
Is it even possible to buy just the "Zip" canopy on its own?
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We are on our second one. First lasted about 8 years, before after problems with the security of the legs / rafters, we decided to replace it. No damage to the side of the van and the first did not have gel pads. As to the awning light, on our previous
van this was not an issue as it was lower down and flush. On our current Bailey it is above the door and sticks out. The awning rests on it when rolled. So in transit I loosen off the locking lugs, and move it clear of the light. Ours is not one of the longest,
so this is easily possible.0
