Awning alternatives ?

Mr Sambambles
Mr Sambambles Forum Participant Posts: 194
edited June 2016 in Motorhomes #1

Just debating whether adding an awning to the side of the van is worth it or are there any other alternatives. It will be mainly as a sun shade. It will cost a lot to add a Fiamma or similar but also carries the weight implications. They seem to be very
heavy. Less wine to bring back!!!!!

Are they worth the cost and weight or do anyone use alternatives? Your feedback would be most welcome. 

Comments

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #2

    my view, depends where you will be using it....

    if its for a sunshade (and not a rain canopy) then england in June would have been a waste of money...

    however, you mention bringing back wine, so likely to be holidaying in the sun, so a canopy on southern France or Spain will be worth while...

     

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #3

    Agree with BB if its Spain/France etc. you are going to be holidaying in then yes, we wouldn't want to be without ours. This year we used it almost everyday even on just a night stopover, its quick and easy to use. We use it for both sun and rain, the later
    we tend to not wind it our fully but about halfway to give the habitation door a bit of protection somewhere to leave wet boots/shoes etc. hang the wet jackets under, I've even been known to wind it out fully and put the washing whirlygig under it to dry the
    washing off if its got a breezeWink

  • Mr Sambambles
    Mr Sambambles Forum Participant Posts: 194
    edited July 2016 #4

    Thank you for your replies. We are touring more and more  in Europe but just a little concerned about cost and weight V usage. 

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #5

    A possible alternative is to buy one of those 'pergola' things and erect that (on offer recently in a French supermarket for just 14 euros) - they are generally quick and easy to put up and lightweight -- but bulky!  Or a 'Sail' hung between trees on the
    pitch - lightweight and less bulky.  

    It depends whether you want 'shade' or 'shelter'!

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #6

    Thank you for your replies. We are touring more and more  in Europe but just a little concerned about cost and weight V usage. 

    yes, they arent cheap, especially as your looking to buy just after your van purchase (thie time tomget one was as part of your van deal....Undecided)
    and theyre heavy at 30kg+, but if youre really 'concerned' about 30kg weight is your payload adequate anyway?

  • AndyJB
    AndyJB Forum Participant Posts: 6
    edited July 2016 #7

    We recently bought a 10ft by 10ft Coleman Event Shelter from Go Outdoors. It came with 2 free side panels, more can be added, total cost about £130. I can put it up & take it down single handed and it weighs about 13 KG's. I also reproofed it as some reviews
    state it may not be very water resistant. 

    So far it's been absolutely brilliant able to stand up to wind & rain & provide a nice bit of shade.

     

  • Mr Sambambles
    Mr Sambambles Forum Participant Posts: 194
    edited July 2016 #8

    Thank you kindly to all. Definitely going to look at the sail shade idea and Go Outdoors. Many thanks. 

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