Thule Omnistor - Manual and electric models
Does anyone have experience of using this awning? I appreciate it is more likely to be motorhomes since many caravans are not strong enough to have the unit attached. In particular, I am interested in its ability to withstand mildly windy conditions; I assume that if higher winds are anticipated it will have to be stored away. In addition, I am wondering if it can be temporarily rolled away wet. Would appreciate your experience and recommendations for using this unit.
Comments
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I recommend that you get a tie-down kit for additional security, particularly on the continent. You may go out for the day and a storm develops. We turned up at a site in France one day after a severe storm and about half of the awnings were destroyed. Canopies fared the worse.
The tie down kit consists of two sprung straps with large pegs which hook on to the Thule at the top of the side poles. It is always best to wind in if there are strong winds.
Sometimes you cannot avoid winding the canopy in when wet although I usually try to get most of the leaves off. Just unroll it to dry out as soon as possible.
Generally if I am moving off I will try and take the canopy in the night before, particularly if it is dry with a chance of rain or dew.
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We had a Fiamma fitted to the side wall of our Bailey Valencia. At the time (about six years ago), Bailey seemed to be the only UK manufacturer that would warrant a fixed canopy. In the end, there was so much trouble with ineffective sealing on the side wall the dealers stopped fitting them.
So I would say that roof fitting is better but you would need to check warranty. They don't seem to bother too much on the continent though. It is a common fitment.
I do find the roof fitting on our Motorhome to a bit more difficult to operate than the side one we had previously. You tend to have to stretch up to work it.
I am a great fan of wind-out canopies and it was a godsend when the kids grew up and we could dispense with the awning. No going back.
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The good thing about our roof mounted omnistore is it leaves the awning rail clear and we have found we can still use our isabella three quarter porch awning and have the canopy extended to give a double "skin"roof if used as accomodation
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I think they have to be fitted professionally. Ours was done by Rose Awnings. A really good company and they travel to where you are to fit the awning. We had our Thule 6200 fitted (roof fitting), when we bought the caravan (June 2016). They are based in Poole Dorset, but travelled up to Raymond James (Atherstone) to fit the awning the day before we picked up the caravan.
As it was glued to the roof it did not effect the warranty.
David
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as above, peg the legs and use tie downs.....
our Omnistore is also glued....we have a (large radius) curved side 'edge' where the sidewall meets the roof, and the awning is glued there, neither on the roof nor on the side.
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