AIR AWNINGS

0026442140
0026442140 Forum Participant Posts: 71
edited December 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

We are going to purchase a new larger porch awning and would welcome views and reviews on air awnings, are they as easy to put up as the adverts make out, what are the best makes e.t.c. all replys very welcome.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #2

    I think there are several threads on air awnings in Parts & Accessories. You might find what you want there.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited December 2017 #3

    I don't use one but did help somebody out earlier this year. The chap got a large air awning jammed in the awning rail. I helped free it and was then aware that they are very heavy. I have arthritis in spine and shoulder and would not want one. If you are fit they would be OK but the larger ones do seem heavy to handle

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
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    edited December 2017 #4

    This has been discussed many times so it will be worth searching old threads.

    My own experience using an air-awning is very positive. I have a Kampa 330 air awning that I find very easy to erect and it is very stable in high winds and heavy rain. 

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited December 2017 #5

    Some (e.g. Kampa ) have single point inflation. Others require each bit to be inflated separately. 

  • ihatew0rk
    ihatew0rk Forum Participant Posts: 84
    edited December 2017 #6

    I have a Kampa 260 porch awning and find it light and very easy to put up. Would definitely recommend it.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited December 2017 #7

    We have a Bradcot Air Aspire 260. I can put it up on my own without issue, it takes about 2 minutes to inflate (Single point with an electric pump) and would not consider a pole awning now. Only thing to consider is they still take the same amount of time to peg out.

    It's seen all sorts of wind and rain and never let water in or been affected by the wind.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited December 2017 #8

    Our Kampa 400 is heavy surprised

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
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    edited December 2017 #9

    Probably because a Kampa 400 is about 1.6m longer than a 260.... ;-)  We have a Bradcot 390 and it is heavy but the quality is excellent as is the companies customer service. We wouldn’t have a pole awning given.....

  • crown green bowler
    crown green bowler Forum Participant Posts: 407
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    edited December 2017 #10

    Our Kampa 390 air is very good but very heavy, and we use an electric Kampa pump, as with back problems I would struggle with the hand pump provided, we have used it for three years and the only problem for us has been the zip wearing on the door that we always use,  but it is used a lot as we keep the net door closed to keep our dogs in and to keep airflow during the daytime.

  • David2115
    David2115 Forum Participant Posts: 547
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    edited December 2017 #11

    I have a bradcot modus 390 air and also the annex bedroom extension. They are very easy to put up and very quick. I think they are slightly heavier than standard awnings but so much that my better half can put it up on her own. 

    The bradcot comes with option to add to it should you require a bigger option but it’s not cheap. 

    It is good in all weathers and there is no danger of damage to the van by pesky poles. 

    I also think the Kampa air pro 390 is Avery good looking awning as well 

    I wouldn’t go back. Air is the future 

  • dmiller555
    dmiller555 Forum Participant Posts: 717
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    edited December 2017 #12

    I think, when considering air or pole awnings, that the total weight needs considering since it is that that has to be carried about. If that is done there is little weight difference to be found.

    Picking a Kampa awning at random (honest) an Ace Air Pro 400 weighs 24kg while the same model pole version is 24.6Kg.

    That may not hold true of other models or makes but I do know that when I checked the weight of mine against the poled version my air version was lighter. 

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited December 2017 #13

    In the "positives" column I would put;  should the pegging get pulled out there are no poles to dent the van; then I can't think of any further attribute.

    Re weight when threading through then those with poles simply have not that weight hanging there. The tubes on those air awnings I have been involved with did but better designs with zip in tubes could be out there. However even zipping them in is another time using task.

    I am very much a pole man but only touching awnings from Isabella. I can well understand some other dreadful pole systems could drive people to seek alternatives.

  • Frank Gill
    Frank Gill Club Member Posts: 153 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #14

    We have a Kampa Ace Air Pro 460, good quality canvas so yes it do'es feel heavy but quick and easy to put up. We also picked up a Bradcott porch awning bought cheaply for winter use this has a steel frame and weighs about the same as the Kampa and in my opinion a pain to put up.

  • G Cherokee
    G Cherokee Forum Participant Posts: 402
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    edited December 2017 #15

    Dorema and Bradcot are made from thicker material than most (called tencate) and is much more durable. But with that comes a heavier item.

    But not overly heavy our 260 all season weighs in at just 16kg.

    However because of the thicker material, it flys into the rail!!

     

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
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    edited December 2017 #16

    Do  the  tubes  not  go  'soft'  in  cold  weather  like  we  have  had  this  week  ??