Isabella sun canopy

charlie25
charlie25 Forum Participant Posts: 100
First Comment
edited May 2018 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

advice on sun canopies for a caravan and how secure they are in windy conditions.

Comments

  • KeefySher
    KeefySher Forum Participant Posts: 1,128
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2018 #2

    We use a Dorema Monaco sun canopy that fits the full length of the caravan.

    In the thunderstorms nearly 3 weeks ago when at Black Knowl  the canopy withstood the battering. We hadn't planned on keeping it erected if the weather changed, but with the ferocity and suddenness of the thunderstorms we were caught out. So ate dinner and had a drink until it calmed down.

    Watching it fill with water then empty as the wind lifted it was hypnotic.

    So it stood the test. Won't repeat it by design, but happy it stood up.

    HTH

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
    500 Comments
    edited May 2018 #3

    We use the Isabella Shadow Canopy it will survive some fairly strong winds without issue, the most likely event if the wind gets very strong is a peg will pull out, never known any damage to the material or poles. Very quick and easy to put up and light to carry. Survives heavy rain without a problem but it is only 2.0m deep so rain is easily blown under. We use ours on the continent would`nt recommend for a Cornish clifftop. Personally for ease, weight and quality I am quite happy with the two we have bought.

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited May 2018 #4

    We also have an Isabella Shadow. I would echo Tigi's comments. A great purchase.

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2018 #5

    I would look at Fiamma Caravanstore or Thule Omnistore - more expensive but worth it.

     

  • obbernockle
    obbernockle Forum Participant Posts: 616
    500 Comments
    edited May 2018 #6

    We use an Isabella Shadow and the net Shade on the 3.6M long side. It’s brilliant for touring as it’s fast to put up and take down. It’s light enough to stow in the caravan all the time so always available.

  • Pliers
    Pliers Forum Participant Posts: 1,864
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2018 #7

    We have an Isabella Shadow. We've only used it in the summer, in Europe and the UK, so don't know how it would cope with bad weather. We are really pleased with it, it's easy to put up and take down, light weight and packs down to a very low volume. 

    Would recommend 😊

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited May 2018 #8

    We used an Isabella Shadow when we had a caravan.  We found it so useful.

  • Jazzybaby
    Jazzybaby Forum Participant Posts: 109
    edited May 2018 #9

    Hello, over the years we have tried most of them on the market, none in my opinion are suitable if its windy.  They are perfect in warmer climes and when the weather is perfectly still in this country. They only stop the sun if the sun is directly overhead though unless you have sides and/or front. You end up moving chairs about underneath them. We use our current small one just to keep the ground dry around the doorway and for a couple of chairs. 

    Had a Fiamma Zip one,could be used with or without sides and front, blown over the top of the caravan breaking a pole and denting the roof and it was only a light breeze whilst erecting it. Also very heavy and have to stay in the awning channel whilst travelling and can cause damage to the side of the van by rubbing.

    Had a Dorema Nice one, this one you could have a full side either at the front or the back, could never stop the thing flapping like a chicken no matter how we pegged it. Also collected rain water like a pond.

    Had a couple of Dorema Monaco ones, (roof only) again same issues as above.

    Had a Dorema Panama, with the window sides, fine when erected but once the wind got under it, it came down despite 6 guide ropes and three tie down straps.

    Now have a small Isabella sunshade, went for the one with just two outside poles so instead of an apex  (upside down 'V' shape) we now peg the middle hole so the canopy looks like the letter 'V' with the centre hole pegged with just a guide rope.

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