Advice needed on sun canopy
We have used various awning combinations for different caravans we have owned and to some extent the weather conditions. Now that we are able to travel more, we would like to buy a sun canopy instead. This might be a Fiamma or Thule roll out canopy with legs and should be easier to deploy and stow after use.
My problem is that I don't know what size to get. Typically we only have a couple of chairs outside and the usual boots. Useful also to dry the dog when raining. I am thinking of perhaps the 2.5m depth and 3m along the awning rail. For those that already have one of these types of canopy, what do you think ; about right or should I go bigger/smaller?
Appreciate your experience and comments. Many thanks, Dave
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Hi Dave, I know we are talking about slightly different rooms, but we are collecting a Dometic Camp room tomorrow and the options were confusing, ours is awning length 1 set front panel, then height from floor to base of awning 2 ends, they have 5 variants, I needed guidance to get right one. Malc
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Thanks Deleted User User. Your advice makes sense to me. Hope you are enjoying your new van and the improved build quality. Part of my thought process has been inspired by a new van. Should have a longer level section as it is a twin axle. Which then leads me to another change.....................................
Although the E350 estate will tow (1900Kg) with no cooling mods, the stability is not great on the motorway, so it looks like I will have to bite the bullet and get a heavy 4X4.
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Have you thought about an air awning canopy such as the 300 Kampa Canopy? We need a new canopy after the other went to awning heaven, or the skip as we know it, and are seriously considering this. You can add a couple of sides to reduce draughts but we'd probably just stick with it as is.
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Hi have a look at issabella shadow sun canopy five different lengths from 240cm to 500cm very light and easy to put up and store away
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We bought a camping tarp from Decathlon, a Quechua Arpenaz and a extra set of poles also from Decathlon. Bought some awning strip from a caravan shop and stitched it down one edge, along with some awning stops it makes a great easy to put up sun canopy.
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We had a Fiamma on our twin axle, 3:6m one was a good size.
Do you have sufficient payload left to cover the weight?
We had the Zip model with the front and sides that could be zipped on when desired to make a complete room.
Unfortunately, after 10 years of being used about 3 months per year, the roof part has disintegrated, and as these are now quite expensive we have bought a porch type with no front but integral sides, just wish I could remember what it is called!
We like having the side bits as it gives more protection from rain.
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We used a Fiamma Zip 360 on our MH for 9 years without any issues as that fitted the size.
On a caravan you'd need to be aware of the length of the canopy in respect of the position of windows if you eventually go for end panels or a full 'room'.
We use a 360 porch awning that sits well between the lounge window and door, so a 3.5mt roll out would fit.
However if we were to go to a roll out it would be the longest we could fit to use as a sun canopy as well as an awning, or shelter. Otherwise its a very expensive sun canopy with only 1 use. I looked at the Thule Omnistore with room recently, here https://hillviewawnings.co.uk/index.php?route=product/category&path=60_93 but its an awful lot of money
We have a Dorema Monaco Sun canopy that fits the full length of the caravan that we have used in thunderstorms and has survived. Its easy to erect and pack.
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Dave. I have a Fiamma 3.6m. The size was limited by the straight length of awning rail and the weight I would have to roll up by hand. I think a larger one would be too heavy for my tired old hands but manage ok with the 3.6m. We do most of our caravanning in warmer climates and find that the Fiamma is ideal; for UK breaks we tend to take our Kampa awning. Two chairs and a table can take up a lot of space and a smaller roll out shade one would not suite us. A word of caution, roll out awnings are sensitive to strong winds and certainly not gale proof!! Yes, check your weighs to ensure you do not overload as you would travel with the Fiamma fitted to the awning rail.
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Big thanks you to all of you. You have provided some really novel solutions and for the UK I take on board your suggestions regarding side pieces/shelters. I will definitely look at the other options you have suggested.
Hope you all have a great new touring season,
All the best
Dave
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