Awning or not?

fatbelly
fatbelly Forum Participant Posts: 438
100 Comments
edited January 2020 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi All,

We've had our Motorhome for 3 years now & we love it. We're contemplating getting an awning for the coming season but we're wondering what people think of them? Do they get warm in the sun like a conservatory, are they particularly hard to erect, what are the negatives of having an awning. Theres only the 2 of us but we were thinking it'd be nice to have an extra room. Any advice will be gratefully received.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #2

    Do you mean a free standing awning or a roll out canopy?

    We have a roll out, although we rarely use it, but I’d not contemplate having anything that would hinder the spontaneity of the up and away mobility of the MH.

    The benefit of the roll out is providing shade but it’s not storm proof and shouldn’t be left extended if there’s a chance of much wind. It only takes a few minutes to extend or retract. 

    My experience of awnings is restricted to caravan awnings of several years ago so not really relevant but if you’re thinking of a free standing awning consider whether you have the space and payload to store and carry it as they can be hefty lumps.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,957 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #3

    I would agree with everything Tinwheeler said above. 

    We had a MH for 6 years and only every used the canopy for shade cover, we did have 'windblocker' sides and fronts for that extra bit of shade when abroad. 

    Having watched others put up a 'privacy' room on a MH and how long it takes, the weight and size of it I wouldn't go down that route. Some folk do put a lightweight awning up using the front edge of their canopy but that is usually when they are staying put for a number of weeks.

  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Forum Participant Posts: 438
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    edited January 2020 #4

    Thanks TW. We've already got a canopy awning fitted to our Van, so we're looking at a enclosed awning.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #5

    It’s your choice obviously but I’d avoid any sort of enclosed awning as I  believe it would be more faff than it’s worth. There again, we're all different.😀

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited January 2020 #6
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  • InaD
    InaD Club Member Posts: 1,701 ✭✭
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    edited January 2020 #7

    +1.  We had exactly the same as TG on our MHs; wouldn't bother with a full awning, we've also seen people putting a privacy room up, it took ages.  We were also a bit worried about how it would stand up in a sudden gale, but apart from that, unless you're staying put for a long time, is it worth it?

    When we've had awnings on caravans, we rarely sat in them if it was at all cold; conversely, if the weather is pleasant anyway, we wouldn't want to sit inside an awning, preferring to sit outside.

    Just my pennorth.....

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited January 2020 #8
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  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited January 2020 #9

    For UK use? 

  • fatbelly
    fatbelly Forum Participant Posts: 438
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    edited January 2020 #10

    Thanks to all for the replies so far 

    JVB, this coming season  we're holidaying in the UK only but in future years we'll go back to France.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited January 2020 #11

    If you are staying in one place for lengthy stays the do as AD use awning and  cook in the awning it will help if hot to keep temps down in MC as heat will disipate quicker from awning

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited January 2020 #12

    I've got wind blockers for my wind-out and, to be honest, they are a bit of a faff and certainly do not provide the virtually draught-proof environment of a proper caravan awning. I use them rarely.

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