isabella shadow
I recently purchased a shadow sun canopy and I am extremely pleased with the quality and ease of use except for one concern.The poles are at full stretch when on a level pitch which means that they easily collapse in a stiff breeze due to the lack of reinforcement between the two sections.I used "staka pads under the poles which solved the immediate problem but wonder if any other users have noticed this and found a better solution.
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We have a 4 metre Shadow with 3 poles, for a Lunar Delta, and the poles extend comfortably to just over 6ft without any problem. I’m 6’ 4” and always have to duck down a bit to get under it. Never had a problem with stability. To prevent rainwater ponding, we usually have the centre pole higher than the ends and put plenty of tension in the guy ropes. We use Isabella storm anchors for the end pegs as they are much more effective than the Shadow’s red plastic pegs.
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Nice idea on the Staka pads. I carry some 150mm discs in 18 mm plywood and 45mm thick oak for under the corner steadies and awning air beam tube on very uneven pitches.
The height has not been an issue for us in that we have a low caravan.
I've used two methods regarding potential pooling, a 3rd centre pole and pulling a V into the front using the centre hole for the third chord. I have found this far more effective.
Colin
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To prevent pooling have the middle pole slightly lower then the end two
The water will then run down the centre guy line, no pooling & prevents avalanches of water tipping off the ends of the canopy!
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These should explain the V.
Colin
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You can buy extenders for the poles -we paid about £30 for three a few years ago. They are about 12 inches or so.
Bought from Teesside Caravans.
John
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Thank you,that is what I was after with my query.I will investigate a supplier.
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The rail on my elegance is much more than 6ft from ground level and I suspect many more caravans would be the same!
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The poles are at the lower edge of the sloping roof. You don't pitch with a level roof. We found the poles OK on our Shadow (we don't still have it), as I always pitched with maximum slope (but enough to clear the opening door), for best drainage.
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I suggest that you look again at my concerns!The rail is approx 7ft from the ground on a level pitch.The canopy is fitted into the rail and then slopes downward to the poles.In order for the entrance door to only lightly brush the roof that slope can only be a certain angle and at that angle the supplied poles are at full stretch!!
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Yes I understand. Rail height and door height would both be important, and in your case the poles are not long enough. We have had two Shadows and used them on two caravans and they were OKI I wonder if Isabella have had more than one length of poles?
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Isabella are not showing longer pole option.As previous reply they will supply extensions although I have been unable to find any reference. I will stick with my staka blocks as they work well.
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We have been using an Isabella Sun Canopy for many years now, it is an older model but as new and very stable because it has 5 roof bars, the winged side panels are vey aerodynamic and colourful. however even with 5 roof bars it is still prone to puddling in heavy down pours .After many combinations of height and tension positions I am resigned to a little inconvenience that I can't cure.
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