Awning Advice

Author
Discussion

KenJ

Original Poster:

134 posts

163 months

Sunday 2nd January 2022
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Hi all,

Happy New Year!

I'm after some awning advice please. We're doing a camper conversion on a Ford Transit Custom (SWB) and want to buy an awning to give us additional space. In summary we'd like something to use to eat and socialise in during the evening. Also, our son is still young and will be going to bed (in the van) earlier than us and the awning would give us somewhere to use in the evening whilst he's sleeping. Ideally we'd like something we can detach from the van so we can leave stuff on the campsite whilst we explore the area in the van during the day.

Any recommendations and information would be much appreciated. Would you recommend a air pole or metal pole version for example.

Many thanks

WelshRich

462 posts

71 months

Sunday 2nd January 2022
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Just my 2p but I’ve found it easier to just get a “normal” tent rather than an awning - The inflatable pole versions from Decathlon are great and you don’t need to worry about parking back up in exactly the same place each time…

Robotron70

1,965 posts

57 months

Sunday 2nd January 2022
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I’ve got a Reimo multirail, cador strip, figure of 8 and a Vango Galli 2 low on my VW.

It’s an airbeam jobby, pretty simple to set up, fairly easy to pack away if you follow the YouTube guides.

Downside is that’s expensive, especially when you add a ground sheet and carpet etc, but gives you loads of room.

You do see them come up on forums and eBay quite often, I paid £800 for mine, I see they’ve shot up to £1200 now.


ColinM50

2,672 posts

189 months

Tuesday 4th January 2022
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We bought a cheapy stand alone gazebo for around £80 from Google. Does the job and with four sides we can leave it on pitch with e bikes in when we go out

mike9009

8,067 posts

257 months

Tuesday 4th January 2022
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WelshRich said:
Just my 2p but I’ve found it easier to just get a “normal” tent rather than an awning - The inflatable pole versions from Decathlon are great and you don’t need to worry about parking back up in exactly the same place each time…
We do exactly the same but with a standard tent. Means you can leave everything set up in the tent whilst you go out for the day, it's cheaper than an awning and there are more options out on the market too.

xstian

2,088 posts

160 months

Tuesday 4th January 2022
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I bought a Vango Faros II. It's cheap and cheerful and works great. I didn't bother with the airbeam version. It's twice the price and the pole version only takes 10-15 mins to put up and it's lighter too.

I also bought a Isabella sun shadow for when I go somewhere which I know its going to be hot. Not used that for a couple of years, can't think why?