More Awning Help Needed!

[Tjf]

Hi all

So we took the plunge and bought the T4 movelite awning. Even though we thought we had done the research we were still shocked by the massive size of the awning bag! If you were at Upper Hurst campsite last Wednesday night, we were the dopes putting it up for the first time in the dark with three feral children long past their bed time. I know they call awnings divorce in a bag and I can see why!

Now thinking it’s a bit too big for us when erected in any case (and feel like it sort of takes away that touring adventurous feeling you get with a campervan if you know what I mean) so thinking of swapping it for either a Vango Galli II compact or a movelite T1.

Any thoughts on these two awnings if you have either of them?

Or are we just being daft....

All the best

Tracy

 

[ahappychappie]

Hi,

We've been in exactly your situation - both size of awning and feral kids whilst trying to put up the awning

We ordered a Vango Galli II (not the compact version) - the delivery driver dropped of a massive box - it's OK I thought it's all packaging. I really was shocked by the size - and posted a similar thread to yours.

Consensus was decent tents have thicker and heavier material - plus 'air beam' type tents are bigger by virtue of the tubes etc. Thus its either a compromise whereby you go smaller, or smaller sized tents will not be as good quality.

We ended buying a compact awning for w/e trips but kept the Galli for long trips. I'd advise the same - especially with three kids you'll want the space of the bigger awning. We have a RIB bed - under this after several working we now manage to store the awning, air pump, duvets, windscreen cover, air beds etc - try it you'll be surprised what you can store...

 

[Leigh]

We have the Vango Galli for long stays but use our Fiamma F45s along with a Eurohike Shelter for short stays.

The Shelter is a doddle to erect, packs really small, can be shaken dry if wet when packing & keeps all your equipment dry if it rains.

IMHO - I don't actually think the Galli is that big (packed) for the size & quality you get.

 

[Sheap]

Might be worth you looking at a Sheltapod.

sheltaPod campervan awnings

 

[Tjf]

Thanks so much for the posts so far... gives me a lot to consider and definitely some really interesting new options! I now wish I had also gone for a Fiamma 45 awning rather than a Reimo multirail as I my now I appreciate you can also attach an airway awning to a van via the Fiamma I think (correct me if I am wrong). It’s amazing how many mistakes you can make....

Ummmm.....I do see your point Happy Chappie advising keeping the big awning.....the children will only get bigger and the weather worse.....I have probably been lulled into thinking I don’t need as much space inside because of the incredible weather. Haven’t been in the campervan in the rain yet......i assume the extra space would be particularly good for the kids in that situation...

All the best

Tracy

 

[VWROBERT]

Might be worth you looking at a Sheltapod.

sheltaPod campervan awnings

Just watched video on sheltapod looks a nice bit of kit.