Newbie awning advice needed :-)

[matilds]

Hi, we bought our van a week before lockdown, so have not ventured out in it as yet, but cant wait to do it shortly.
We are 2 adults and 2 children (with hopefully the addition of a large dog next year). We will mainly use it for weekends away i think, but could sometimes do something a bit longer
Can I please hear your pros/cons on large vs smaller awnings and any other tips i may have never considered. This way i can buy the right one first time.
Thanks all

 

[VanDamMan]

Hi, we bought our van a week before lockdown, so have not ventured out in it as yet, but cant wait to do it shortly.
We are 2 adults and 2 children (with hopefully the addition of a large dog next year). We will mainly use it for weekends away i think, but could sometimes do something a bit longer
Can I please hear your pros/cons on large vs smaller awnings and any other tips i may have never considered. This way i can buy the right one first time.
Thanks all

Space is always a premium when camping ..best advice is visit a camping outlet that has displays and you can visualise how to use it ..
air beams are easier to put up and if it’s a long term purchase consider the fabric quality but with that comes cost ( better rain resistance and greater durability) having a built in canopy is a good idea...and options for sleep/ privacy screens/pods can help divide areas ....if you connect via the awning rail a drive away system helps on days out.....having a longer tube like tent is better for usable space rather than a round setup

 

[Loz]

Have you seen our awning gallery?

Awning Gallery And Poll

In keeping with the other gallery information topics, here is one for Awnings. Please post a picture of your awning and include the following information if you can; Make and model (Bold and Font size 6) approx cost suppliers list any extras in your photo. {Photo of awning} As usual, we'll...

www.t6forum.com

 

[cgtmiles]

We bought a olpro cocoon poled awning which is massive with 2 sleeping compartments and will be used when staying on a site for a while and we also have a sun canopy and 2 small (or actually not so small) tents for the kids when touring.
The olpro tent is massive but really easy and to quick to put up, I don’t think it would be quicker with air. It’s cheaper than most alternates which is good but it does show in places

 

[True Romance]

Look at any awnings in their bag to see how much space some of these take up!

 

[Bargy62]

Look at any awnings in their bag to see how much space some of these take up!

And check how much they weigh

 

[Bargy62]

As said by VDM Go to a retailer that's actually got a few awnings erected so you can get a feel for the size rather than looking on web sites for sizes
We've learnt by our mistakes so dont rush in and buy the first one that takes your fancy because your end up on site looking at other peoples awnings saying wish we had got that one
We Also have a small garden so had to consider how we were going to get a wet awning dry

 

[teamfly]

IMO a transporter is too small for 2+2 even without dog . Fine if weather OK , but really small if stuck in in the rain .
We've used a vango air awning & for us the space it gives just makes the van .

 

[matilds]

Have you seen our awning gallery?

Awning Gallery And Poll

In keeping with the other gallery information topics, here is one for Awnings. Please post a picture of your awning and include the following information if you can; Make and model (Bold and Font size 6) approx cost suppliers list any extras in your photo. {Photo of awning} As usual, we'll...

www.t6forum.com

Just been scrolling through that, thanks. Its little things, like getting one with a front facing door so it takes up less space on a pitch that i hadnt even considered!

 

[matilds]

IMO a transporter is too small for 2+2 even without dog . Fine if weather OK , but really small if stuck in in the rain .
We've used a vango air awning & for us the space it gives just makes the van .

Which Vango one did you go for and how many of you are there?
I agree, if just me and hubby we could do without, but with both kids (although one only small) it will be a game changer. Hence why i want to get it right!

 

[matilds]

Im not sure of any where close to me that has any displays. However this weekend i may take a day trip and go wonder round a campsite or two and look at them in the flesh that way!

 

[Ali-G]

Im not sure of any where close to me that has any displays.

It may help if you narrow down your location in your profile, others may then be able to advise on places near you that have awnings on display.

 

[matilds]

It may help if you narrow down your location in your profile, others may then be able to advise on places near you that have awnings on display.

Done, thanks. Im in Suffolk

 

[VanDamMan]

Done, thanks. Im in Suffolk

Nearest and biggest for displays is Norwich Camping. They gets some good reviews

 

[narrative_escapes]

I have a VW. I'd be inclined even to get frustrated with two in it and a dog!

As for the awning. I have an awning and used it for the first time this week (it's still Sunday!). A few thoughts.

My awning isn't the largest, but it has a 'between van section' and then the main section (it's a Vango Kila Low I believe). It's just the right size for me and in the bag it fits in the back hatch area of the van. It's air so I can get it up and down in 15-minutes solo which is pretty neat.

Anyway, the main issue is this. If you take the awning you have to commit to the awning. If you take it and then don't use it you're going to get severely pissed off with the space it takes in the van. Once you have the awning you also tend to like the space and the fact you can put a more comfortable chair in it and whatever.

This creates an all or nothing approach to the awning and your trip. Take it, commit to it and use it by putting it up and getting stuff out of the van into it - it's the key thing you do when you transition from driving state to living state. The other option is not take the awning, there is no middle ground I believe.