Awnings

hi  being new to this I am trying to figure out whats the best drive away awning would welcome any advice cheers

I have an    Outdoor revolution. Oxygen air.
Very heavy and bulky and difficult to get back in the bag.
Only used twice,and thats for at least a week.
Need height to be close for best use.
Currently on holiday with it used as a drive away.
would sell for £150.
Details when i get home if interested.

Micky

Don’t bother! 

Only joking as I hate the blooming things but that’s just me, I know many find them really useful.
We bought a very basic, simple one a few years ago for occasional use but even that is a right faff to transport and put up.

Depends how you intend to use your van.

If you are likely to drive to a site and stay there for several days or more, then a freestanding awning might be useful, as you can then leave stuff on site that you don't need when you go off for the day.

If however you intend touring, staying only one or two nights before moving on, then erecting and dismantling and packing it away would just be too much faff.

One thing I would suggest is that when you think you might need some wonderful gadget or accessory for the van, try doing at least a couple of trips without it.  The shelves in my garage will attest to how many accessories we have purchased over the years that we can no longer be bothered to carry with us and don't miss.

Like many others we rarely use any sort of awning with the Symbol. We had to have one with our previous VW Transporter camper because of the space issue, especially with bad weather, but TBH we have never really needed one since our vehicle change. Bulky to carry, especially in a PVC, a faff to put up etc etc.
However, we do have a Lumaland Where Tomorrow shelter, (if ever needed!) which is very easy to pitch and not as large to carry as some others. It has detachable wall panels as well.
It depends what you want to use an awning or shelter for really.....everyone has different opinions and requirements.

Good advice Roger, I also meant to say - as the OP states he is “new to this” - to have a few trips away and resist the temptation to buy things at the beginning.
We’ve all got those must have items clogging up the loft!

I’m a pro awning person. Like already mentioned it’s how you intend to use it. We have 3 dogs so it’s very useful to us . We have also taken family and friends away with us and have used the awning in summer months as sleeping space.(currently looking into getting an inner room) 

In good weather, especially parked up for a good few days....it’s all opened out, all doors open and we have a dining table in it. I cook in it too when it’s fully opened.

Last year we used it with family and even put it up and down every day as our trip involved mainly one night stops.

It’s a Vango air beam driveaway.....easy to put up and even easier to take down. Never had a problem getting it back in it’s bag. It is however very heavy to transport. It’s brilliant in rough weather, never collapsed/blown away/came loose.

Lorraine

Hi thanks for your comments we have 2 dogs and believe  the awning would give us the space we need,also just a point of interest do you connect to the van first and then erect awning or Vice versa ?? Cheers

Easiest option is to lay footprint, open out awning and attach the joining section first using figure 8 thing and filet strip. Pump up beams, position to your liking whilst maintaining tension on joining section, peg out and voila!

Thanks very helofull

robert iverson wrote:Hi thanks for your comments we have 2 dogs and believe  the awning would give us the space we need,also just a point of interest do you connect to the van first and then erect awning or Vice versa ?? Cheers

When i was getting mine i watched a video on the internet.
One man and done so quick.!
Worth a watch.

Micky