Caravan Awning

chrisnchris · Senior Member

Caravan Awning

Bunkerbob · Senior Member

Our van is 5 years old this month and the awning is still original. They are a consumable so don't expect it to last for 20 years. They will get sacked by the sun, rain, wind, dirt, bird droppings and anything else. When this one goes we would only consider another Dometic. They are made in the USA and have a reputation. Sometimes (Mosttimes??) something which is cheaper can a=end up also being nastier. Stay with the strength but you will get the "I got a xxxxx brand for $xxxx and it is brilliant."

Suggestion, when you do get a new one, spend the extra and get the cover for them. Because they roll from the end, the bit attached to your van will always be exposed to the weather which can cause fading, cracking and deterioration of the exposed part. I had a cover made which uses then same thingies that hold Ute Tonneau covers on. Keeps the end covered when we travel or when we are not using the awning,

Bob

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

Hi Chris

Have a look at the Aussie Traveller especially the Coolabah model, once setup it doesn't need to be wound back in except in extremely windy conditions, they are Aussie made. I don't have one at the moment but will be ordering one for my van later this month, the are especially ideal for pop tops as they don't attach to the pop top roof.

This is their site with a number of video's showing their awnings http://www.aussietraveller.com.au/pages/products/category/1/Awnings

Cheers

David

kandagal · Guru

When we had a caravan we had an Aussie Traveller awning & it was great. Found the company (in Brisbane) easy to deal with too

justcruisin01 · Guru

Our's is fitted with a Coast to Coast RV, It's a 1999 poptop model & just showing small cracks on the edge where its open to the weather when rolled up.

Been very good with no probs.

JC

grae and deb · Senior Member

hi chris , our experience has been ,our van had a carefree , approx 6yrs old replaced for a dometic would recomend the later one , dometic has much better clip fold out system , we were critical of carefree design of the locking mecahnism if you can call it that on the slide out arm with the my opinion silly clip spring thingamy to hold it in place , if that spring gets out of place it wont hold
happy hunting

ozjohn · Guru

A&E (Dometic), Carefree or Aussie Traveller.
However you're probably better going with what was originally fitted as the mounting holes will match the replacement.
Ozjonh

Bunkerbob · Senior Member

Realistically, the only part that should need replacing would be the csanvas part. They slip on using rope track. It would not be a job that I would do alone as ours is a big one. We have had to replace a couple of parts, release handles, etc, but simple to replace.

Wirroff · Senior Member

Just don't get a Fiamma 45! biggrin

Bianca · Newbie

Hi. I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with the werada windout awning. Thanks

SoloMC · Senior Member

so there you have it. everyone has their own preferences. who would have thought? Make a few calls and see what suits you best

DMaxer · Guru

I dont know if it is nostalgia or just a feeling of getting older but it always hits me when I read those posts of members who have either left the forum or ridden on ahead to quote Doug. Those were special times for me as I was just starting out and everyone was so helpful. I remember Spike Milligans quote of yesterday, why wont you leave me alone.