We are new to motorhoming having just taken delivery of an Auto Trail Delaware after 4 years and more than 20,000 miles of towing a caravan.
We have owned many different awnings from small to large and understand how these fit to a caravan. Obviously a motorhome awning needs to stand on its own four feet so to speak.
Many of the ones on offer seem 'lightweight' and made of nylon which I know to my cost rot with more than a modicum of UV. I think in these enlightened time they might be called 'biodegradable' but this is not a desirable trait in awnings.
I am looking for something a bit more substantial and have seen adverts for Ventura (Isabella) Freestander and Outdoor Revolution Valley Lodge both of which appear to be sufficiently strong and well made.
I have yet to see either model actually attached to a motorhome and been able to talk to the owners who should be able to give the best advice. How easy is it to reconnect the awning after a day out and how good a seal can be achieved around the van. I have looked at instructions from Ventura but the pictures look as though the 'back' cannot be made secure when away for the day! I certainly don't want any stray dogs sheltering inside.
We had planned to visit the Shepton Mallet show in January but this has now been cancelled and NEC is a bit far for other than the big October exhibition.
Another thing are thermal windscreen blinds. External blinds seem to be the answer from what I have read both 'Silver Screen' and 'TailorMade' were both mentioned favourably. Are these suitable to leave on overwinter? I'm not sure how waterproof they are.
I would welcome any advice or suggestions.
We have owned many different awnings from small to large and understand how these fit to a caravan. Obviously a motorhome awning needs to stand on its own four feet so to speak.
Many of the ones on offer seem 'lightweight' and made of nylon which I know to my cost rot with more than a modicum of UV. I think in these enlightened time they might be called 'biodegradable' but this is not a desirable trait in awnings.
I am looking for something a bit more substantial and have seen adverts for Ventura (Isabella) Freestander and Outdoor Revolution Valley Lodge both of which appear to be sufficiently strong and well made.
I have yet to see either model actually attached to a motorhome and been able to talk to the owners who should be able to give the best advice. How easy is it to reconnect the awning after a day out and how good a seal can be achieved around the van. I have looked at instructions from Ventura but the pictures look as though the 'back' cannot be made secure when away for the day! I certainly don't want any stray dogs sheltering inside.
We had planned to visit the Shepton Mallet show in January but this has now been cancelled and NEC is a bit far for other than the big October exhibition.
Another thing are thermal windscreen blinds. External blinds seem to be the answer from what I have read both 'Silver Screen' and 'TailorMade' were both mentioned favourably. Are these suitable to leave on overwinter? I'm not sure how waterproof they are.
I would welcome any advice or suggestions.
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