Drive-away Awnings (1 Viewer)

[ian4apenny]

Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a drive-away awning at some point in the future for our 2014 Bessacarr 484, but after reading quite a few reviews and watching too many YouTube demos, I still haven't chosen one.
The main problem is that having seen the various dimensions from firms such as Vango, Khyam and Movelite for the modest awning I would like, they all seem to be just over 3m square. Now, I have measured the outside of the Bessacarr a few times and cannot see how any of these awnings could be used without it enclosing the boiler vent -which is only about 2.9m from the front of the Fiamma wind-out awning.
Am I missing something? Or is it really OK to have a vent inside the awning? Can anybody enlighten me, or is there an awning type especially suitable for the Bessacarr 484?
Regards
Ian

 

[Mr Ed]

Bump

 

[Gaston aires]

We bought a drive away awning, thought what a good idea at the time. Its been used once since new. I now think if you need a d,a,a, then buy a caravan. If you want to try one you can have mine for £ 100, then it might get a second use.
Phil

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[scotjimland]

is it really OK to have a vent inside the awning?

to address your question..

awnings are not sealed tight to the van, and if you don't fit a skirt, plenty of natural draft to supply the boiler and remove any flue gasses ... they are at best draughty..

 

[ian4apenny]

Thanks Jim and Phil, very useful thoughts. I'll keep on looking then..........
Ian

 

[jezport]

If you have the fridge vent inside an awning during hot weather the heat from the vents can make the awning warmer and reduces efficiency of the fridge. Add the exhaust from the heater and your even warmer. I would advise the use of a carbon monoxide detector.
My thoughts on drive away awnings are that they are a lot of hassle getting back into after moving and if you leave them you cant leave much in them as everyone knows you are away.

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[ian4apenny]

Thanks Jezport,
Thankfully the only vent on the awning side is from the boiler, so fridge is OK. But definite food for thought as I didn't get into the world of Motorhomes to invite extra hassle!
Ian

 

[Minxy]

Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a drive-away awning at some point in the future for our 2014 Bessacarr 484, but after reading quite a few reviews and watching too many YouTube demos, I still haven't chosen one.
The main problem is that having seen the various dimensions from firms such as Vango, Khyam and Movelite for the modest awning I would like, they all seem to be just over 3m square. Now, I have measured the outside of the Bessacarr a few times and cannot see how any of these awnings could be used without it enclosing the boiler vent -which is only about 2.9m from the front of the Fiamma wind-out awning.
Am I missing something? Or is it really OK to have a vent inside the awning? Can anybody enlighten me, or is there an awning type especially suitable for the Bessacarr 484?
Regards
Ian

You'll find that the 'tunnel' part that you attach to the MH is not as wide as the actual DA awning itself as the size measurements given are at ground level and the awnings taper inwards up to the top. The side of the tunnel part can easily be moved in/outwards to allow for the vent to be kept clear if you wish.

I've got a very, very nice DA awning for sale at the moment ... high quality (which is why we bought it) but unfortunately due to our constant roaming and using mainly aires is unlikely ever to be used, hence the sale.

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[ian4apenny]

Hi MinxyGirl,
Thanks for the advice and for the offer of the Sunncamp awning. I think we might wait a while though until we actually need one, as don't think we will venture abroad this year. But off to York tomorrow so may need to take our passports after all!
Ian

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[Charlie]

Do these Air awnings mean no poles are used/ needed ?

 

[GAVLAD]

We bought a brand new Khyam drive away awning.
Although it added additional living space to our camper van, I don't think I'd buy one again.
It had a skirt hood which connected it to the roof gutter channel via a figure of eight plastic connector.
Whenever we went out in the van, it was a chore on return getting the van positioned so the hood would fit as well as before we went out. We ended up ripping it once with the side sliding door.
We had to mark where the wheels went to ensure we got it lined up to avoid the hood sagging and flapping or being too far away in that the hood was too taught.
Next, we went out for the day and returned to find the poles had really bent with the wind.
Fortunately, it was well pegged and guy roped down.
Liaising with Khyam for spare parts was painful.

My brother bought a Vango Air drive away awning and although it was slightly smaller than our Khyam, I was surprised how stable it was.

We sold ours when we sold the camper van.
If I was doing it all again, I'd buy an event shelter with side panels and just park my camper van as near to it as possible.
But then, I wouldn't be sleeping in it.