Portabella porch (1 Viewer)

[Antique]

We are looking for a porch awning for our dethleffs motorhome and have come across the Potabella Porch Awning. Has anyone got one or had experience as to how good they are? Any comments gratefully received. Antique

 

[Wombles]

We bought one to try as it makes a cheap porch but like most porch awnings being designed for caravans it doesn't fit well as it stands off the motorhome when fitted to the Fiamma awning track & the poles don't fit well against the side of the motorhome. Now for sale on eBay. Found that the Sunncamp Swift range with the pole well away from the motorhome fits much better & no risk of damage like with the Portabella poles. Just need Sunncamp to bring out a taller version now for when the motorhome is on levelling ramps - we have asked...

 

[laird of Dunstan]

I saw a new range of inflatable awnings at the NEC. Takes away all the hassle of screwing poles together , I was most impressed a few mins to put up and a few to take down , they were more expensive than normal awnings but we'll worth it

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[Wombles]

Inflatable awnings do look good but crazy prices at the moment for what they are! Inflatable awnings are also heavier & more bulky with a big pump so not ideal for those with limited storage space or payload. For an occasional porch awning we like one that is small enough to just leave in the garage rather than have to decide whether to pack it each time. There is a gap in the market for a basic taller porch awning for motorhomes & we have been nagging the manufacturers at the shows! The Sunncamp Swift 220 is the best one that we have found so far (air version available) but only caravan height so no good when on levelling ramps

 

[Antique]

Thanks for replies much appreciated.
Pretty well sums up our problem !
Agree with posts re small portable awning Wombles. We'll have a look at the sunncamp swift 220 to see if the height will go to 245 min height.

Ta again

Antique

 

[Wombles]

Sunncamp Swift goes up to 250cm height & available as 220, 260 or 325 widths but think that the 220 is the strongest size in that design & just big enough as a porch The 2015 model has connection points for the optional extra storm straps - UK stock of these straps coming soon... We nagged most of the awning manufacturers at the NEC show last October & got to talk to the relevant contacts in a couple of companies who seemed convinced by our pitch that there is a gap in the market for motorhome height (290cm) small porch awning (220cm wide would fit most models) especially with the need for levelling with modern fridges & to clear the hab door. We have a driveaway awning but too bulky & time consuming for most breaks especially as we like to move every few days. Most awning manufacturers think that motorhomers needs are the same as caravanners & will just buy a driveaway awning. With windy weather on our breaks in the UK the Fiamma awning has had limited use so far & with a small motorhome that bit if extra space for shoes, airer for wet towels & a chair or two would be great. Waiting to buy the Swift 220 with storm straps at the right price (Funster discount anybody?!) for this summer but it's a compromise so will be on the lookout for a 290cm high porch at the October NEC show...

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[Antique]

STREWTH ! !
That's a reply wombles. Thanks !
Yes, Awning height, hab door and fridge vents all to consider but as you say, that extra little bit of 'damp' space (dogs, bikes, drying etc for us) is all important.
Will look at the swift 220 and as laird of d suggested.
Many Thanks

 

[Antique]

Wombles
Is that the sunncamp swift 220 plus caravan porch. £96 ish. If so would you know if it's suitable for MH fiamma awning fitment ?
Ta a bundle
Antique

 

[Wombles]

To get the awning that can be connected to the velcro storm straps it needs to be the 2015 model Sunncamp Swift 220 Deluxe like these:
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Swift 220 Plus is 2014 model so should be quite a bit cheaper as doesn't have the facility to add storm straps.
To connect any caravan awning to a Fiamma awning channel you will probably need an adapter like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K2SXVOW/?tag=mhf04-21 . The Kampa brand one is the best that we have found & can be cut to length. The Fiamma channel can be either 6mm or 4mm so best to get awning first then buy the kit if needed To clarify for anyone else reading this the Sunncamp Swift isn't freestanding so driveaway kit is only used as an adapter! Hope that helps.

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[Wombles]

STREWTH ! !
That's a reply wombles. Thanks !

We try to be helpful to give a bit back & know that info. on here reaches many more than those posting! Changing from a caravan to our motorhome 18 months ago we found so much was different & learnt most of what we know by reading this forum, posting queries to Funsters & a bit of trial & error

 

[Antique]

Fab ta wombles, that'll sort us out.
Much appreciated

 

[DBK]

Many thanks @Wombles. Do you think this would work on a PVC? The sliding door could be a problem.

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[Wombles]

Many thanks @Wombles. Do you think this would work on a PVC? The sliding door could be a problem.

Not tried on a PVC but maybe some Funster has? Obviously it depends on height of awning rail/Fiamma channel compared with height of pole hoop & the angle of the roof in between plus picking the right length model - from web info. looks like 220 awning has rail height 235-250cm, depth 225cm & adjustable pole hoop height up to 200cm (?) but may be worth confirming hoop height dimensions with Sunnflair/seller. Could ring some awning shops & check with them if no replies on here as can't be the first time they will have been asked?!