Air or poled awning?

[Basher57]

We have a Peugeot Autocruise Rhythm van and are looking to buy a drive away awning. It would have to be connected via straps or dent suction cups as we don't have an awning fitted to the van. Anyone got any recommendations please.
Thanks

 

[Minxy]

Not bought one for a while but Outdoor Revolution do some drive away ones with 'tunnel' sections with straps on that you can throw over and secure on the ground the other side of your camper, thus negating the need for any type of fixing on the side. It's important to get one wide enough to allow the sliding door to open properly so I'd go for one that's at least 3m wide along the back.

 

[Phill D]

I have tried every awning in every shape and size .... ( slight exageration i must admit ) it just feels like that.

and my vote without hesitation goes to air awnings.. simple, light, hassle free, ....

 

[Phill D]

more expensive....

 

[Minxy]

more expensive....

... also more difficult to store than poled ones as you can put the poles separate to the main covering. Having had to wrestle an inflatable awning back into its undersized bag in the past no-way would I get one again ... it was like fighting with a massive jellyfish!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tuscancouple]

my vote without hesitation goes to air awnings

Has our vote too, though watching Mel fight with a massive jellyfish might be entertaining

Mick

 

[JimJams]

We have a Peugeot Autocruise Rhythm van and are looking to buy a drive away awning. It would have to be connected via straps or dent suction cups as we don't have an awning fitted to the van. Anyone got any recommendations please.
Thanks

Definitely air awnings..

Have a chat with Simon in our accessories department as he specialises in the awning ranges with the various offered manufactures. I'm sure he will advise the best suitable option to suit, 01580 881288

James

 

[Phill D]

i completely remove the inflation valves,,, it goes flat as the proverbial pancake in seconds and i roll it up leaving the open ends to the last....

but i am sure you know that.

 

[Minxy]

i completely remove the inflation valves,,, it goes flat as the proverbial pancake in seconds and i roll it up leaving the open ends to the last....

but i am sure you know that.

Good idea but they can still be a bit of a pain if they have the sewn in groundsheet, however you can now get them with a removable one which would make it easier than the ruddy jellyfish I had to put in it's place!

 

[Minxy]

... watching Mel fight with a massive jellyfish might be entertaining

Having bought many a second hand tent and had to put it up without instructions, do repairs etc as well as some awnings, I can pretty much handle anything ... even pop-up tents ... now they ARE a pain in the bum especially the large ones however it is very entertaining watching others try to put them away when they haven't a clue ... when we see one at a car boot sale the look of fear on the seller is something to behold in case we ask if we can take it out.

But the bestest of the bestest entertainment to be had is watching novices on campsites put up awnings for the first time ... its the only thing I miss with us not using campsites anymore!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Be careful with any sewn in groundsheet. A lot of sites get upset if the groundsheet to awnings is not breathable as they claim to damage the grass.

Watch the weight. If pitching by yourself can you lift the thing into place and put it away later. With a pole system there is less fabric, tubes, valves so less weight and you can keep the poles separate to reduce that further.

The air awning will be bulkier than the pole awning, even with the tubes fully deflated. There is that much more fabric. Will it fit in your van's storage space?

Folding away is a challenge. Somehow the manufacturer's squeeze into a moderate sized carry bag. I have an air tent (as I haven't got the motorhome yet) and that seems to have doubled in size. Once you've unravelled it, putting it back into that bag will offend anyone within earshot. Expect a separate bag for the accessories of pegs, poles, and that air pump.

The air awning will probably be more robust in windier conditions than the equivalent pole system. In stormy weather last september my air tent was getting pushed down in gusts (now you know why I want a motorhome), but would bounce back up, but the metal pole to the front canopy was bent double and fibreglass types would simply have snapped. On the other hand, in stormy weather the awning should probably be taken down.

Undoubtely air will be quicker to erect (once you have done it once) and later strike. Feeding through those poles takes time, and that isn't as easy if there is a wind blowing and only one person trying to hold down that fabric whilst it acts as a parachute. But pumping the tubes, even though it's only a short period, is a bit of a workout. You can get electric pumps, but that add's cost (the little inflatable type for your airbed won't be strong enough whilst your car tyre inflator won't move sufficient volume).

Understand the air valve system. Different manufacturer's have alternative valves. Little plastic bits can get stuck or break.

The equivalent air system will be more expensive than pole. On balance, where portability isnt the issue, I'd have air every time.

 

[clanjones]

I have a drive away poled awning for sale with inner tent 9 months old. It is in the for sale section. If you want further info please feel free to PM me!

 

[lorger]

We have the Kampa Air Midi pod and love it, so easy to put up and take down. When we arrive at a site and want to use the awning Lorraine helps me spread it out then i do the rest myself and can have it up and pegged in 20 mins, taking it down I do the same as mentioned above and remove the air vale completely and all fits in original bag with ease.

I've had the pole ones and none a match on the air.

 

[Basher57]

Thanks for everyone's replies.