Porch Awning

[Clickem]

We are looking for pointers or recommendations, please, for a small porch awning. The main purpose of which is to provide a place to leave chairs, footwear and similar items, particularly when it is wet, so needs to be attached to the van.

We do not have a wind out awning or any form of Kador strip, so I am assuming that we will need straps that go over the roof to attach it. Are there potential problems with these “over vehicle” straps, such as chaffing or wind noise?

We don’t usually move the van, once setup, so “drive away” not necessary. We need something that is not too bulky or heavy to carry, or too cumbersome to erect, and definitely doesn’t damage the bank balance

TIA

 

[Just smiffy]

In your position with no rail or awning I would look at the small shelters that some have, I can’t remember the name of them but someone will shortly...

 

[Neilfg]

Quest popup is one excellent but even with sides it is not fully waterproof and does not connect to the van.

 

[Clickem]

Quest popup is one excellent but even with sides it is not fully waterproof and does not connect to the van.

I have read the recommendations on here for the Quest Popup, but thought that as it was "free standing" it did not really provide an porch/outhouse for a wet day

 

[TheBig1]

you could of course add a strip of awning channel/track to your van and use a caravan porch awning.

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[clanjones]

Been there, seen it and got the Tee shirt! Exactly the same requirements as you and after 4 different awnings have given up as I don't want to attach a fixing strip to the side of the van.

We will now try a Decathlon awning which we hope to use as a sun screen.

I wouldn't bother with the throw over ropes and the link tunnel. They are a real faff!

Good luck with your search I'll be very interested in the result as we have definitely failed!

 

[Neilfg]

I have read the recommendations on here for the Quest Popup, but thought that as it was "free standing" it did not really provide an porch/outhouse for a wet day

It is, does not attach to the van but as a place to put chairs, bikes etc , with sides to protect from showers it is excellent. Not seen anything quicker to put up, take down and pack.

 

[Neilfg]

We used to use a Vango kela air, but not for years now, bulky heavy tedious to pack away. Excellent when up, just hated packing it.

 

[David and Sally]

We have one like this.



Bought it used from a fellow Funster. Light(ish) and waterproof. Easy to put up and pack.

Just don't use the tunnel if you don't want to.

 

[Wombles]

Like others we have tried many attached awnings but as they are designed primarily for caravans none worked that well - we did persuade Sunncamp to develop a small porch awning to suit coachbuilt motorhome height https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...h-awning-you-heard-it-here-first.95022/page-3 but it got withdrawn before production as their directors decided there wouldn't be enough demand! There is definitely a gap in the market & we check all the new awnings each year just in case. In the meantime we have an excellent standing height pop up tent but that's been discontinued by Decathlon & there are times when it would be better if had a part that could connect it to the motorhome.
The Quest shelters are by far the most popular on rallies but previous models weren't that waterproof although the newer ones may have improved on that. Some commercial sites don't allow them as they class them as gazebos although they are more wind resistant than those. They are quick & easy to put up but quite bulky so not ideal if you don't have much storage space.
A lighter weight freestanding option with good reviews is this one from Decathlon https://www.decathlon.co.uk/base-arpenaz-m-living-area-id_8373958.html & cheap at £79.99

There's a deluxe version too currently £119.99
Less covered space & expensive at £295 but well designed with lots of good feedback is sheltaPod https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...van-awning-just-launched.136855/#post-2876827

If you do go for an attached awning be careful with straps as the awning will move around quite a bit - consider using a suction pad system or magnetic driveaway awning rail.

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[swiftsteve]

Magnetic awning fixing kit, it attaches to your roof. Have a look at the kampa website.

 

[AndyPK]

We’ve decided to try a Kampa Rally 260, attached via the wind-out awning......pick it up on Saturday, so we’ll see how it goes.
I would not use throw-over tie downs on our van if we didn’t have the attached awning, as they would snag the stuff on the roof (aerial, solar panel, etc.....)

We have a Quechua Base Seconds pop-up for vey quick and occasional use, but not sure if you can still get them...? Even though it doesn't attach to the ‘van, it is easy enough to get it very close to the door.....