Will this awning fit my van

  • Thread starter Thread starter bentleysontour
  • Start date Start date
I wonder if you might be better to have a simple stand-alone tent as an extra bedroom at first, just to see how much you use it? That way, you can just put it on board when it's needed. Depends if you'll use a lot of campsites though because they're likely to charge for an extra pitch I believe (not that I've tried).

There's also the more usual option of an ordinary wind-out Fiamma or Omnistore canopy/awning fixed to the van (like the one Zombie is selling). For general use as a shelter from sun/rain if you need it and then think about adding the 'walls' by getting a Safari or Privacy Room that's designed to fit the slots in the wind-out. The Fiamma and Omnistore rooms are pricey but you can sometimes pick up second-hand ones. The 'fit' is so much better because the canopy that forms the 'roof' is permanently fixed to the van... no gaps and no flinging guy ropes over the top of the van with a tennis ball on the end :) On the other hand, I hear they're very heavy, so a lightweight 'drive-away' could well be a better option and there are plenty of those on the market.

Not specifically about this awning issue but more generally... I think most members on here would urge you to get to a meet as soon as you can to chat about what others may see as essential/non-essential, then you can shake through the various bits of advice to see what sticks. It's so easy to get carried away when you first get your van and then find you leave most of the stuff you've bought at home because you can't be bothered... or is that just me? :lol-061:
 
Sooooo,
is your 'Regular or main' Usage going to be on Sites with Lots of other people staying aboard with you then ?.
I ask because, & with respect Just because your vehicle HAS got 5 seatbelts, & Possibly Berths, AND an awning for a few more to stay,, You probably wouldn't want to put it to the test on a regular basis !. I've got a 7 Berth, & its only Me, My Belly & 'Wildy' Beany toy Companion. & that's enough (She Knicks all the blinking Duvet as well & she only arrived yesterday). Use your Van, Enjoy, Decide on add ons or extras Later.
 
Sooooo,
is your 'Regular or main' Usage going to be on Sites with Lots of other people staying aboard with you then ?.
I ask because, & with respect Just because your vehicle HAS got 5 seatbelts, & Possibly Berths, AND an awning for a few more to stay,, You probably wouldn't want to put it to the test on a regular basis !. I've got a 7 Berth, & its only Me, My Belly & 'Wildy' Beany toy Companion. & that's enough (She Knicks all the blinking Duvet as well & she only arrived yesterday). Use your Van, Enjoy, Decide on add ons or extras Later.



The idea i had was to go away and take friends, or my family, with me, (in turn not all together )so i wasnt on my own, even though the van sleeps four, i dont really want anyone in my bed, thats for me and me dog! Well at the bottom of it ..lol.....So that only left the pull down double then. So on our first trip there will be four of us, so someone will be sleeping in the awning lol! And it aint gonna be me ! haha!I just can't see how we would manage with out one, i envisage eating in there, if the weather isnt great, a bedroom for someone also. Maybe i should wait.....Everyone is putting me off haha!....Ill be on here in a few weeks trying to sell everything i bought and will never use !
 
Yep,,Got ya, & as I said before, I'm certainly NOT saying Don't get one, It may suit your Lifestyle Perfectly. Good luck.
 
The idea i had was to go away and take friends, or my family, with me, (in turn not all together )so i wasnt on my own, even though the van sleeps four, i dont really want anyone in my bed, thats for me and me dog! Well at the bottom of it ..lol.....So that only left the pull down double then. So on our first trip there will be four of us, so someone will be sleeping in the awning lol! And it aint gonna be me ! haha!I just can't see how we would manage with out one, i envisage eating in there, if the weather isnt great, a bedroom for someone also. Maybe i should wait.....Everyone is putting me off haha!....Ill be on here in a few weeks trying to sell everything i bought and will never use !

I think it boils down to whether you will be happy to stay in on one campsite for a while or want to move around and explore. Safari rooms/drive away awnings are great if you are staying put, but a pain if you are on the move. Personally I would start with the cheaper tent option and try it out before investing in anything else. As NZ said, each to their own, there is no one size fits all. Just enjoy whichever suits you.
Dave
 
I think it boils down to whether you will be happy to stay in on one campsite for a while or want to move around and explore. Safari rooms/drive away awnings are great if you are staying put, but a pain if you are on the move. Personally I would start with the cheaper tent option and try it out before investing in anything else. As NZ said, each to their own, there is no one size fits all. Just enjoy whichever suits you.
Dave

I think id made my mind up of staying put, for a couple of reasons really, when its yourself doing the driving, you dont get the same enjoyment as the passengers, so i didnt want to drive again once getting to my destination, i wanted to walk, use public transport and maybe get a bike.My job is sedentary sat in front a computer all the time, so i need exercise as much as i can, I didnt want to be packing away all the time, more like getting on my bike , or getting on a bus with the kids, thats how i envisage it all.The caravan club book came the other day, crikey its amazing, and it tell you the campsites which are near a bus etc, and it would be ideal to book one of this sites, and then know we can all get around quite easily. So i want to get to the site and make 'our home; for a few days and try and make it as nice as possible, without having to go without anything , if you see what i mean .That way my family will want to come again, or its going to be Bille No Mates haha! Mind you ive got this forum now so i wont be!
Cant wait to meet you all...
 
I think id made my mind up of staying put, for a couple of reasons really, when its yourself doing the driving, you dont get the same enjoyment as the passengers, so i didnt want to drive again once getting to my destination, i wanted to walk, use public transport and maybe get a bike.My job is sedentary sat in front a computer all the time, so i need exercise as much as i can, I didnt want to be packing away all the time, more like getting on my bike , or getting on a bus with the kids, thats how i envisage it all.The caravan club book came the other day, crikey its amazing, and it tell you the campsites which are near a bus etc, and it would be ideal to book one of this sites, and then know we can all get around quite easily. So i want to get to the site and make 'our home; for a few days and try and make it as nice as possible, without having to go without anything , if you see what i mean .That way my family will want to come again, or its going to be Bille No Mates haha! Mind you ive got this forum now so i wont be!
Cant wait to meet you all...

What a sensible approach ...... as soon as you pick up the van, just load up and beggar off... it wont matter where you end up ... its the excitement of that first trip that will be the most enjoyment.. Bon voyage....
 
I think id made my mind up of staying put, for a couple of reasons really, when its yourself doing the driving, you dont get the same enjoyment as the passengers, so i didnt want to drive again once getting to my destination, i wanted to walk, use public transport and maybe get a bike.My job is sedentary sat in front a computer all the time, so i need exercise as much as i can, I didnt want to be packing away all the time, more like getting on my bike , or getting on a bus with the kids, thats how i envisage it all.The caravan club book came the other day, crikey its amazing, and it tell you the campsites which are near a bus etc, and it would be ideal to book one of this sites, and then know we can all get around quite easily. So i want to get to the site and make 'our home; for a few days and try and make it as nice as possible, without having to go without anything , if you see what i mean .That way my family will want to come again, or its going to be Bille No Mates haha! Mind you ive got this forum now so i wont be!
Cant wait to meet you all...

That used to be my mindset when we took the kids with us and had a touring caravan.We used to set up on a full facility commercial site for a week,sometimes two,put up the awning and relax.There was plenty of activities to keep the sprogs entertained and it they are happy then so are the parents.We had some memorable holidays in the caravan and the bonus is you have transport for any trips out.

The day eventually arrives when children don't want to come any more and the natural progression for us and I suspect many others was to progress to a motorhome which is ideal for long range touring and just stopping a night or two at each place.We can still use the motorhome like a caravan if necessary as we have an awning and can stop long term on one site but we generally find the touring life more attractive.
 
That used to be my mindset when we took the kids with us and had a touring caravan.We used to set up on a full facility commercial site for a week,sometimes two,put up the awning and relax.There was plenty of activities to keep the sprogs entertained and it they are happy then so are the parents.We had some memorable holidays in the caravan and the bonus is you have transport for any trips out.

The day eventually arrives when children don't want to come any more and the natural progression for us and I suspect many others was to progress to a motorhome which is ideal for long range touring and just stopping a night or two at each place.We can still use the motorhome like a caravan if necessary as we have an awning and can stop long term on one site but we generally find the touring life more attractive.



Yes understood, but I'm a fair few years from that stage Steve I think, as I have my grandchildren, whom will come with me, without there parents, if there parents are busy, and they do love my comapany, (at this moment in time lol) And Ive only got one set of grandchildren at the moment, ive still got two more sets to come hopefully!.MAybe i am using the motorhome more like a caravan, but Ive tried towing, and it wasnt for me, it was frightening, whereas sat behind the wheel of a motorhome, doesnt faze me too much, and I do want to enjoy it, and not be scared of the caravan swinging if I'm going too fast or something, i need to feel safe! lol...
 
If you are looking for an awning or need advice as to suitability, please give my shop staff a call on 01-580-883602 and ask them, they know the product and if it needs installing on your van our workshop are experts!

In the meantime have a browse and dont forget there is a wildies dicount for full members !

Awnings, Caravan Awning, Motorhome Awnings
 
If you are looking for an awning or need advice as to suitability, please give my shop staff a call on 01-580-883602 and ask them, they know the product and if it needs installing on your van our workshop are experts!

In the meantime have a browse and dont forget there is a wildies dicount for full members !

Awnings, Caravan Awning, Motorhome Awnings

Thats great John thanks a million, i got my dealer to measure the rail, and he said it was 2.6 from the floor and 4.5 metres wide, can i confirm with you that the motor ace 400 L will fit my van. Its a carthago C Tourer.many thanks
 
If you are looking for an awning or need advice as to suitability, please give my shop staff a call on 01-580-883602 and ask them, they know the product and if it needs installing on your van our workshop are experts!

In the meantime have a browse and dont forget there is a wildies dicount for full members !

Awnings, Caravan Awning, Motorhome Awnings

i placed an order tonight, and really appreciated the discount, thanks!
 

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