KimmyandGinge Posted November 16, 2012 Thinking of getting a canopy for going away for weekends, can't be bothered with the Kampa awning for just one night. Which is the best one to get?? Was thinking of one of them ones that stay in the awning rail whilst travelling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shirl250 Posted November 16, 2012 We don't bother with an awning or a 'canopy ?' or anything at all during short stays. ......... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Entwood Posted November 16, 2012 We had a Fiamia for a short while, never again !!! When you read the instructions it actually tells you to take it down if its going to rain or get windy !! We found out why . ... when it rains water pools on the top and causes it to sag, which makes the pool bigger, and the aluminium legs can't take the weight and bend. ... even dropping one corner to act as a runoff didn't help in heavy rain. Same thing in windy conditions, peg the legs down firmly with storm straps and they bend. We also found both the bag and canopy were very susceptible to algal growth, as the bag is not waterproof and any water that gets inside seems to stay there. It went, replaced by the Kampa . . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
topazjazz Posted November 17, 2012 We have an Omnistor that stays in the awning rail while travelling. Works great, 3 minutes to erect and dismantle, however much easier with 2 people. No problems with water pools when raining, just leave 1 leg shorter than the other and the rainwater flows away. I always use guideropes and have never had any problems when its windy. Use it all the time, wouldn't go back to an awning. The Omnistor bag must be more waterproof than the Fiammia because we have not had any algae in 3 years use. We do however remove it during the winter when in storage. Paul Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KimmyandGinge Posted November 17, 2012 We had a Fiamia for a short while, never again !!! When you read the instructions it actually tells you to take it down if its going to rain or get windy !! We found out why . ... when it rains water pools on the top and causes it to sag, which makes the pool bigger, and the aluminium legs can't take the weight and bend. ... even dropping one corner to act as a runoff didn't help in heavy rain. Same thing in windy conditions, peg the legs down firmly with storm straps and they bend. We also found both the bag and canopy were very susceptible to algal growth, as the bag is not waterproof and any water that gets inside seems to stay there. It went, replaced by the Kampa . . So I take it you're not a fan of Fiamma Canopies then lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuart1955 Posted November 17, 2012 I recently brought a Isabella shadow canopy, find it ideal for a couple of nights, great as a sunshade or if its raining,very light and really strong poles Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Grandpa Steve Posted November 17, 2012 We have an Fiamia that stays in the awning rail while travelling. Works great, 10 minutes to erect and dismantle, however much easier with 2 people. No problems with water pools when raining, just leave 1 leg shorter than the other and the rainwater flows away. I always use guideropes/storm stap and have never had any problems when its windy, we use it all the time. We just move it on to the RH side of the caravan if we need the porch or full awning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DTH Posted November 17, 2012 (edited) We use a Fiamma Caravanstore canopy and wouldn`t be without it. As Paul says, 5 minutes to erect and you can do it by yourself, although it is easier if someone else just supports one end while you put the first leg down. Pooling can be a problem with any canopy and with ours being over 3 metres I decided to buy the optional centre rafter, which supports the canopy in the middle, this worked well for us with no pooling at all. The canopy is removed at the end of the season, cleaned, dried and stored. Hope this helps Dave Edited November 17, 2012 by Beau Nidle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JTQ Posted November 17, 2012 I recently brought a Isabella shadow canopy, find it ideal for a couple of nights, great as a sunshade or if its raining,very light and really strong poles very useful and leaves the rail free for using another awning when required. So little hassle it can be left up for breakfast etc on the morning you break camp. We have two and use them on each side in very hot areas, and use one as an extension canopy on our Magnum when that suits us. Light enough to live in a bed locker just in case it is needed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tandem Man Posted November 17, 2012 very useful and leaves the rail free for using another awning when required. So little hassle it can be left up for breakfast etc on the morning you break camp. We have two and use them on each side in very hot areas, and use one as an extension canopy on our Magnum when that suits us. Light enough to live in a bed locker just in case it is needed. Yes we have an Isabella Magnum Eclipse. Not used it on the Magnum as yet but it is very good when just attached to the van. As it is easy to dry it can be left up until the last minute to provide a bit of shelter if it is raining when packing up. Ian Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuart1955 Posted November 17, 2012 Of topic a bit but there is a listing for a brand new isabella magnum on ebay for £995 which seems a good price if you are after one of them, no good to us as to big for our little coachman Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phil1041 Posted November 17, 2012 We use a Fiamma Caravanstore canopy and wouldn`t be without it. As Paul says, 5 minutes to erect and you can do it by yourself, although it is easier if someone else just supports one end while you put the first leg down. Pooling can be a problem with any canopy and with ours being over 3 metres I decided to buy the optional centre rafter, which supports the canopy in the middle, this worked well for us with no pooling at all. The canopy is removed at the end of the season, cleaned, dried and stored. Hope this helps Dave Likewise, we have the 4. 2 metre one, i bought the 2 additional rafter poles, no water pooling at all, great peice of kit. Phil. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thensum Posted November 22, 2012 Has anybody had any experience of the Dorema sun canopies, either the Monaco or the Solana? I am considering buying one for our two berth caravan. Any advice/comments welcomed? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iansoady Posted November 22, 2012 Carvanstore for us. Been on the van for 7 years with no problems. As others have said, slanting it by lowering 1 leg stops the water pooling (although it's easy to get an armful!) We used to have a Dorema (can't remember the model) but it was hopeless in anything more than a breeze and in fact the Mistral was the last straw. We've used the Caravanstore in quite strong winds with a tie down and it's been fine. We think it's great and would never go back to a conventional model. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
