Questions around drive away awning for 6.1

[KC83]

I’m getting a little confused trying to figure this out. I have a few questions I’m hoping some folk can help answer!

1. The awning itself - it looks like the majority of them with a side door will be facing the rear due to the Cali door being on the drivers side - is that right? Are any side opening ones suitable for facing the front?
2. Can’t figure out what’s best within the <£800 or less budget range - I don’t want to spend £1k+ for the amount we’ll likely use it
3. Most come in low / medium/ high - I presume low is what we need?
4. What accessories do I also need to ensure I buy with it so I’m complete and ready to go? Am I right in saying that they mostly aren’t shipped with connecting kits / pegs etc?

Any recommendations gratefully received!

Thanks!

 

[colintfcolintf]

two other key things to maybe consider are : -
1 - Air or Poles
2 - size and weight when packed up. some can be 27kg or more!

you need a local place like Attwools (just north of Bristol) to go and have a good look at some

maybe consider buying used? you could pick up a used Vango Versos within budget for example, and yes it's "Low" that you need

 

[Hawthorn37]

We use two awnings, different sizes, both Vango with Polycotton material.

1. Handing. Our smaller awning (Kela) doesn’t really have a wrong or right way, so not an issue. You can buy Hexagon shaped awnings, also ones with two “fronts” (Outdoor Revolution do one). Our larger Galli awning is handed “the wrong way” but we don’t have a problem with this. The van rear door is next to the front of the tent, so handy to grab stuff from the van. Some makers produced right handed awnings, normally with a “REV” designation (Reverse).

2. Best for you is what fits your needs, frequency of use, ease of use. Is you’re going to be keeping it a while and plan to use in hot weather, polycotton (or technical cotton) is the way to go. For £800 you’ll have a good choice. Ho somewhere with lots erected.

3. “Low” is what you need.

4. Awnings come with pegs, but check they’re suitable. You will need rock pegs for hard stands. You’ll need a kador kit. Buy from club shop or with the awning. About £25. Buy a lump hammer, peg puller, carpet if want coziness.

I’d take a trip to a camping shop (like Attwools for instance). That should sort you out. Much better than trying to figure out stuff on line.

 

[Kayleigh]

Have you considered a gazebo? The Decathlon Arpenaz is very sturdy with steel poles, packs up small and you can buy spare parts if needed. It does not join to the van but you can safely roll the awning out up to 50cm without using the poles.
Just another option to give you an alternative idea.

 

[KevH]

Assuming you have not purchased by then, you might want to visit one of the big autumn / winter camping shows at places like the NEC.
Huge choice, often discounted.
We viewed an Outwell at the NEC and then shopped around saving £200.
Good luck.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Buy a 2nd hand VANGO, usually between £250-£500. That way you will get most of the accessories for ‘free’ (carpet, footprint, bedroom etc).

‘RSV’ (right side vehicle) awning is designed for Cali, to have door at front on drivers side…but you could just spin the awning and have entrance at other end if you buy the other type (LSV). Or put the awning on the passenger side of the van instead and enjoy a clear view from under the roller awning.

This connection kit will allow fitting to the vans roller awning, or, the plastic awning slot on the passenger side of the van.

Dometic Twin Driveaway Kit 3 Metre or 4 Metre| Purely Outdoors

The Dometic twin driveaway kit has dual beading of 4mm and 6mm kador to connect your awning and is available in 3 metre length or 4 metre length

www.purelyoutdoors.co.uk

 

[Up10]

Regarding pegs, we just take a claw hammer. It bangs them in on one end and extracts them with the other end! Saves taking two bits of kit!

 

[AdamsFamily]

We got the Versos Air for exactly the same reason - you never know which way you are going to park and we wanted something with an overhang that we could sit under (rather than inside) and this allows us to pitch with the overhang facing forward, sideways or backward - but that's going to blow your budget.

If you're not fussed about the overhang and just want access front and back (well more the angle) when you're sat out then maybe the Hexaway is the one to look at.
Has two entrances opposite the driveaway connection which would mean you could sit out the front, side or back and get in/out easily.


Camping Recycled (Vango ex Display) have it a Bargain Price £530 at the moment.

 

[BeeBee]

We have the Vango Palm Air beam ( no longer available) and I believe the Faros 111 Air beam is the updated version.
Front facing large opening with 2 tunnel side doors (opposite facing).
Fairly light in comparison to some, ours is approx 12kg and the new one approx 13kg.
We have had ours for 6 years , still going strong. We bought the footprint and groundsheet ( not sewn in , as some sites don’t allow groundsheets)
Regarded as in the ‘smaller’ category of DA awnings , but suits our needs of table n chairs, in the wet and more general space.