Wind out canopy front and side panels

[Princess Doris]

We took ownership of our new 6.1 Cali in March and purchased a Movelite T3 awning soon after. We only use the awning if we plan to stay in the same place for 3 nights or more.
We have a big trip to France planned in August with mainly 1 night stayovers. We don't plan to take the awning. We are considering buying front/side panels to give us more protection and privacy. We would be interested in any experience and recommendations of what brand to buy.

 

[montyburns1982]

I use the comfortz sides, easy to fit and good quality, no issues.

 

[MajE]

We took ownership of our new 6.1 Cali in March and purchased a Movelite T3 awning soon after. We only use the awning if we plan to stay in the same place for 3 nights or more.
We have a big trip to France planned in August with mainly 1 night stayovers. We don't plan to take the awning. We are considering buying front/side panels to give us more protection and privacy. We would be interested in any experience and recommendations of what brand to buy.

We've been using the Outwell Hillcrest and Fallcrest for several years. Lightweight and quick to set up. Best with awning fully wound out and often use additional tarps or windbreak to 'fill' the space between them. Recommended.

 

[tuono001]

We have the comfortz awning room, probably had it 9 years, used lots and still in very good condition. Really easy to setup, even get the kids to help, ideal for 1 night stops.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

As above. We have the Comfortz awning room and also the Hillcrest/Fallcrest panels. We use either depending on the trip. Can use the Comfortz awning room plus the Hillcrest tarp on the passenger side to provide a covered area.

View attachment IMG_1489.jpeg

 

[Kev56]

I use the comfortz sides, easy to fit and good quality, no issues.

After doing some research ours have literally just turned up today, as said good quality and easy set up. I like the ability to configure the way to use them.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Also worth getting the fill in panels for the Comfortz room. Closes the gap between the side panels and the van. Attach to the van using magnets.

 

[barney108vwcali]

We use https://cysgodawningshades.co.uk/ so far it’s really good. Quick to set up and works well. Only got the end shade at the moment but the longer panel is on order that attaches to the awning strip on the wind out awning

 

[pchmlk]

Another vote for cysgod here.

 

[The Little Red Cali]

Love the Comfort Room. Easy to put up and take down. Sometimes we’ll take the front panel out and just leave the sides on. Really versatile.

 

[The Little Red Cali]

Also worth getting the fill in panels for the Comfortz room. Closes the gap between the side panels and the van. Attach to the van using magnets.

View attachment 125034

Wanted to get some of these but I was worried they might damage the paintwork. Are they really strong?

 

[Flower Power]

I second Outwell Hillcrest and Fallcreast panels. Very happy with them. Light, strong and many adjustments. Set of poles included.... and I store them with chairs in the back.... a plus.

 

[Kevin5658]

I have exactly the same as flower power, I bought an extra hillcrest as it fits in the runner on the side where the fridge is to keep the sun off that side when it’s hot.

 

[Flower Power]

Wow, brilliant minds of ours.....I have that second one too. It also keeps the rain out of the sliding window.

 

[Flower Power]

But what I still can not figure out is the insulation from heat (cold) on the front windscreen. I looked over several posts here but I am confused. For now I just use the winter flimsy silver cover from Aldi. It rips after a few uses but it did not costed me much each. Do you have something, Kevin5658?

 

[Corradobrit]

I have the Fallcrest side panels and a Thule Sunblocker G2 for the front. I like to have a bit of a view and still maintain some weather protection and privacy. Best combo for me.

 

[Kevin5658]

But what I still can not figure out is the insulation from heat (cold) on the front windscreen. I looked over several posts here but I am confused. For now I just use the winter flimsy silver cover from Aldi. It rips after a few uses but it did not costed me much each. Do you have something, Kevin5658?

Now you mention it, I’ve tried a couple of ways, one internally & one externally, but this week I bought the Comfort VW Winter Pack from the club shop. The windscreen cover appears to be very good as it’s reversible. Hopefully good for the Sun & the cold.
It folds 1/2 down to get light in during the day.
Maybe I can stop spending money now!!

 

[Hawthorn37]

We use the Outwell Fallcrest and Hillcrest tarps. Tucked into the chairs in the boot. They’re versatile and I often use the side tarp on its own instead of the Thule roll out awning - when raining or a bit windy. We use the fig of 8 strips on the top edge of the Thule to attach to give door clearance.

Chat on the subject and photos in this thread ….

Quick side awning solution - Outwell Hillcrest

We’ve had Outwell Hillcrest and Fallcrest tarps for a while, and used them occasionally. We’ve come up with a quick rain protection solution that works well for us, without winding out the Thule side awning and risking water pooling, or the wind causing damage to it. We’re using figure of 8...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Kev56]

Now you mention it, I’ve tried a couple of ways, one internally & one externally, but this week I bought the Comfort VW Winter Pack from the club shop. The windscreen cover appears to be very good as it’s reversible. Hopefully good for the Sun & the cold.
It folds 1/2 down to get light in during the day.
Maybe I can stop spending money now!!

Yea right.

 

[Corradobrit]

Maybe I can stop spending money now!!

Avoid the Swamper thread like the plague then

 

[Princess Doris]

We decided to go for the Outwell, Hillcrest and Fallcrest panels.
First outing to the White Lodge site on Anglesey.
Really like these panels and so quick to assemble.
If there is an option for the corner gaps then it would be ideal.