Camper awning – models, prices, tips
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A camper awning is one of the most commonly installed accessories chosen by new camping vehicle owners. They provide excellent protection from sun and rain and significantly expand the space for relaxation. The choice of awnings is very wide. When choosing the right model for your car, you need to pay attention to its length (more precisely: the length of the roof), the method of unfolding and folding, as well as the materials used.
Camper awning - various models
A camper awning consists of two main elements. The first is a beam (also called a cassette) installed along the vehicle (usually permanently), into which a fabric, most often coated with impregnation, is rolled. Another element is the aluminum frames, which are used to support the awning on the ground or on the wall of the camper.
The wall of a camper with an unfolded awning. PC photo.
Let's look at some of the most popular models. The most popular awning manufacturers on the market are Thule, Fiamma and Prostor.
An interesting model is the Thule Omnistor 5200 awning, which is suitable for almost any type of vehicle. Available in seven lengths: from 7 m to 1,90 m, in silver, white and anthracite. For example: the four-meter version weighs 4,50 kilograms. Its price in the Elcamp store is 28 PLN gross.
Thule Omnistor folding awning. Photo by Elkamp.
Another model often chosen by campervan manufacturers is the Fiamma F45S. The mechanism of assembly and use is similar. The four-meter version in the ACK store costs approximately PLN 5100 gross and weighs 27 kg.
You can buy additional accessories for the awning from us, for example, side walls. Then something like a vestibule is created. It's comfortable, cozy and in complete shade.
Installing an awning on a camper. What should you remember?
Installing an awning involves some restrictions (or difficulties) when driving. It is installed on one side, so it not only raises, but also shifts the center of gravity of the entire camper. In this case, the installed awning protrudes beyond the contour of the car wall. Be careful not to damage the device when driving in difficult to reach areas (including camping areas near trees and branches).
Camper with an awning on the campsite. PC photo.
Most often, awning failures occur in windy weather. The basic rule of use: as soon as information appears about the approaching gusty wind or when we begin to feel it, the awning should be folded immediately. Larger models have a smooth, light surface with an area of several square meters. They will behave like a sail on the water!
What happens if you don't fold the awning in the wind? Not only the awning itself can suffer, but in extreme cases, the vehicle as well. There have been numerous cases where a wind awning has torn off parts of the camper walls to which it was attached. Repairing such damage is very expensive.
In addition to the standard fastening to the ground or walls of the camper, it is also worth using storm straps, which will certainly minimize any possible movement of the awning during gusts of wind.
Inexpensive camper awning.
When choosing an awning, you should not look for savings. If we choose a product at an attractive price, we must take into account the lower quality. It is likely that a lower quality fabric was used, which may cause leakage, sun exposure, and rapid fading.
Many people are looking for used awnings. Indeed, you can save money, but it is worth noting that there are not many accessories of this type on the secondary market. A camper owner is unlikely to sell a functional awning on his own, without a vehicle. Of course, such proposals may appear.
When purchasing a used awning, you should definitely pay attention to its technical condition and carefully inspect all the material. However, we do not know the history of the awning, we do not know how long it has been used in direct sunlight, and not all defects (such as fabric delamination) will be visible to the naked eye. The mechanism itself is also questionable. We don't know if or how it has been maintained, which could result in unexpected problems in the near future, such as corrosion. Of course, in the case of a used awning, we must also take into account the lack of warranty.
The article uses: photographs of journalists from “Polski Caravaning” and photos of the marquise Thule Omnistor, Elcamp.
