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Awnings, canopies, sunshades and windbreaks � Making the most of that expensive pitch �

Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Sun Feb 19, 2017 8:12 pm
by JJ-1962 (deleted)

The Vango is the awning we're interested in buying. A quick demo with the Kampa Air proved that with our fixed canopy we need a Drive-away style awning,
Anyone got one? Reviews?

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:59 pm
by Biljul •

| 52 Posts

We have a Vango Idris Low on our Triton. We picked the Idris because it has a removable ground sheet. This allows us to use a breathable one-----essential for grass type pitches and a Caravan Club requirement.
It works really well, easy to put up and waterproof. Lasted two weeks on site without needing to add air to beams. Down side is that it is not full length of the van.

likes this post!

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Mon Feb 20, 2017 7:06 pm
by JJ-1962 (deleted)

Thank you - interesting. Generally we have a hard standing pitch, so fixed groundsheet is not such a problem. We like this one as it runs perpendicular to the van.
Will see what's in offer at the show this weekend.

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Tue Mar 14, 2017 9:56 pm
by Spike (deleted)

We have a Gali Low - and have been using it everyday for the last 4 months and are generally very pleased with it.
But we've had to modify the roof of the "porch" - i.e. the bit between the tent and the van.

The attachment to our (Transit) van is about 2.05 m high and at this height the water sometimes pools in the roof of the porch. Our modification is to attach a guy at the front and rear of the porch to change the roof profile - so that the water runs off more efficiently.

Otherwise, apart from a few very small drips (which I cured with seam sealant) it's a very roomy awning which ( I'm told - fingers crossed) is very good in high winds.

We're at present looking for an Eriba caravan to attach it to!

I've seen some Eriba vans with an extra rail - only on the door side and about 15 cms higher. I think we would need one of these. Does anyone know if they can be bought and fitted a al DIY?

Cheers Spike

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Wed Mar 15, 2017 5:19 pm
by eribaMotters •

| 5.585 Posts

Spike,
I have attached the higher awning rail to my last two vans. I did this so I could leave a Fiamma Caravanstore in place without the bag catching on the door when it opened. On a 2007 Troll I fitted it 125mm above the existing gutter/rail and on a 2006 Familia. !00mm is the correct height up to go as at 125mm you are encroaching on the curve of the roof. I do not believe it is possible to do this job effectively on post 2010 vans as the roof profile starts to curve a lot sooner.
If of a practical nature it is an easy job to do, but you need to be meticulous in your attention to detail/accuracy.

- sit a strip of 100mm wide plywood in the gutter and pencil a line along its top edge, moving the strip along until you have the longest straight line you can achieve, which will be shorter than you at first think.
- sit your not yet cut to length awning track on top of the plywood and run a pencil line above this.
- run a length of masking tape just below the bottom line and above the top line.
- run a short vertical piece of tape at each end when you want the track to start and end.
- mark through the pre-drilled holes of your track onto the roof.
- add any more you want, making sure you have one about 25mm in from each end of the track.
- now is the time to cut your track to length as you will have made the most of the holes already in it, making sure to file smooth curves on the ends.
- you can get some of the existing or holes you have drilled to line up with the steel framework, by running your hand against the roof lining to locate the framework
- pilot drill the holes with a 2 or 2.5 mm drill bit.
- lightly countersink the holes to reduce crazing of the lacquer.
- lightly sand the exposed roof area and clean with meths.
- using Sikaflex 512 [yes it is expensive] or very similar bond the track in place using small gauge stainless steel screws.
- clean your mess up thoroughly before removing the tape.
- leave to cure for 24hrs or longer if you can.

Sikaflex is a high quality mastic in a tube. The 512 is used extensively by the caravan industry and is the preferred product. It is a gap filling, adhesive that remains flexible.
Technical at Sikaflex informed me the screws were not needed, but I like to do a proper job.

Allow 2 or 3 hrs to do a good job.

Colin

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310 close up.jpg

310 side.jpg

512 close up.JPG

512 side.jpg

Skoda Yeti diesel 2wd _ ex 430, 552, camplet trailer tent, 310, now a new shiny 430

Last edited Wed Mar 15, 2017 5:20 pm | Scroll up

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Thu Mar 16, 2017 8:24 am
by Pip1136 •

| 68 Posts

Hi, we have one for sale, used once only. We have sent you a private message with our contact details, but you can contact us here too.

RE: Vango Airbeam Galli low

in Making the most of that expensive pitch Thu Mar 16, 2017 10:07 pm
by Spike (deleted)

Thank you very much for the (very detailed) instructions Colin. Much appreciated.

I'm quite practical and have read another post about attaching a rail - but using Sikaflex only - i.e. no screws.

If you think I can find the frame spars I'd feel happier with the belt and braces!

I'm also working on a "T" pole system which will raise the awning higher above the door - and hopefully prevent any pooling.

P.S. We acquired a Troll 350 GT (2000) yesterday - but haven't seen it yet!

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers

Mike