Ok, I realise that this is a subject that has been revisited many times, however I am still looking for the definitive answer to this perennial question ..….awnings! (Hah! I hear you cry)

My lovely little 1999 puck came with a classic Columbus awning (very similar to the older soplair awnings) which lives in two large, heavy bags, one for the fabric and one for the hefty metal frame. I have not yet erected said awning but have had a similar model when we owned an ancient WWB when the kids were small. Whilst I cherish the memories of guessing the pole configurations, grappling with unwieldy canvas in wind swept, rainy fields, along with the gentle exchange of pleasantries with my better half throughout……...I am now not as young as I was and feel that there must be a better way.

As the puck is somewhat diminutive we want the extra room that a full awning provides and not just a sun canopy. I have been giving serious thought to the Kampa pop air 260 (no poles and ease of erection….no, don’t go there!), but there appear to be mixed opinions on this model….although most of the problems appear to be with newer, larger models of Eribas. Also, given the purchase cost, the longevity of the Kampa has yet to be tested. Is there anything better out there that I would not have to sell a kidney to purchase.

We are planning a two week trip in the summer ranging from a friends birthday near the Pyrenees in France and then straight onto a festival in Devon, as well as the odd weekend closer to home in between. It would also be useful to be able to put up the awning single handed should the need arise. So what are peoples thoughts on the best awning that would suit my puck and fulfil my contrary needs.

Ralph

I've managed on one kidney for nearly five years but I didn't sell the other one. By all accounts the NHS had to pay a whole group of folk to take it away.

As you've discovered already, there's no simple answer to this one. WRT Longevity the Kampa tubes are only guaranteed for one year! Oxygen Movelite tubes have a lifetime wty. OTOH, for fit you should be fine with the Puck plus 260 though I'd double check the height of your own awning rail against the spec of the 260.

The Kampa is quite a mass to person-handle especially with only one hand, you may need to use the other one as well. The other thing to check is how much of the 260 can be unzipped to take advantage of max ventilation in hotter climes (or even a UK 33C blistering killer heatwave) Seen a lot of folks sitting outside their awnings cos their too hot inside!

Having said all that I know a lot of 'riba folks are very happy with their Kampas. If you have a supplier nearby - or can take a break to be near one of the better ones, then you could ask for it to be demo'd on your van and see what you think.

Glad to hear you are managing well with the one!

I was lucky, a cardiologist couldn't work out why my BP refused to lie down and his last throw was a kidney scan. A week later I was sans kidney and it hadn't spread (touch wood). As it's generally symptomless most kidney cancers are found too late.

Thanks Robin. Yes the short warrantee is a bit of a concern. I believe the awning rail height is fine for pre 2010 pucks, isn't it? Part of the problem is that I have not been able to get a good look at one in the flesh, it would be great to find somewhere that had them on display not too far from where I live in London. As for unzipping, I think that the whole front opens up from what I have read. To be honest all awnings/tents suffer the same issues in hot weather.

Two hands.....but how do you hold your beer!!

Thank goodness your cardiologist was thorough, it was caught early and you are here to tell the tale!

Beer AFTER awning.

It's a rule.

You need all you faculties for pole arranging.

And after the beer eases the pain in the knees and tingling in the fingers from pounding tent pegs.

It's medicinal.

Ahhh....beer after awning, thats what I have been doing wrong! You see that is why we need the wisdom of this forum!!

Colin. You are right it is not hugely expensive in terms of awnings. I do like the idea of quick to put up and take down. Which of your two is your go to preference? Outside of cost, I am not clear if there is an alternative out there that would do a better job of meeting my needs?

Ralph

Thanks Colin. I guess that's the trade off, ease of use over size, the 260 is obviously narrower than yours and 2.45 is not very deep. I looked at the AL twin air, but the website suggests that this is for the puck l and above, not for the 120, also I cant find anything showing dimensions.

I would be interested in the Vango as I have used their tents in the past and have been happy with them.....not sure I want to wait that long though.

Ralph