A couple of close-ups of the front, my old model before pulling out and the 2019 model.
These show how the tension on the awning track are no longer a point load has now been spread out, hopefully solving the pull out issue.

2018.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)2019.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Colin

Well, I've bitten the bullet and going to try again. Following sale of my Fortex I've ordered the 2019 model and going to give it a test over 6 weeks in France. I'm having the excellent groundsheet/carpet again and the newly introduced canopy. Lowdhams of Nottingham offered me a price I could not really refuse and they are getting it sent directly to me from Kampa, arriving on Monday. I'll unpack it to do a trial loose fit and then we'll be off a few days later.
Hopefully some photos to arrive start of July of the long test.

Colin

Awning arrived Friday, ahead of schedule. Tried it for fit on Saturday morning. Slid into awning rails and pumped up, no pegging out. The wrap around extension at awning cord height look like they will do the job. The awing cord also seemed wider and so give a bit more play on the height. Once deflated took less than 10 minutes to fold up and roll into the bag.
The zip on front canopy is shallow, only about 1.5m in depth but 2.6m in width. It will keep the sun out of the front of the awing and I'd imagine it to be near fully open when it's raining if needed. Blessing is the weight is not 13.8kg as in the catalogue, but I'm guessing 1.38kg.

Colin

Awning now up and pegged out for first time. Rain not forecast so cannot comment on that area.
Pitching of awning was a test on whether awning cord detail change will work as site slopes, probably a good 120/150 mm away from the van, so increased pressure on this area. It fits and I cannot see how it would be able to pull out.We also have the zip on front fitted. Photos to follow in a month or so when back from travels.

Colin

Rain came last night. Started about 7pm and still going strong 20 hrs later here in the Dordogne. Very heavy with several hours of thunder and lightning through the night.
Awning has fitted well around ends of van and kept the rain out. As expected it is running down side of van but should improve. Will also soak with awning fabric spray on return to UK. Optional front canopy has not sagged or held water and seems to work well. When sunny also gave a welcome bit of shade. It is well worth considering if you are going to buy one of these 2019 model awnings.

At last the awning seems to do what it should have since the start.

Colin

Chris,
if we are staying put for a week or then it's worth putting up. Yes it is heavy to slide in but some silicon or ptfe spray helps things along. I stand on a low step and feed whilst the lovely Mrs eribaMotters drags the awning along. This 2 minute task is the only awkward bit. We feed ours in from the front, haven't tried from the back.
If away for short breaks we use an Isabella Shadow, which we also swap over to at the end of long stays for an easier pack up on our day of leaving. A Fiamma Caravanstore is left on the back of the van at all times. Great for extra cover when on site in sun or rain, or when setting up or packing away.

Colin