DSC_2132.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)Just a quick note to describe our experience with the above new awning.

As you can see from the title it is essentially a van awning - therefore it has a low rail height - this makes it suitable for an Eriba. The length of the awning rail connection is 2.5M, pretty well exactly correct for the GT320.

Very simple to put up - fit to the rail, then insert the shaped single fibre-glass pole and peg it down. As newbies it took my wife and I 10-15 minutes max.

There is a detachable ground sheet,the front door has a zipped flyscreen, and there are two side entrances. The material is quite thin - will this be a weakness - time will tell.

The main grumble so far is the fit to the caravan sides - you can see from the pic that I have "bungeed" it to the grab handles. It was particularly windy so the awning is under more tension than I would like. I plan to fit some sort of shaped pole at the van sides - the awning has sewn-in loops along the vertical edges so this should work OK (hopefully)

Excellent value for money in my view.

92BA7EBC-241B-4552-8446-747E1589C5C0.jpeg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)We’ve recently bought the Vango Siesta low, we are really pleased with it. The sides aren’t a perfect fit to the sides of the eriba, so we are trying the Kampa limpets, they are a sucker system, although we’ve been advised not to over tighten them, or attach them on to any vinyl stripes or graphics, we think they will do the trick.
We haven’t tried them yet, not due an outing until end of May.

Hi Suzy,

I shall be interested to learn how you get on with the Kampa limpets. I'm not sure of the surface finish on the 540, but on the older GT320 the surface is heavily dimpled and "normal" suckers are useless.

I am looking into jointed poles at present.

Please let un know.

Thanks

Dave

Further to the above difficulties, we seem to have overcome them by purchasing inflatable tubes from Sunncamp - see pics, very simple to attach and pretty effective. I doubt that any method will keep out the strongest of winds

DSC_2131 (1320 x 1980).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)DSC_2133 (1980 x 1320).jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Dave

I have ordered a pair of these seals from Ebay on the strength of your recommendation and the convincing photos; is there any way of attaching them, or does the internal pressure hold them in place?
NickR

Randa - yes those are the ones.

NickR - the inflatable seal relies on having a tight cord at the van edge of the awning. In fact the seal would normally be used with awnings having "edge poles", we did find it necessary to tie the top of the seals to the top of the awning edge .

Remember that these seals are rather long for Eribas, and therefore it is necessary to "fold" them in under the van - see the second photo.

hth

Dave

Hi Dave, We have now tried the Kampa Limpets, and we are pleased with them, found it a bit scary at first, as frightened of over tightening them.
It does warn you on the pkt, and also not to use over any decals you may have. They have held onto the awning sides really well, I also used two to attach the wheel cover.
We are in Pembrokeshire and the weather has been dreadful, so they’ve had a good test !
You were right, about the dimples, I don’t think they would work. We have a smooth finish eriba.

Look like you’ve found your solution too.

Sue

Hi Suzy,

thanks for the update. Interesting that you have used themfor the wheel cover, 'cos we are looking for a solution to "dangling" wheel cover edges.

Dave

Hi Dave
Can you say how you attach a cord to the inflatable seals, as the have no eyelets or attachments?

Thanks
NickR



2017 Skoda Yeti 4x4 2.0 TDI, with 2003 Triton 430

Hi Nick,

we fitted the inflatable seals so that the pump inlets were at the top (facing outwards - so as not to mark the van) then secured these to the strap which is used to adjust the length of the awning edge on the Vango Bondi. This prevented the seals from slipping down, but may not be sufficient in a very strong wind. We shall have to wait and see.

hth

regards

Dave

Hi Dave
That's the kind of lateral thinking I like.

NickR

Nick

Hmm - but not a "perfect" solution - keep thinking

Dave

Non-inflatable seals - A couple of 1.5m pool noodles from Lidl at a quid each. Stick them in a sock like bag, stitch down the middle lengthways and bobs your auntie! About £4 both sides max.

Fishcultureman - sorry have only just seen this idea - brilliant, but I can'y sew. Nevertheless off the wall

Dave