Inflatable awnings

[Doppio]

Hello all,
After owning our camper since 2013 it's looking highly likely that we may finally get to holiday in it this year...(bodywork, roof, engine and interior all rebuilt).
It's a pop top westy and like everything else when I checked out the awning that came with the van it was in a rubbish state, so having heard wonderful things about inflatable awnings I'm looking to purchase a new one.
Could anyone recommend a drive away inflatable awning that gives us (two little ones and dad) a bit more room- we'll be sleeping in the camper at night.
Many thanks.

[bobby-gg]

I went down to the caravan and camping show at Birmingham last week to specifically to look at all the inflatable awnings

The two that I was primarily interested in were the Kampa air maxi http://www.kampa.co.uk/drive-away/travel-pod-maxi" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And the outdoor Revolution Movelite 3
http://www.outdoor-revolution.com/motor ... me-awnings" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Liked them both but I then found the Vango Galli http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/low/390-galli-low.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And that one suits my needs better than the other two, and I know they are expensive but I've paid as much as that for my last three second hand awnings over the last three years and from those I've worked out what I want from an awning

Rob

[Jonnyb416]

Just my thoughts based on 1 summer of camping in our van (2 adults 2 kids) don't worry about an awning just yet. We used a pop up gazebo with windbreaks round the side and just parked up next to it. Will do that again this year I think. You can get pop up gazebos with sides to them too.

[Tinium]

We've got the Vango Sapera (which has been replaced with the Kella III by the looks of it) and can't fault it. After a couple of practises putting up/taking down it's really easy to put up and put away by one person (though still quite a bit of work for a one-night stop over). The only downside is that they are BIG (at least, the "long" versions are, which is what we've got) and fairly hefty. We hired a trailer for the last holiday and that made a lot of difference, the van was still usable whilst travelling, not full of all the camping stuff!

Here's an idea of the space inside - lots more room after being cooped up in the van all day. Came with a removable double bedroom, and we splashed out on the carpet too for the baby to roll around on


For the big gap under the van, I've got a cheap wind break that I've cut down to the right size to stop the draft, and some battery powered LED fairly lights that we wrap around the ceiling beams for lighting.

Edited to add: We've bought a poll and clamp adapter for the gutter rail for better attachment of the awning, the straps over the top of the van were a bit fiddly and didn't give the best fitting.

[a1winchester]

Vango Kela is ideal reckon.Certainly a doddle to put up & down. Really pleased with mine which replaced a pain in the a$$ frame tent type awning.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CSS70G4/r ... B00CSSCL2M

[Doppio]

Thank you so much everyone for your great replies and even photos, It's been really helpful and listed things I hadn't even considered such as the trailer. I think it's going to have to be the Vango Kela! Thanks again and looking forward to some happy camping

[a1winchester]

Edited to add: We've bought a poll and clamp adapter for the gutter rail for better attachment of the awning, the straps over the top of the van were a bit fiddly and didn't give the best fitting.

Agree with above. Straps are naff with a high top. Unless you get the taller Kela.
Figure of eight attachment tends to takethe gutter trim off.
Pole and clamp works great.