Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys, been looking at picking up and 2nd hand awning, now the one thing i cant really decide on is if i should get an wind-out/pull-out awning like an ARB or Fiamma F45 style that is bolted onto the gutter or whether i should go for something that is more like a tent/drive-away style, I can see some obvious advantages and disadvantages to both, but was just wondering if anyone on here has had both and which they prefer? and why?, I'm sure there are pros and cons to both that I'm not even considering and would like to hear from the experienced mass that is the 80-90 club

Its a multivan westy pop top i have, incase that makes any difference

If you don't need to store owt or sleep anyone, then get a bag awning

kevtherev wrote:If you don't need to store owt or sleep anyone, then get a bag awning

well i have a westy pop top, so I can technically sleep 4, but i don't know how "weather proof" my poptop canvas is yet, i have cleaned it and covered it in fabsil gold but haven't "tested it" yet, most of the time the van will be getting used will be myself the GF and a 3 year old, either that or away for a weekend with a few mates in tow

We have got an old canvas drive away awning, its great as you can mark your spot at campsites, its sturdy enough to hang wet things up to dry when the weather is rough and seems to be able to withstand anything nature can throw at it. A couple of times we have awoken in the morning to find it is the last one still standing. Might be heavy and old fashioned but so is our van and increasingly me. And unlike the pull out awnings I can leave the weight in the garage when not needed.

We have an old canvas freestanding one too, withstood a mahoosive storm the first night we used it, as NicBeeee said not light but lives in the loft when we're not going to use it so saves on weight

As said, they both have advantages, its up to you as to which one suits you best.

The cheaper option is the DA awning. I'd go with that first and if you find your really missing the benefits of a wind out (or similar) then you havn't shelled out unnecessarily.

Or, you'll be like me and have both

We have both too as they have different purposes.
The roll out is on the van all the time so can't be forgotten. It is easy and quick to put up and take down, even by one person. It doesn't take up storage space in the van. It doesn't shut us off from the world when we are camping in a group. We have sides and a front if we need more protection from the elements.
The drive away we have is modern one, so in a fairly neat bag. It was cheapish (£120 new, I think). Takes 2 and a bit of bickering to put it up. It offers full protection from the elements. It keeps the dogs contained. It can be kipped in. The loo can go outside. It will mind all your stuff if you go out for the day. It takes up valuable space in the van when travelling. It can make you feel antisocial if camping in a group but gives privacy if camping alone.

Personally we use the roll out much more than the drive away.

We have had this dilemma as well and bought a drive away. two years later bought a arb awning from cvc and this is what we use the most as I think it's better for weekend camping but would still use the drive away for a week or more away hope this helps you decide.

Karen&co wrote:We have an old canvas freestanding one too, withstood a mahoosive storm the first night we used it, as NicBeeee said not light but lives in the loft when we're not going to use it so saves on weight

I meant to say ours came free with the van, so didn't make an informed choice, but am reading these posts with interest as a smaller lightweight easy pop up type would be simple for overnights and weekends

we have both a Fiamma F45 and a Outwell country road, Fiamma for short stays and the Outwell for our main holidays, both work very well and we can pull the Outwell joining section up over the Fiamma giving a good seal,fitted a bungie cord and hooks down through the pole connector part of the awning than hooks on to the Fiamma mounting brackets, perfect.

Hi,

I currently have a F45i Fiamma awning, which I think is great.
But looking at a full drive-away awning as well, probably a Khyam? as they pop up nice and easy = less arguments or getting wet!!

My questions... which may help you decide?

1. Has anyone used both together? i.e attached the drive-away to the fiamma style whilst it rolled out? how does this work?

2. Which Khyam do people suggest? seems to be a few, motordome/sleeper/etc... what best?

Cheers people.

we bought a quest elite instant pop-up awning,it's erected in 2 mins as all the poles are attatched,then takes 5 mins to peg out,(video on you-tube)ideal for the 2 of us to keep chairs in ,,,, and porta-potti ,,,, AND at £140.00 brand new does us just fine.

Buy a twin slider you can use both.