Omnistor are one of the most trusted and respected awning manufacturers out there. They are very good at making affordable, durable, and quality products. They have been at the forefront for many years now, and are a firm favourite with many motorhome owners. Omnistor focus on retractable motorhome awnings for the most part, but you can buy extensions to make what is called the safari room. This has all the features of an extension room, and gives protected living space as well.
The first awning in the range is the Omnistor 5002, which is a very robust and elegant design. It has the retractable arms that come as you pull the awning down. The cables are made of steel, so they are of the cheaper variety, yet still offer value for money. Next is the 6002, which is basically a bigger version of the 5002. Most of these models come in different sizes to fit different sized motorhomes, so check the measurements first. The 6900 and the 8000 are larger still, and have stronger tension supports and poles because of their size.
The Safari residence is the top of the series range, and is a hit with many owners. This is the full version, and you can live in here with no trouble at all. It is the most expensive, but also the most practical. A further advantage of the Safari is that it can be used with other awning brands.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Driveaway Motorhome Awnings
The most popular kinds of motorhome awnings are the driveaway one's. The big selling point is that they can be left in place on the camp site, leaving you free to travel around without having to keep setting up camp. When you return you simply drive up to the awning and then attach the motorhome back to it. They are also called free standing, because that is exactly what they are. The flexibility is the biggest advantage, and they are the biggest sellers on the market by far.
They are usually pretty big, but you can get smaller porch awnings that can be useful for keeping your things dry, and for a bit of protection from the elements. There are so many styles and models to choose from that finding the right one for your needs should not be a problem. Most are made from lightweight and specially treated materials to add durability and comfort. The attachments are usually straps that can be thrown over the side of the motorhome. When you want to release them, it is simply a case of undoing these straps.
The kind of motor home you have will determine the sort of awning you can fit to it. You have to measure the height and length of the side, and this is done in centimetres. Once you have this, you can relate it to the awning sizes that are out there. Most retailers will show the exact measurements of their products, and suggest the height of the motorhome that fits best. It is vital to take time and get these measurements right, you don't want to make any mistakes and find you have to return your purchase. If you are no sure, then ask a dealer to do it for you. You can either visit them with your vehicle, or go to one of the many trade shows where this can be done for you.
Customising is a popular choice. Most of these awnings come with a whole host of additions, such as front and side panels, windows, roll up rear access doors, ground sheets, and much more. The fabrics are breathable and allow the air to circulate on hot days. Inner tents can be added to provide sleeping quarters, which makes them much more flexible and useful. You can have your own little home away from home if you take the time. This leads to the only disadvantage, which is that it can take quite a bit of time to set things up. You will need to peg all the sides down to the ground to stop them flying away on windy days. Rolling out the canvas can be a bit tricky, especially if the motorhome awning is big and ahs many parts to it. Again, the best way to get to know how they work is to set up at home in your garden before you travel. If it is windy it can be very difficult to set up on your own. It may need a couple of people to hold things in place in this situation.
They are usually pretty big, but you can get smaller porch awnings that can be useful for keeping your things dry, and for a bit of protection from the elements. There are so many styles and models to choose from that finding the right one for your needs should not be a problem. Most are made from lightweight and specially treated materials to add durability and comfort. The attachments are usually straps that can be thrown over the side of the motorhome. When you want to release them, it is simply a case of undoing these straps.
The kind of motor home you have will determine the sort of awning you can fit to it. You have to measure the height and length of the side, and this is done in centimetres. Once you have this, you can relate it to the awning sizes that are out there. Most retailers will show the exact measurements of their products, and suggest the height of the motorhome that fits best. It is vital to take time and get these measurements right, you don't want to make any mistakes and find you have to return your purchase. If you are no sure, then ask a dealer to do it for you. You can either visit them with your vehicle, or go to one of the many trade shows where this can be done for you.
Customising is a popular choice. Most of these awnings come with a whole host of additions, such as front and side panels, windows, roll up rear access doors, ground sheets, and much more. The fabrics are breathable and allow the air to circulate on hot days. Inner tents can be added to provide sleeping quarters, which makes them much more flexible and useful. You can have your own little home away from home if you take the time. This leads to the only disadvantage, which is that it can take quite a bit of time to set things up. You will need to peg all the sides down to the ground to stop them flying away on windy days. Rolling out the canvas can be a bit tricky, especially if the motorhome awning is big and ahs many parts to it. Again, the best way to get to know how they work is to set up at home in your garden before you travel. If it is windy it can be very difficult to set up on your own. It may need a couple of people to hold things in place in this situation.
Retractable Motorhome Awnings
These kind of awnings are the most basic and the quickest to set up and take down. They are typically built into the side of the motorhome and can be extended out by winding a crank, or on some of the modern kinds, by simply just pressing a button. hese kinds are motorised, which makes everything so much easier. If you may struggle with the weight of the awning, then the motorised versions are the best bet. Be aware that they do cost more, but the advantages are obvious. Even if you have a manual style, it is possible to convert it to a motorised version, if you ask your dealer or a reputable retailer they can do this for you. A cheaper option is to do it yourself, there are kits available for this.
Retractable motorhome awnings can be quite large, but this will dpend on the size of your motorhome. The awning usually sits on the side of the gutter rail, in a protective case, ready for use. There will be side supports to keep it in place, and these suports can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the awning. This is useful to counter the height of the sun, or if it is windy and you need more protection. You can buy side panels to enclose yourself, which is also good when the wind is coming from the side. Anti flappers will help to keep the awning from flapping about too much, and are needed really.
You can also buy side panels with windows and doors in them, so you can see what is going on around you. Groundsheets can be bought to cover the floor, and these are handy if you have dirt on your shoes, and also offer protection from wet grass and dew. You don't want to bring any mud into your motorhome if you can help it. Look after the support poles and clean them often. The higher priced models are made from non corrosive materials, so they will not rust, and will last much longer than cheaper kinds. If your budget will allow it, then go for these, they offer the best value for the money.
Retractable awnings may not be ideal if it gets too windy, the wind can start to pull on the supports and the tension arms, which can cause damage to the motor home as well. Bear this in mind. However, because they are ao easy to fold back in a hurry, you can quickly stop the damage if needed.
Retractable motorhome awnings can be quite large, but this will dpend on the size of your motorhome. The awning usually sits on the side of the gutter rail, in a protective case, ready for use. There will be side supports to keep it in place, and these suports can be adjusted to increase or decrease the height of the awning. This is useful to counter the height of the sun, or if it is windy and you need more protection. You can buy side panels to enclose yourself, which is also good when the wind is coming from the side. Anti flappers will help to keep the awning from flapping about too much, and are needed really.
You can also buy side panels with windows and doors in them, so you can see what is going on around you. Groundsheets can be bought to cover the floor, and these are handy if you have dirt on your shoes, and also offer protection from wet grass and dew. You don't want to bring any mud into your motorhome if you can help it. Look after the support poles and clean them often. The higher priced models are made from non corrosive materials, so they will not rust, and will last much longer than cheaper kinds. If your budget will allow it, then go for these, they offer the best value for the money.
Retractable awnings may not be ideal if it gets too windy, the wind can start to pull on the supports and the tension arms, which can cause damage to the motor home as well. Bear this in mind. However, because they are ao easy to fold back in a hurry, you can quickly stop the damage if needed.
Motorhome Awning Basics
Buying a motorhome awning is a simple and effective way to create a larger living space, or extra storage space when you are on holiday. There are many different kinds available on the market, ranging from simple retractable one's all the way up to the big annexes that can sleep as many people as you like. The kind you go for will depend on a few factors including the size of your motorhome, the number of people who are travelling, and the length of your stay.
Sitting under your awning and relaxing is what it is all about for most people. They offer some shade when the sun is shining, protection from the rain when the weather get's a bit nasty, and somewhere to sit down and enjoy the company of friends and family in the outdoors. If you are planning a short stay break, say over the weekend, then a smaller awning may be the best option for you. In this case you want something that can be set up in the shortest possible time, leaving you more time to enjoy your break.
Longer stays, such as for a week, will require a larger awning to store your things in. These do take longer to erect, but the time spent doing this will be well worth it for the comfort they bring you. Some of the bigger models can be up to 3 metres wide and long, and with this kind of extra space you really will have everything you need.
Once your awning is set up you can get to work with using it. This is all there is to it really. The best way to get used to putting it up is have a little practise at home before you get to your destination. This will help you get used to the finer details, and will save you time. Driving can be a real hassle, and you don't want to be flustered by struggling to get the awning in position after a long drive. This just adds to the situation and can set your holiday off on the wrong foot right away.
Look after your purchase, keep in clean and wipe it down regularly to prevent any mildew setting in. If your awning has got wet and you fold it up in this condition then try to let it air dry when you get back. Do this as soon as you can, and you will prevent the fabric from fading and looking dirty.
Sitting under your awning and relaxing is what it is all about for most people. They offer some shade when the sun is shining, protection from the rain when the weather get's a bit nasty, and somewhere to sit down and enjoy the company of friends and family in the outdoors. If you are planning a short stay break, say over the weekend, then a smaller awning may be the best option for you. In this case you want something that can be set up in the shortest possible time, leaving you more time to enjoy your break.
Longer stays, such as for a week, will require a larger awning to store your things in. These do take longer to erect, but the time spent doing this will be well worth it for the comfort they bring you. Some of the bigger models can be up to 3 metres wide and long, and with this kind of extra space you really will have everything you need.
Once your awning is set up you can get to work with using it. This is all there is to it really. The best way to get used to putting it up is have a little practise at home before you get to your destination. This will help you get used to the finer details, and will save you time. Driving can be a real hassle, and you don't want to be flustered by struggling to get the awning in position after a long drive. This just adds to the situation and can set your holiday off on the wrong foot right away.
Look after your purchase, keep in clean and wipe it down regularly to prevent any mildew setting in. If your awning has got wet and you fold it up in this condition then try to let it air dry when you get back. Do this as soon as you can, and you will prevent the fabric from fading and looking dirty.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Motorhome Awnings Guide
Welcome to the motorhome awnings guide. On this blog you will find loads of information to help you choose and set up the different kinds of awnings that are available for any type of motorhome on the market today. Awnings are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, offering sun shade on hot days, and protection on windy and rainy days. Some can be quite expensive and others are relatively inexpensive. The type you go for will depend on any number of factors such as what use you will get out of them, the number of people who will be using them, and the length of your holiday.
If you have any questions then please feel free to send me an e-mail at sledger1@hotmail.com.
If you have any questions then please feel free to send me an e-mail at sledger1@hotmail.com.
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