76 September 2019 Caravan and Motorhome Club Magazine http://www.camc.com
...OR AN EXTENSION?
I have written many articles on awnings and am
a big fan of their versatility. In order to meet the
needs of our teenage daughter, we decided to
invest in an annexe, which zips into the side of our
existing awning. A separate inner tent makes the
whole experience more comfortable. (Please bear
i n m i n d w h e n b u y i n g a n ew a w n i n g t h a t yo u r o u t f i t
still needs to fit on a pitch and that you need to leave
enough space between yourselves and your
neighbours to comply with fire safety guidelines.)
I f yo u d o n’ t w a nt to i nve s t i n a n ew, b i g g e r
awning, companies like Isabella offer enlargement
services that can save you money. There are some
limitations as to how big you can go, so speak to the
specialists. Awnings can also add much needed
space to campervans and coachbuilt motorhomes.Companies such as Olpro offer brightly-coloured
designs that incorporate sleeping areas for those
who like to get back to their tenting roots.FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re really considering investing in a new
caravan or motorhome, I would recommend a visit
to one of the big shows. Here you can really get a
feel for the different types of layout available and
test out the quality of numerous outfits’ beds.
What’s more, large events such as the two annual
shows at Birmingham’s NEC often feature stands
run by the major awning manufacturers. I have
thought hard about changing our caravan for a more
teenage-friendly outfit, but I can’t quite find the right
layout. For now I am happy to stick with our current
set-up and use my awning to create extra space.PRACTICAL FAMILIES
There is a vast array of awning shapes and sizes (including those for motorhomes/campervans)
on the market. Big shows offer the opportunity to check out awnings and caravan layouts- A triangular section in the roof panel is
carefully removed. For reference, the triangle
i s l a i d o u t o n t o n e w r o o f m a t e r i a l w h i c h i s
t h e n m e a s u r e d t o a n i n c r e a s e d s i z e. - The new piece is cut out carefully.
- S p e c i a l i s t s e w i n g m a c h i n e s a r e u s e d t o
sew in the new triangle section. - New eyelet is fixed into position.
- New profile is attached – holds Fix-On
brackets.
Details: Isabella International Camping
Ltd, isabella.net/uk, 01844 202099)
AW N I N G E N L A R G I N G
Isabella International Camping is just one
of a number of companies that can make
y o u r e x i s t i n g a w n i n g b i g g e r. H e r e ’s a
snapshot of the enlargement process.