Folks, hubby and I found that using the storm flaps for our camper awning - we draped it from left to right across the top front of the awning, then tied it down. The twist was also effective to keep the noise down too.
Indeed a good workout ! Small built and not much muscle took me 90 and 75 minutes to put and take down respectively. First time hope it will get better next time..😂😂
Really good honest video. Over many years of owning awnings we hate them. Stopping on the Norfolk coast camping sites etc. We have seen many awnings blown over the top of caravans and motorhomes. With roofs peeled back open like a tin of sardines. Awnings burnt as over the top covering gas heater outlets. Our caravan got damaged. Bugger to dry if nowhere to hang it up at home. So we don't have awnings or caravan just our motorhome. We do enjoy watching people putting them or down on a windy day. How on earth do you store all that stuff in ya van. Cheers from old George and Jane. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.👫🤠👍
Thanks both, yes they are a faff. On the evening of filming that, there was a huge crash from next door, we rushed out and the wind-out canope on the caravan next to us was being thrown about in the wind and the couple were trapped inside and we rushed to their rescue. So agree, they area hassle and thats why I wanted to emphasise that on the video, thanks for the feedback 👍
Thanks for your review, we are in that exact position at the moment so thanks for making it clearer to choose it's the one with the side, we like easy.
Thank you.. we found it very insight full but still cant make up are minds between the Fiamma 45s side kit or a drive away awning. Thanks again for your honest review.
After trying to assemble the "divorce in a bag" several times now, I am a keen fan on the roll out awnings... Thumbs up from Yorkshire your friends at YPTA , great video again!
With my awning I found using a little compressor pump for erecting and taking the tent down. I had no issues with air left in the tubes and the speed the tube inflate and deflate makes life so much easier.
In the 60s My parents Sister and I used to camp with a "Grand Large" frame tent and a trailer. With all 4 of as helping we could put up the tent in 25 minutes. The awning seems to be as much trouble as the tent. Wind-out awning for me. The trailer was a REME workshop custom trailer with compartments for the canvas, frame and cooker etc.
We were tent people all our days before we got the van. Lived camping in tents but putting it all away in the rain was the worst, and that goes for awnings too, so in future we will stick to the wind out only.
We got a driveaway awning to accommodate 2 friends who came with us on a couple of occasions, great for that. Apart from then it doesn't get used. Frankly we found it took up too much room in transit, and was more bother than it was worth for just for sitting in. We just use the wind out canopy, no sides, as a sun shade, or rain shelter. If it's cold or wet we sit inside. But then we rarely stay too long on any one site, preferring to be mobile.
Trish, I'm with you. The air awning is way, way too much work. Just think Mike, if a terrible, windy, unsuspecting storm came along and/or if you had to leave your sight for some emergency (heaven forbid) look how long it takes to take down the air awning and then dry off, fold and then put away all your stuff you had in it. I give a thumb up on the fold away. It's nice looking, it's a good wind/rain break and it can be taken down and put up fast. Good video folks. You sure gave your viewers a nice demonstration what's out there to choose from. Sure wish you "young kids" were around 20 years ago when we were first camping. You have great ideas.
Thanks Sandy, you are right, Trish won the argument and the fold away panels are best. We will still use the air awning, but only when we are away to a single site for a week or more. Also, thanks for calling us "young kids" that made our day.
I think it is nice to have a choice. We use attached awning with windbreaks for a weekend and our drive away when we go for 4 nights or more. Take care Gill
Excellent video very well explained. I've had both types of awnings air and pole, myself I prefer the poled system much lighter and easy to handle. When packing the air awning away turn the awning upside down valve's facing upwards the air expells when rolling.
Thanks John for the tip, I think we would also have preferred the poled version, hind sight is a great thing, and air tents and awnings are maybe a passing fab
Yes I have both awning on my Mazda bongo and i find the some if your in one place for a week then drive away awning great but the wind out awning is so easy to wind out
I have a sprinter van with a sliding door. I am looking for an awning to stop rain coming into the van. I am fed up with the inside of the van getting wet. Reached 2:38 and you answered my question. Side panels are going to be a pain to store in the van.
We have a fixed Thule wind out awning on one side. We also have a polled drive away awning and because we have sliding doors on both sides we can have both. I looked at the side panels for the Thule awning and thought they were very pricey. We just have a windbreak which goes around the legs of the Thule awning and it works fine. Not completely enclosed but keeps most of the weather off and gives privacy.
Sounds like you have the best of both worlds. The poled awning will pack smaller than the air one but pros and cons with air v poled I suppose. The windbreak sounds like a good option 👍
Definitely agree with Trish. We have the side straps on order and when we see how that firms up the rollout awning we will probably invest in the sides and front eventually. We are new to campervanning and seem to have spent a fortune already on accessories, but it’s been fun and thanks to you and our other favourite you tube channels hopefully we will be well equipped and not just ‘all the gear and no idea campers😂’🙂
Hi, We have only just bought our campervan, after life times of camping in tents and towing caravans. Our camper has a wind-out Fiamma awning and amazingly we have bought exactly the same drive-away awning as the one you chose (great minds ...). Now we have been talking about buying sides/front for our Fiamma , coincidentally using your logic exactly. Your video could hardly be more timely. We just have to decide what to do.
@@emogowl Glad that our logic helped, only you can really decide what's best for you. Don't know if you follow us but we have a larger van now which has a wind out canope and we have no other awnings or sides and are finding it suits us just fine👍💕🐾
Enjoyed your video as always. We have the wind out awning and are researching options similar to where you guys are. Have you come across the Thule QuickFit. Seems a very useful option. Slung under the wind out awning and stored using up less space. Keep up the good work entertaining as well as informative.
Love your honest and practical opinions in your views,much appreciated.we have like you both awnings and just this week (as thinking of selling) and brought out and attached our Thule awning as we had only used it once and that was to test it putting it up,our opinion was we thought a lot of hassle for only one night as if staying more than two we use drive away,now after watching video maybe try again ? Great video and Skye is amazing we have done it a few times,I don’t know why they call it NC500 as we stray so much we never ever do it in 500 miles 😂
Thanks for the comparison. We have two children so thinking of getting a blow up awning. But I didn't know Thule made the sides. I have a fiamma wind out awning on my t4 pop top. Oh love the Cockerpoo, just like ours similar mannerisms.
Glad it was of some help, the blow up certainly gives space and a good choice when parking up for a while. Keira is actually a miniature labradoodle but very like a cockapoo 👍🐾💕
I’ve picked up a drive away awning to go with my new van. My thinking is it means I can match the sleeping capacity to the travelling capacity. A lot of the time it will just be me on my lonesome though, so time will tell how often it makes the inventory. It looks like you might have the same Thule Omnistor that will be on my van - what drive away kit are you using?
Awnings are a ‘marmite’ subject in the Campervan fraternity you either love or hate them. We don’t have a D A awning, we do have the ‘Comfort Room’ which is the same principle as the Thule. We prefer this as we can use none, one, two or three panels, we generally only use three if we are staying on one site for more than a few nights. We have 2 dogs so it’s great to have an area to dry them off if we are wet or to give them shade. We love it’s flexibility it takes up no space as we store the panels flat so it’s always with us. You’re a wise man Mike, coming around to Trish’s thinking 😉
Thanks Gillian, she is nearly always right and still not managed to pass over the numpty mat. That will be just the ticket for your dogs, thats why I wanted the awning, for Keira, but now the side panels are preferred.....so she says 🤣
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot hahahaha a good idea I think (to agree with Tricia). I have been of the opinion that I'd like to have something to be able to leave and come back to, but my wife also agrees with Tricia. The answer is very simple...... we're going to have both and take the air awning when we go away for more than a day or so.
Fantastic video guys and I love the honesty and comments for both. You have made my mind up as I was considering a blow up unit but I feel now, the sides have it. It is also true and a previous comment stated this, that the manufactures of overhead canopies have had long enough to come up with new innovative ideas for these which could easily be built into the canopy. To be first with an idea like this could make millions, what am I saying, I'm of to Google the patent office, bye. Thanks for sharing, brilliant. 👍
Apologies for the delay in responding to your comment. Agree whoever comes up with built in sides for overhead canopies could make millions. Need to get our thinking caps on. Tanks for your comment glad you're enjoying the channel. 👍
Great review, I have a converted VW camper and have the wind out awning. Also had both options that you reviewed my personal preference is the air awning. I have ordered a Screen 4 pro gazebo and a drive away tunnel but unfortunately out of stock at present so I cannot give a review on this but bought after being away with friends who had one and loved it. There are You tube videos online so worth while watching..
I got the drive away Vango airbeam many years ago when they first came out. Quick and easy to put up and down. Huge additional space if you're staying for a couple of days. I could even use my hoselock shower in the 'vestibule ' area (we were camping in a field !). I dont have a wind out awning but I think I'd be interested if the manufacturers had spent a bit more time on the design. They've had long enough to come up with a better system which includes side panels
Great video Guys. Like you we have had all types of awnings. They are all a faff even more as I’m getting a bit ancient. However, the compromise we have found now is -The wind out but used with a tall windbreak for some protection. Or IF it is mega Sunny , The wind out with a sun panel attached to the front. PS Kiera didn’t seem to be helping much. 😂
Glad to see someone else doing the Aligator death roll. I never pump the air out, just fold in thirds as you do and roll towards the open valve ends One last death roll and kablammo, bagged up.
Nice information regarding both setups. I think you hit the nail on the head regarding which one to use. Depends on campsite duration. I’d be more the happy with the side panel variations. Packing away the driveway awning with inclement weather and the dreaded Scottish midge would do my head in. Thanks for sharing 🦟⛈🥃
Another very useful video. We are just buying a used campervan from Wellhouse with the same Thule 4900 awning so these are the very questions which swirl about my napper. I have half a mind to try and make some panels for the Thule and save the money for a poled driveaway in a smaller size than the Galli as u suggest (there being just the 2 of us). Thanks again.
Very interesting debate ; we have a fiamma sun canopy but after our first trips and failed attempts with pop up toilets (that weren’t good with any sort of wind) we opted for a awning very similiar to yours. Certainly great for storage and sitting out in, particularly at night BUT the stress involved in putting them up and taking them down was taking the enjoyment out of going away. So we gave away the 400 pounds awning and reverted to travelling lighter. However we are off to Glencoe in August and reckon we need something to store bits in during the week. Thinking about a small utility tent that apparently is ok to use for free for storage on camp sites … we shall see.
We have used a pop up festival tent in the past, but trying to downsize often now so we don't need it, less is more sometimes. Glad we are not the only ones who have these dilemmas 🤣
My Outwell Air Awning got punctured and it was too much of a faff to repair the 3 chambers so I replaced it with a Poled one. So much easier. 3 hooped poles and a few guy ropes. Job done. None of that Exhausting Pumping and " Bunny Hoping"!
Nice video! Having the same dillema: what to buy? I like the wind-out with sides and front but: how about the wind? Is it secure to go sleep and left the campervan awning open?
Hi guys.. just come across your well put together video… we are currently looking at the Thule awning, can I ask what size/length this one is? Many thanks
Hi there. Thanks for the review - we find the drive away awning is best if you ar staying for a week or more but otherwise the wind out is the more practical option. With the drive away you also need to develop the knack of reattaching it to the van when you get back to your pitch - which does take a bit of doing!!
I agree that drive always are a faff. I’ve had loads of different ones in the past. I now have the Thule wind out and a Quechua Base Seconds that cost me £49 in my old Bongo days. It’s fab in providing extra sleeping or storage space. It buts up neatly with the Thule and being a pop up is very quick and easy.. We use it if we’re away more than a few nights otherwise we pack light and rely on the Thule. Thanks for the video
Sounds like a great option, just shows you that you don't have to spend a fortune on expensive awnings that are a faff and end up staying at home a lot of the time.
Hi again, Mike and Tricia. I don't have a wind-out awning and attach my Kampa Trip Air drive-away by a magnetic awning strip that's obviously removed when not in use. It works quite well and I've pondered using it with a tarp as a makeshift 'wind-out' but I suspect I would develop a very bad language problem if I did! I've also pondered the more expensive option of having a wind-out awning fitted but that's quite an expense, involves holes in the roof to fit the mounting brackets, adds weight to my van and enough extra height to deny me access below a 2.1m height barrier! That said it would provide a more secure fixing for my drive-away awning. I like the versatility of the wind-out and side panels but if on a site for a couple of nights or more would probably want to put up a utility/shower/toilet type tent to use as well. With such a set-up in mind it seems I'm siding with Tricia.
Hi Donald, yes I think most people are on Tricia's side, and by the end of making that one, I think I was too. We definitely wouldn't be without the wind-out canope, and we can still get under 2.1m barriers, it just means we can have a shelter up for getting in and out in just a couple of minutes.
Only tried putting our awning up once on the van. You have put all the poles in and clip it to the van. It was very windy gave up. I did trial it in the garden. Looking at this i think we need a k strip? Argh. Or buy blowup awning. But all said i bought an ozark trail gazebo. It depends how long you are away for. Wind out awning is very useful especially with sides. Xxx thankyou very useful. We sometimes have so much stuff inflatable canoe chairs bbq etc xxx
P.s microfiber cloth always helpful for wiping down things like this our canoe is a bugger to put back in the bag with pump and 3 seats!! Oh and if we decide to take our 2 bikes away faff but fun..❤❤❤
Looks like a seat belt for your awning. Things can be so easily damaged in bad weather which can be a costly mistake. Can you do a video on to put up a windbreak without it falling down not the beach ones😂😂😂 only joking
Hi guys great video. We have just swapped our LWB VW for a Proace. How do you manage to get the awning and everything in? Any tips on preparing and packing for a long trip?
Great video, thanks. For us and our three dogs (JRT, cockapoo and lurcher) it would be both, as our campervan already has the wind out awning but for a longer stay away, the extra space of a drive away awning would be necessary - but would it be the air awning or the poled one ? - that would be our biggest dilemma. 💕🐾
I have the newer version of yours with a proper sewn in ground sheet, the vango cove air 2. It is a nightmare to put up the way they advise. I find it easier putting it up as a tent, then moving the van to attach to it. Much easier to get it square. The thing is about the canopy covers, you have to take them down every time you want to go anywhere and they are see through and so not suitable for putting the toilet in. We have a lwb van so the toilet fits in the van anyway, covered and used as a stool most of the time ( excuse the pun ), so the awning is just an extra faff, as well as that, it makes the van dim and dingy inside when the drive away awning is attached, not letting light in, you can't win. The other thing is, even with the tunnel to the van taut, the fall is not enough to stop it from making a swimming pool when it rains, meaning pushing it up every now and then to get the water to drain away.
They are a faff alright. Our one does have a sewn in groundsheet. We would only ever take it now if staying in the same place for z week or more, its just too much faff to put up and down, but must say I do like it when it is up, takes me back to my tent camping days.
Hi Mike and Tricia, We have a Proace on order from Wellhouse and can’t fully decide on the wind out awning. Our main reservations are: as follows. Height restricted barriers- will the van still fit under car park barriers (2.1m) with the awning fitted? Awning gap between the awning cassette and the side of the van - this can let rain in. Windy conditions and the risk of damage to the awning and the vehicle. Any advice gratefully received. Many thanks. David
Hi David we wouldn't be without the wind out canope and have had no issues getting under 2.1m barriers. Rain coming in the gap is not a problem, just a very small amount gets through. The legs can be pegged down and the storm straps are very good. Above all, its so quick and easy to put up and down and if in any doubt about the weather we have it down in 2 mins. Great choice of van, you'll love it. We will be reviewing the new version in a couple of weeks.
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Thanks so much for your reply. Someone on the Wellhouse group suggested filling the awning gap with pipe insulation to prevent water coming through and that seems to do the job. Best regards, David
I like the idea of the wind-out but in a smaller camper with a child we take a lot of stuff and need somewhere to keep it all. I think that's the need for us. Otherwise a simple wind-out or even clip on feels like it may be the way...
Good fair review… mmmm we are the same as you, can’t decide, although I’m sure in moderates winds our awning is going to tear despite the hold down straps 🤔
We are both enjoying your journey and videos. You have convince us that it's better too late than never, to pull finger and get out on the road.We have a VW Maxi Caddy as our drive round which we are now planning to convert. May I ask what make is your wind out awning? we like the way yours sits with alongside the pop top. Are you able to get under shopping centre barriers? Many thanks.
Greetings from Dundee, set off today on the first trip in my new camper (Alphard). Cant figure out how to get the awning flush with the side of the van. Any tips? There’s a rare breeze blowing in !
Hey fellow Dundonian, by jings, brill van the Alphard, always difficult getting it tight to the van as awnings are not designed for specific van types, just need to fiddle about with the tension straps and do the best you can. Enjoy 😉
Thanks for a great review. I am getting my van from Wellhouse at end of year and was wondering about getting the roll out thingy! (Canopy?).This confirms for me as a solo traveller (with my little doggie, Gem) the Thule is well worth investing in. Thanks again , love your videos 👍
Thanks for another great video. Very helpful to see what a faff packing the awning away is, particularly if it is raining. A wind out seems to be the best if any. 👍 Do you find the packed awning a challenge to fit in the van with everything else?
Thanks Pete, no its not a problem as we have space, but it has to go up when we arrive unlike the wind out plus sides which we can decide if and when to put it up.
When doing the break down if Vango you can turn the valves 90 degrees so remain open when packing away. I would roll down the awning to push out all air before rolling and getting the final bit out. My 4 man tent packs away so small and tight if you push and roll out the air before the final rolling up. There is an Atwool video on you tube that shows the correct way to pack away air tents.
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot I think i have to turn my valves 90 degrees to the right or clockwise then back anti clockwise to the close position for pumping up
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot you will be able to feel it anyways as there should be a type of click when twisting the valve head. TBH the valves should remain open from when you initially deflate the tubes? I then run hands over the tubes pushing out the air as much as poss , then use the rolling techiqueto flat pack the awning / tent. i leave door and windows open all the way.
Hi, I'm just back from Wellhouse and have ordered the Thule awning as will be on my own most of the time and it looks the least onerous! Just wondering when I watched your first setup of the Thule video you had to stick a green 'thing' on, does that just stay there or do you have to remove each time? Thanks for your videos, so informative an helpful for me, especially as I am not good at understanding written instructions ! All the best
Hi Diane, the green thing stays there once its on. Thats a good choice going with that one, just take your time putting it up and down and once you have done it a few times you will be ab expert 😉. Thanks for watching and we are well chuffed that you like our videos.
You may well hear from me agian once I get the van ! I have gone for the reversing camera as well , those wing mirrors look a tad small to me ! Keep up the good work Both
I like the wind out for all the rasons mentioned but like many enjoy walking about in my underwear or even naked when camping and feel the drive away gives better privacy and doesn't frighten the horses
Another thing is I went through a few awnings before I found the similar Vango model to your one. (Cove II) Only thing I don’t like is the cowl that fits to the van. It holds water on it. But as you say the outside covered area on these Vango’s is a great design feature.
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Yes the outside covered area is what attracted me to the Vango Cove II. I actually had an Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air Midi at the time. It was at an NV200 meetup and Ken and Carol from Life Is To Short were there. The Outdoor Revolution split its seams and I immediately ordered the Vango 😂
I don't use any awning - the worst thing is putting it up in strong winds and heavy rain AND doing the same when taking down. As you know, bringing wet into the van is the worst enemy 👎😒
Agree, wet in the van is not good, and if you can do without one alls the better. We bought ours without having much experience and having paid out all that money we are blooming well going to use them 🤣
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On your storms straps if fitted flat...in high winds they are very noisy as they reverberate...put a twist in the line and this stops the noise.
Thanks Dawn, didnt know about that will give it a try. Just a few twists or lots of twists?
Two twists max. This is what we have found in trial and error.
@@dawngreen4074thanks for that, will give it a try👍
Folks, hubby and I found that using the storm flaps for our camper awning - we draped it from left to right across the top front of the awning, then tied it down. The twist was also effective to keep the noise down too.
Love the bunny hop.. I will try that tomorrow as I have one to work with this weekend.❤
Enjoy the exercise, you will find it works well 🤣
Indeed a good workout ! Small built and not much muscle took me 90 and 75 minutes to put and take down respectively. First time hope it will get better next time..😂😂
Really good honest video. Over many years of owning awnings we hate them. Stopping on the Norfolk coast camping sites etc. We have seen many awnings blown over the top of caravans and motorhomes. With roofs peeled back open like a tin of sardines. Awnings burnt as over the top covering gas heater outlets. Our caravan got damaged. Bugger to dry if nowhere to hang it up at home. So we don't have awnings or caravan just our motorhome. We do enjoy watching people putting them or down on a windy day. How on earth do you store all that stuff in ya van. Cheers from old George and Jane. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.👫🤠👍
Thanks both, yes they are a faff. On the evening of filming that, there was a huge crash from next door, we rushed out and the wind-out canope on the caravan next to us was being thrown about in the wind and the couple were trapped inside and we rushed to their rescue. So agree, they area hassle and thats why I wanted to emphasise that on the video, thanks for the feedback 👍
Thanks for your review, we are in that exact position at the moment so thanks for making it clearer to choose it's the one with the side, we like easy.
@@qwindowsanddoorsrepairsand9760 glad you found it useful 👍
Brilliant video pal 👍👍👍
Thank you.. we found it very insight full but still cant make up are minds between the Fiamma 45s side kit or a drive away awning. Thanks again for your honest review.
Brilliant advice, very clear, open and honest review. You have helped me make up my mind. Happy camping
Thanks Sean, appreciate it 👍
Being a solo camper, the Wind-out would be my option, easier to setup/dismantle 😃 Nice video 👍
Thanks, yes that would be a good choice for any solo camper👍
After trying to assemble the "divorce in a bag" several times now, I am a keen fan on the roll out awnings... Thumbs up from Yorkshire your friends at YPTA , great video again!
Cheers buddy, aye you can't beat a wee rolly upper, all the best👍
With my awning I found using a little compressor pump for erecting and taking the tent down. I had no issues with air left in the tubes and the speed the tube inflate and deflate makes life so much easier.
In the 60s My parents Sister and I used to camp with a "Grand Large" frame tent and a trailer. With all 4 of as helping we could put up the tent in 25 minutes. The awning seems to be as much trouble as the tent. Wind-out awning for me. The trailer was a REME workshop custom trailer with compartments for the canvas, frame and cooker etc.
We were tent people all our days before we got the van. Lived camping in tents but putting it all away in the rain was the worst, and that goes for awnings too, so in future we will stick to the wind out only.
We got a driveaway awning to accommodate 2 friends who came with us on a couple of occasions, great for that. Apart from then it doesn't get used. Frankly we found it took up too much room in transit, and was more bother than it was worth for just for sitting in. We just use the wind out canopy, no sides, as a sun shade, or rain shelter. If it's cold or wet we sit inside. But then we rarely stay too long on any one site, preferring to be mobile.
I think that's like a lot of people and its why we don't use the air awning very much, its not really worth the spend for such limited use.
Trish, I'm with you. The air awning is way, way too much work. Just think Mike, if a terrible, windy, unsuspecting storm came along and/or if you had to leave your sight for some emergency (heaven forbid) look how long it takes to take down the air awning and then dry off, fold and then put away all your stuff you had in it. I give a thumb up on the fold away. It's nice looking, it's a good wind/rain break and it can be taken down and put up fast. Good video folks. You sure gave your viewers a nice demonstration what's out there to choose from. Sure wish you "young kids" were around 20 years ago when we were first camping. You have great ideas.
Thanks Sandy, you are right, Trish won the argument and the fold away panels are best. We will still use the air awning, but only when we are away to a single site for a week or more. Also, thanks for calling us "young kids" that made our day.
Another great video with useful advise. Thanks for making these, they are really enjoyable.
Thanks Terry, appreciate the feedback 👍
Great review guys - thanks for sharing. We laughed when you were rolling up the awning and wondered if we could hirer you for the lawn lol .
Hi Stew, the diet is not working, lawns are my speciality and I do reasonable rates 🤣
Such an interesting vlog! Certainly made us think. We have a drive away on our VW, but now have a wind out on our Rapido
Thanks, they both have their uses i suppose depending on how long away and if travelling around or just at one site.
Which one is this one with moving walls/yous sitting in?great video by the way.thank you
I think it is nice to have a choice. We use attached awning with windbreaks for a weekend and our drive away when we go for 4 nights or more. Take care Gill
Thats true, having the choice is good depending on how long away 👍
That’s a good idea with the windbreaks.
Excellent video very well explained. I've had both types of awnings air and pole, myself I prefer the poled system much lighter and easy to handle. When packing the air awning away turn the awning upside down valve's facing upwards the air expells when rolling.
Thanks John for the tip, I think we would also have preferred the poled version, hind sight is a great thing, and air tents and awnings are maybe a passing fab
Yes I have both awning on my Mazda bongo and i find the some if your in one place for a week then drive away awning great but the wind out awning is so easy to wind out
I have a sprinter van with a sliding door. I am looking for an awning to stop rain coming into the van. I am fed up with the inside of the van getting wet. Reached 2:38 and you answered my question. Side panels are going to be a pain to store in the van.
They don't take up much room but a bit fiddly to put up and down.
We have a fixed Thule wind out awning on one side. We also have a polled drive away awning and because we have sliding doors on both sides we can have both. I looked at the side panels for the Thule awning and thought they were very pricey. We just have a windbreak which goes around the legs of the Thule awning and it works fine. Not completely enclosed but keeps most of the weather off and gives privacy.
Sounds like you have the best of both worlds. The poled awning will pack smaller than the air one but pros and cons with air v poled I suppose. The windbreak sounds like a good option 👍
Loving all your vids , really helpful,your such a lovely pair .
Thank you so much!
Definitely agree with Trish. We have the side straps on order and when we see how that firms up the rollout awning we will probably invest in the sides and front eventually. We are new to campervanning and seem to have spent a fortune already on accessories, but it’s been fun and thanks to you and our other favourite you tube channels hopefully we will be well equipped and not just ‘all the gear and no idea campers😂’🙂
Know what you mean, you buy the van and think that's it......its not, its the beginning and the quest for the perfect accessories begins 🤣
Hi,
We have only just bought our campervan, after life times of camping in tents and towing caravans. Our camper has a wind-out Fiamma awning and amazingly we have bought exactly the same drive-away awning as the one you chose (great minds ...). Now we have been talking about buying sides/front for our Fiamma , coincidentally using your logic exactly. Your video could hardly be more timely. We just have to decide what to do.
@@emogowl Glad that our logic helped, only you can really decide what's best for you. Don't know if you follow us but we have a larger van now which has a wind out canope and we have no other awnings or sides and are finding it suits us just fine👍💕🐾
Enjoyed your video as always.
We have the wind out awning and are researching options similar to where you guys are.
Have you come across the Thule QuickFit.
Seems a very useful option. Slung under the wind out awning and stored using up less space.
Keep up the good work entertaining as well as informative.
Excellent video as I was just trying to decide which to get! 👍
Glad that helped 👍
Love your honest and practical opinions in your views,much appreciated.we have like you both awnings and just this week (as thinking of selling) and brought out and attached our Thule awning as we had only used it once and that was to test it putting it up,our opinion was we thought a lot of hassle for only one night as if staying more than two we use drive away,now after watching video maybe try again ? Great video and Skye is amazing we have done it a few times,I don’t know why they call it NC500 as we stray so much we never ever do it in 500 miles 😂
Cool little bit of Scottish humour in there, love it. 🤙💞
Thanks, we usually have a bit of a laugh making these 🤣
Thanks for the comparison. We have two children so thinking of getting a blow up awning. But I didn't know Thule made the sides. I have a fiamma wind out awning on my t4 pop top. Oh love the Cockerpoo, just like ours similar mannerisms.
Glad it was of some help, the blow up certainly gives space and a good choice when parking up for a while. Keira is actually a miniature labradoodle but very like a cockapoo 👍🐾💕
I’ve picked up a drive away awning to go with my new van. My thinking is it means I can match the sleeping capacity to the travelling capacity. A lot of the time it will just be me on my lonesome though, so time will tell how often it makes the inventory. It looks like you might have the same Thule Omnistor that will be on my van - what drive away kit are you using?
Awnings are a ‘marmite’ subject in the Campervan fraternity you either love or hate them.
We don’t have a D A awning, we do have the ‘Comfort Room’ which is the same principle as the Thule. We prefer this as we can use none, one, two or three panels, we generally only use three if we are staying on one site for more than a few nights. We have 2 dogs so it’s great to have an area to dry them off if we are wet or to give them shade. We love it’s flexibility it takes up no space as we store the panels flat so it’s always with us.
You’re a wise man Mike, coming around to Trish’s thinking 😉
Thanks Gillian, she is nearly always right and still not managed to pass over the numpty mat. That will be just the ticket for your dogs, thats why I wanted the awning, for Keira, but now the side panels are preferred.....so she says 🤣
Thanks for this video! It has really helped us!
Thanks for the feedback Gavin, glad it helped.
More great advice and a very balanced approached to this issue, thanks.
Glad it was helpful! I think I came round to Tricia's thinking in the end.
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot hahahaha a good idea I think (to agree with Tricia). I have been of the opinion that I'd like to have something to be able to leave and come back to, but my wife also agrees with Tricia. The answer is very simple...... we're going to have both and take the air awning when we go away for more than a day or so.
@@davidbentley4099 exactly what we did 👍
Fantastic video guys and I love the honesty and comments for both. You have made my mind up as I was considering a blow up unit but I feel now, the sides have it. It is also true and a previous comment stated this, that the manufactures of overhead canopies have had long enough to come up with new innovative ideas for these which could easily be built into the canopy. To be first with an idea like this could make millions, what am I saying, I'm of to Google the patent office, bye. Thanks for sharing, brilliant. 👍
Apologies for the delay in responding to your comment. Agree whoever comes up with built in sides for overhead canopies could make millions. Need to get our thinking caps on. Tanks for your comment glad you're enjoying the channel. 👍
Great review, I have a converted VW camper and have the wind out awning. Also had both options that you reviewed my personal preference is the air awning. I have ordered a Screen 4 pro gazebo and a drive away tunnel but unfortunately out of stock at present so I cannot give a review on this but bought after being away with friends who had one and loved it. There are You tube videos online so worth while watching..
Sounds good and the air awnings we find are best when staying at s site for a few days minimum, they make for a right little home away from home.
I got the drive away Vango airbeam many years ago when they first came out. Quick and easy to put up and down. Huge additional space if you're staying for a couple of days. I could even use my hoselock shower in the 'vestibule ' area (we were camping in a field !). I dont have a wind out awning but I think I'd be interested if the manufacturers had spent a bit more time on the design. They've had long enough to come up with a better system which includes side panels
Good idea with the hoselock shower in that area, we had considered a stand alone shower tent but thats s good option for the awning👍
Great video Guys. Like you we have had all types of awnings. They are all a faff even more as I’m getting a bit ancient. However, the compromise we have found now is -The wind out but used with a tall windbreak for some protection. Or IF it is mega Sunny , The wind out with a sun panel attached to the front. PS Kiera didn’t seem to be helping much. 😂
We are agreed on that, a real faff. You are right about Keira, need to get her trained 😄
Glad to see someone else doing the Aligator death roll. I never pump the air out, just fold in thirds as you do and roll towards the open valve ends One last death roll and kablammo, bagged up.
Alligator death roll 🤣🤣🤣
We are with Trish on this one, quick and easy to put up and always handy in the van wins every time 😁👍
Like she said, the voice of reason and she wins.......as usual.
Nice information regarding both setups. I think you hit the nail on the head regarding which one to use. Depends on campsite duration. I’d be more the happy with the side panel variations. Packing away the driveway awning with inclement weather and the dreaded Scottish midge would do my head in.
Thanks for sharing 🦟⛈🥃
Thanks, yes it sounds like we are on the same page with awnings👍
I think I'd go with the side and front panels because it is quick easy and versatile.
Sounds like you agree with us 👍
At those latitudes I tend to agree..here in the south of Europe ..the G3 is not protecting us form the mosquitos and flies..:(
Really useful and helpful video. Thanks
You are welcome, hopefully it was a help.
Another very useful video. We are just buying a used campervan from Wellhouse with the same Thule 4900 awning so these are the very questions which swirl about my napper. I have half a mind to try and make some panels for the Thule and save the money for a poled driveaway in a smaller size than the Galli as u suggest (there being just the 2 of us). Thanks again.
Well done on your purchase 👏, live with it for a while and then work out what's best for you 👍
Very interesting debate ; we have a fiamma sun canopy but after our first trips and failed attempts with pop up toilets (that weren’t good with any sort of wind) we opted for a awning very similiar to yours. Certainly great for storage and sitting out in, particularly at night BUT the stress involved in putting them up and taking them down was taking the enjoyment out of going away. So we gave away the 400 pounds awning and reverted to travelling lighter. However we are off to Glencoe in August and reckon we need something to store bits in during the week. Thinking about a small utility tent that apparently is ok to use for free for storage on camp sites … we shall see.
We have used a pop up festival tent in the past, but trying to downsize often now so we don't need it, less is more sometimes. Glad we are not the only ones who have these dilemmas 🤣
My Outwell Air Awning got punctured and it was too much of a faff to repair the 3 chambers so I replaced it with a Poled one. So much easier. 3 hooped poles and a few guy ropes. Job done. None of that Exhausting Pumping and " Bunny Hoping"!
Yep, I agree the poled awnings are much less hassle ans less bulky.
Nice video! Having the same dillema: what to buy? I like the wind-out with sides and front but: how about the wind? Is it secure to go sleep and left the campervan awning open?
With the storm straps it's very secure and we would use these overnight if wind was forecast.
Hi guys.. just come across your well put together video… we are currently looking at the Thule awning, can I ask what size/length this one is?
Many thanks
Hi Steve, sorry for delay, been busy and on the road now without a measuring tape but I would say about 3 metres, we wouldn't be without it👍
Great video which wind out awning do you use please?
Thanks, its a Thule one.
Hi there. Thanks for the review - we find the drive away awning is best if you ar staying for a week or more but otherwise the wind out is the more practical option. With the drive away you also need to develop the knack of reattaching it to the van when you get back to your pitch - which does take a bit of doing!!
Thanks, I think we are in synch on this, both types of awning are useful depending on the circumstances 😀 👍
Got the same as you guys we only use air beam when staying for a week or more use canapé a lot more , cheers Broomies 👌
Snap! 1 week + = air awning, less = canope 🤣
I agree that drive always are a faff. I’ve had loads of different ones in the past. I now have the Thule wind out and a Quechua Base Seconds that cost me £49 in my old Bongo days. It’s fab in providing extra sleeping or storage space. It buts up neatly with the Thule and being a pop up is very quick and easy.. We use it if we’re away more than a few nights otherwise we pack light and rely on the Thule. Thanks for the video
Sounds like a great option, just shows you that you don't have to spend a fortune on expensive awnings that are a faff and end up staying at home a lot of the time.
Thanks, we have come to a similar conclusion but will use a simple sun awning rather than a wind out.
Sounds like we are on the same page👍
Hi again, Mike and Tricia. I don't have a wind-out awning and attach my Kampa Trip Air drive-away by a magnetic awning strip that's obviously removed when not in use. It works quite well and I've pondered using it with a tarp as a makeshift 'wind-out' but I suspect I would develop a very bad language problem if I did! I've also pondered the more expensive option of having a wind-out awning fitted but that's quite an expense, involves holes in the roof to fit the mounting brackets, adds weight to my van and enough extra height to deny me access below a 2.1m height barrier! That said it would provide a more secure fixing for my drive-away awning.
I like the versatility of the wind-out and side panels but if on a site for a couple of nights or more would probably want to put up a utility/shower/toilet type tent to use as well. With such a set-up in mind it seems I'm siding with Tricia.
Hi Donald, yes I think most people are on Tricia's side, and by the end of making that one, I think I was too. We definitely wouldn't be without the wind-out canope, and we can still get under 2.1m barriers, it just means we can have a shelter up for getting in and out in just a couple of minutes.
Like your shirt. It's my home town for all practical purposes.
Thanks, the shirt just caught my eye at the mall so snapped it up 🙂
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Did you happen to be visiting Portland at the time?
Only tried putting our awning up once on the van. You have put all the poles in and clip it to the van. It was very windy gave up. I did trial it in the garden. Looking at this i think we need a k strip? Argh. Or buy blowup awning. But all said i bought an ozark trail gazebo. It depends how long you are away for. Wind out awning is very useful especially with sides. Xxx thankyou very useful. We sometimes have so much stuff inflatable canoe chairs bbq etc xxx
P.s microfiber cloth always helpful for wiping down things like this our canoe is a bugger to put back in the bag with pump and 3 seats!! Oh and if we decide to take our 2 bikes away faff but fun..❤❤❤
Looks like a seat belt for your awning. Things can be so easily damaged in bad weather which can be a costly mistake. Can you do a video on to put up a windbreak without it falling down not the beach ones😂😂😂 only joking
P.s I have a broken pole which I spent about 2 hours Trying to re thread for it to snap. Just need to buy another pole. Xxx great advice.❤❤❤
Thanks for showing 👍👍👋👋
Thanks for watching 👀 🙂 👍
Another great video. 👍
Thanks again Kalo👍
good objective vid, thanks guys.
Hi guys great video. We have just swapped our LWB VW for a Proace. How do you manage to get the awning and everything in? Any tips on preparing and packing for a long trip?
Hi Brett, we have the rail system for the seats so we push them forward and that gives us all the space that we need.
Thanks for shareing this very interesting .
Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it 😀
Great video, thanks. For us and our three dogs (JRT, cockapoo and lurcher) it would be both, as our campervan already has the wind out awning but for a longer stay away, the extra space of a drive away awning would be necessary - but would it be the air awning or the poled one ? - that would be our biggest dilemma. 💕🐾
Thanks Irene, the space would be good for the dogs for sure👍
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot 👍👋
I have the newer version of yours with a proper sewn in ground sheet, the vango cove air 2. It is a nightmare to put up the way they advise. I find it easier putting it up as a tent, then moving the van to attach to it. Much easier to get it square. The thing is about the canopy covers, you have to take them down every time you want to go anywhere and they are see through and so not suitable for putting the toilet in. We have a lwb van so the toilet fits in the van anyway, covered and used as a stool most of the time ( excuse the pun ), so the awning is just an extra faff, as well as that, it makes the van dim and dingy inside when the drive away awning is attached, not letting light in, you can't win. The other thing is, even with the tunnel to the van taut, the fall is not enough to stop it from making a swimming pool when it rains, meaning pushing it up every now and then to get the water to drain away.
They are a faff alright. Our one does have a sewn in groundsheet. We would only ever take it now if staying in the same place for z week or more, its just too much faff to put up and down, but must say I do like it when it is up, takes me back to my tent camping days.
Hi Mike and Tricia,
We have a Proace on order from Wellhouse and can’t fully decide on the wind out awning. Our main reservations are: as follows.
Height restricted barriers- will the van still fit under car park barriers (2.1m) with the awning fitted?
Awning gap between the awning cassette and the side of the van - this can let rain in.
Windy conditions and the risk of damage to the awning and the vehicle.
Any advice gratefully received.
Many thanks.
David
Hi David we wouldn't be without the wind out canope and have had no issues getting under 2.1m barriers. Rain coming in the gap is not a problem, just a very small amount gets through. The legs can be pegged down and the storm straps are very good. Above all, its so quick and easy to put up and down and if in any doubt about the weather we have it down in 2 mins. Great choice of van, you'll love it. We will be reviewing the new version in a couple of weeks.
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Thanks so much for your reply. Someone on the Wellhouse group suggested filling the awning gap with pipe insulation to prevent water coming through and that seems to do the job.
Best regards,
David
@@DwamesOwer didn't know about that hack, but its never been a problem for us but each to their own 👍
I haven't got a camper van so I don't need an awning. But I love the video. 😁
Thanks Helen, that's the most important thing to us 😄👍
Good video for someone thinking do we need one. What was the name of the camp site you was on please 👍🥰
That was Mickleton, it will be on the next video, should be out on Friday, thanks for watching👍
I like the idea of the wind-out but in a smaller camper with a child we take a lot of stuff and need somewhere to keep it all. I think that's the need for us.
Otherwise a simple wind-out or even clip on feels like it may be the way...
Everyone has their own circumstances and so the awning sounds the best option for you guys👍
Great help think i would go for the wind out with sides
Yes, that's best for travelling around 👍
What make is your awning our van is also a wee broon Toyota
@@jenniferhall1783 it's a Thule. Sounds like our Maggie has a twin 🙂
Good fair review… mmmm we are the same as you, can’t decide, although I’m sure in moderates winds our awning is going to tear despite the hold down straps 🤔
I don't think we will ever fully trust the straps, moderate wind ok, but if its forecast to be stronger winds we would take it down.
We are both enjoying your journey and videos. You have convince us that it's better too late than never, to pull finger and get out on the road.We have a VW Maxi Caddy as our drive round which we are now planning to convert. May I ask what make is your wind out awning? we like the way yours sits with alongside the pop top. Are you able to get under shopping centre barriers? Many thanks.
So glad to hear that you are enjoying our videos. Its a Thule one, and it just adds 8cm or so to the height so ok for barriers.
Thank you, Osmo Action on order as well.
Greetings from Dundee, set off today on the first trip in my new camper (Alphard).
Cant figure out how to get the awning flush with the side of the van. Any tips? There’s a rare breeze blowing in !
Hey fellow Dundonian, by jings, brill van the Alphard, always difficult getting it tight to the van as awnings are not designed for specific van types, just need to fiddle about with the tension straps and do the best you can. Enjoy 😉
Thanks! Getting to grips with it, hopefully see you out there on the road some day. Your channel helped us get started !
Thanks for a great review. I am getting my van from Wellhouse at end of year and was wondering about getting the roll out thingy! (Canopy?).This confirms for me as a solo traveller (with my little doggie, Gem) the Thule is well worth investing in. Thanks again , love your videos 👍
Thanks Diane, the roll out watchamacallit is the best no doubt, I'm sure you will love your new van.
Getting a Toyota as well 👍. Have learnt so much from your experiences , thanks and keep up the good work!
@@dianegalpin8378 thanks so much, that means a lot.
Thanks guys you are right ☺️🏴
Cheers 🍻 its a faff alright.
Is that heavy weight roller available for sale or rent? ;-)
It should be a lot lighter when we get away this year 🤞🤣
Do you find there is a gap that flaps between the side panel and canopy? How do you get round it?
Yes there is a gap and we just pull the strap taute at the bottom as best we can and it does not give us a problem.
Greetings from Poland.
On reflection, Wind-Out for me.
Where did you get the bed that you slept on once on the awning?
We got it at Knowepark
www.knowepark.co.uk/
Thanks for another great video. Very helpful to see what a faff packing the awning away is, particularly if it is raining. A wind out seems to be the best if any. 👍
Do you find the packed awning a challenge to fit in the van with everything else?
Thanks Pete, no its not a problem as we have space, but it has to go up when we arrive unlike the wind out plus sides which we can decide if and when to put it up.
What make and model is your wind out awning?
It was Thule, dont know model sold van a while back
I don't want to know how you flip a shiv so deftly lol
When doing the break down if Vango you can turn the valves 90 degrees so remain open when packing away. I would roll down the awning to push out all air before rolling and getting the final bit out. My 4 man tent packs away so small and tight if you push and roll out the air before the final rolling up. There is an Atwool video on you tube that shows the correct way to pack away air tents.
Thanks for the tips, we will do that next time 👍
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot I think i have to turn my valves 90 degrees to the right or clockwise then back anti clockwise to the close position for pumping up
@@ghost70 I think we are the same 👍
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot you will be able to feel it anyways as there should be a type of click when twisting the valve head. TBH the valves should remain open from when you initially deflate the tubes? I then run hands over the tubes pushing out the air as much as poss , then use the rolling techiqueto flat pack the awning / tent. i leave door and windows open all the way.
I think the answer is get a small driveway awning ….like vango, Elwood van awning😉
That could be the answer and poled rather than blow up is probably better, certainly less bulky to carry around.
What about the pole version of the drive away version, think they do one
Yes with hind sight, I think we would have preferred the poled version.
Great video very informative new sub here😍
Thanks Desmond, appreciate that 👍
Hi guys at 01.24 there is a cover on windows on van is that all part of the pop top thank you
Hi Ann, no these are the rainbow screens, we did a video about them if you look back on the channel.
Hi, I'm just back from Wellhouse and have ordered the Thule awning as will be on my own most of the time and it looks the least onerous! Just wondering when I watched your first setup of the Thule video you had to stick a green 'thing' on, does that just stay there or do you have to remove each time? Thanks for your videos, so informative an helpful for me, especially as I am not good at understanding written instructions ! All the best
Hi Diane, the green thing stays there once its on. Thats a good choice going with that one, just take your time putting it up and down and once you have done it a few times you will be ab expert 😉. Thanks for watching and we are well chuffed that you like our videos.
You may well hear from me agian once I get the van ! I have gone for the reversing camera as well , those wing mirrors look a tad small to me ! Keep up the good work
Both
Many an awning has caused a divorce, glad to see you too can both agree and work as a team. Carry on camping
Yep, divorce in a bag, we usually have a bit of a laugh putting it up especially if its windy.
What's the bbq setup called?
Its a COBB 👍
I like the wind out for all the rasons mentioned but like many enjoy walking about in my underwear or even naked when camping and feel the drive away gives better privacy and doesn't frighten the horses
Or the sheep 🐑 😉
The inflatable just reminds me of the farce of camping with a tent that a van would hopefully get me away from. Wind out everytime for me.
Yep, its a bit like camping again so wind out wins for us too👍
Have both, but a poled drive away.
I'll bet its less bulky than than a same size air one.
When you deflate using the pump you need to remove the pressure gauge as it’s a one way valve. That’s how it is on my vango tent anyway….
Thanks, must remember to give that a try.
Buy a footprint, then you don’t have to dry the base, plus even tho the pump has a deflate it doesn’t do that, take a look at attwoolls video.
We find that it does deflate it a bit, but not completely. Good suggestion with the footprint but something else to carry 🤔
My campervan is smaller than your one and I like having an awning for extra space.
Another thing is I went through a few awnings before I found the similar Vango model to your one. (Cove II) Only thing I don’t like is the cowl that fits to the van. It holds water on it. But as you say the outside covered area on these Vango’s is a great design feature.
Yes they are great for extra space and just chilling out for a few drinks.
@@christianlewisphotography6910 the outside covered area is our favourite part, great for barbies or just sitting out watching the world go by
@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Yes the outside covered area is what attracted me to the Vango Cove II. I actually had an Outdoor Revolution Cayman Air Midi at the time. It was at an NV200 meetup and Ken and Carol from Life Is To Short were there. The Outdoor Revolution split its seams and I immediately ordered the Vango 😂
👍
Thanks Kalo!
GOOD VID
Cheers👍
Just saying..... Pump the air out as you bunny hop 🤙 perfect solution
You can have that for a freebie LoL
Thanks will try that the next time. Any more freebie tips, let us know 😉
I think it’s easier to have a decent stand alone tent
You can get wet with rhatvoption going in and out but that would just be a minor inconvenience so yes agree its a good option.👍
I don't use any awning - the worst thing is putting it up in strong winds and heavy rain AND doing the same when taking down. As you know, bringing wet into the van is the worst enemy 👎😒
Agree, wet in the van is not good, and if you can do without one alls the better. We bought ours without having much experience and having paid out all that money we are blooming well going to use them 🤣