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Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 1:41 pm
by digitalgypsy
Hello all,

I'm considering buying an Ezy-Awning from a company called Bus Depot: http://www.busdepot.com/details/awning/

They look pretty good to me: 5 mins to put up after practice, pack small and lots of accessories/options. I was considering a Fiamma F35 Pro but I'm really not keen at drilling into the van for the fixings. The main thing I was wondering is if they are suitable for the gutter on the AFT. Seem no problem though! http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/585469.jpg Here's some more info if interested:

- http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g186/ ... G_1898.jpg (optional self supporting wheel clamps)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxejyDbNM14 (instructions)

Has anyone else had any experience with these awnings?? Any opinions much appreciated! :)

Steve

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:19 pm
by helen&tony
Hi
Very nice...and to my mind, better than a Fiamma, especially the domed shape, and it looks darned good with the full awning kit....Go and buy one and be a "first"....should be no trouble fitting to a gutter!...the whole deal looks impressive 8) 8) 8)
Cheers
Helen

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:43 pm
by digitalgypsy
That's the reply I was looking for Helen! :P Yeah I think several aspects are better than a Fiamma i.e. price, more lightweight...and more flexible in some respects.

I shall buy one :)

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 4:46 pm
by janie
Hello,

I really like the look of it too, especially the kit that attaches to the wheels etc. Keep us updated :)

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:14 pm
by Poohbear
I liked the look of the tailgate shelter. At $69.95 I thought it looked like a bargain, that is until I got a quote for shipping to the UK, the shipping price is more than the shelter so the price goes up to around $150. Shame, because it looks like good stuff.

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:33 pm
by francophile1947
Lots of campsites don't allow gazebos and, as that looks a bit like a gazebo, may cause problems when you arrive at a site :roll:

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:42 pm
by Poohbear
francophile1947 wrote:Lots of campsites don't allow gazebos and, as that looks a bit like a gazebo, may cause problems when you arrive at a site :roll:
I don't see why, as it's clearly not a gazebo?

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 5:55 pm
by digitalgypsy
Maybe I'm biased but looks like the only thing resembling a gazebo is the dome shaped roof...a gazebo would be something detached from van and probably bigger?

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 6:34 pm
by helen&tony
Hi
John may well be right on the awning / gazebo thing, but there might be a way of getting a cheap stencil, and writing "Awning" on a side panel, but as it has a very obvious gutter attachment, and secure pegging/ vehicle fittings like the wheel anchors, it would obviate any worries of a site owner....all they care about is a cheap'n'nasty gazebo blowing off and damaging other units....A couple of extra anchors from the gutter-mount to the wheel anchors via guy ropes, and it's pretty solid!
Bear in mind, though, some sites are picky!...but I don't use or haven't ever used that type of site...We've always done CLs, with the odd exception
Cheers
Helen

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 7:39 pm
by Dr Fingers
Hmm looks interesting. Were the shipping costs confirmed, or was that just what came up at checkout? They say on their web site to email them direct for a shipping quote, as checkout quote might be wrong..

Derek

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:22 pm
by scanner
Could be worth seeing if a group buy of 3 or 4 would be better value on shipping costs.

You also have to remember there may be extra import charges on top, but if several are bought for delivery in one go there will then be only one admin charge by the courier who does the importing, not an admin charge for each customer. The admin charge is usually at least £10 +VAT.

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:30 pm
by digitalgypsy
The awning comes with guy lines btw "As shipped, the Ezy-Awning can be held down by as little as two stakes – one through each leg – and no guy ropes (although guy ropes and additional stakes are provided for use in windier conditions)" Some photos guy lines here: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... ?p=6059759 I would think nothing could be more secure with the weight of a Bongo as well!! Using the wheel clamp things I mean.

I'll email them to get a quote for shipping costs. Very likely I'll be happy to be the guinea pig for this awning :)

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:32 pm
by digitalgypsy
Hmmm, thanks Scanner. Maybe I'll suggest that idea in the group buys section...

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2014 9:40 pm
by scanner
I could be interested in one of the 12x8 ones.

Re: Bus Depot Ezy-Awning

Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2014 1:29 am
by digitalgypsy
I've just emailed them for a mail quote on awning plus awning sides and few other things. Will let you know reply!