More sun canopy frustration!

[Treetalk]

Well, I went ahead and bought the Isabella Sun Canopy 240 - and attached it to the figure of 8 when I went away last week.

Unfortunately the "flapping" of the canopy in the breeze was an issue at night. It was only a moderate breeze, but it woke me up early morning, even shaking the bongo!

I also found it a bit of a faff to put up to be honest, but that could be me

I know the Fiamma F45 is quite a popular awning, if more expensive. Its nice and easy to put up. However, I think someone told me once, it can shake or rattle in its casing when you are driving. Is that people's experience? If so, that wouldn't work for me.

Surprisingly, I did find the bongo's height meant I could happily sit in the shade without the need for the canopy. However, I did find it nice to have a canopy of some kind; it just adds some space in some way.

If I'm still unclear, I might ask people at the Cornwall meetup in a few weeks time .

[g8dhe]

I've never noticed anything significant noise wise from the F45 I've had on the vehicle for the last 11-12 years.

[Treetalk]

Thanks g8, that sounds promising, I can think some more about it for next year.

[Flanners]

By their design such sun canopies are going to flap and luff, they also depending on the orientation of the van and the wind act as a giant sail and fill with air which is entertaining Looking at the one you just purchased the first review on google states it flaps very badly. I have the Khyam Sun Canopy and pleased with it for the money; it flaps in the wind so I don't use it then, I also would not ever leave it up overnight as it is just not substantial or secure enough unlike an awning. As I only 'wild camp' it's use is pretty infrquent but is useful to have as it is shower proof as well.

[mikeonb4c]

By their design such sun canopies are going to flap and luff, they also depending on the orientation of the van and the wind act as a giant sail and fill with air which is entertaining Looking at the one you just purchased the first review on google states it flaps very badly. I have the Khyam Sun Canopy and pleased with it for the money; it flaps in the wind so I don't use it then, I also would not ever leave it up overnight as it is just not substantial or secure enough unlike an awning. As I only 'wild camp' it's use is pretty infrquent but is useful to have as it is shower proof as well.

Good points. I have a Caravanstore and it and things like the F45 use a material more substantial than the tent material some of these canopies are made of. As a result they are less prone to flapping i think.

[TheLongRoad]

We've got bthe F35 ('cus it was cheaper and weighs less) Never been an issue when driving. It has been out in stormy weather, no bother, but you do hear it flap a bit. Use some big tie down straps and steel pegs rather than the cord that comes as standard.

[Treetalk]

Thanks all.

I hadn't thought of that but maybe F35 better for my purposes. I just want a small canopy in the sun , thats easy to put up and down, and doesn't rattle when travelling.

[Roy748]

Hi
I made a 2.7m × 3m sun canopy using a 3×3 meter hammock cover bought off Amazon. It just needed cutting and hemming to 2.7m wide and sowing in a fixing strip, which was then filled with 6mm nylon rope. Fits the 8 mm figure of 8 easily and quickly. Strong and light weight and can be removed in less than 30 seconds. Held up using 2 steel awning poles in each corner.