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Post by peterholden on Mar 9, 2007 14:18:12 GMT
Can anyone give me some advice on movelite awnings. How successfully do they fit on the back of an Outlook? Should I buy the big one or the small one?
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Post by jimconnachan on Mar 9, 2007 19:46:02 GMT
I have the smaller version which I use with an Duo Outlook.(not a hylo) There are two small disadvantages which I have found:
1. You really need two people to erect it and they state this on their website.
2. The door of the van tends to catch the connecting shroud when opening. This not too bad as you can use this feature to keep you door open.
We have found the extension very useful for stays on site of over three days. We also use it to store our bikes.
Regards,
Jim Connachan
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Post by viv on Mar 9, 2007 21:34:06 GMT
Hi Jim
I am going to use mine (the smaller one) for the first time at the meet so will discover these disadvantages I bet.
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Post by peterholden on Mar 10, 2007 15:24:46 GMT
Have been to Dave Barropn Caravans, Chapel Lane Coppull, Chorley this afternoon and I have bought a movelite awning for £131! Yes thats right £131. They sell the movelite XL for £151 but we decided that it would be too big. Peter Holden
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dora
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by dora on Mar 30, 2007 17:07:05 GMT
After a lot of deliberation we bought a VRX Movelite from Riversway Liesure Preston (down by Macro on the docks) for £140. It's about 8ft x 8ft. It works pretty well and is easy to reverse back into. The door does catch a little on the sleeve but doesn't get in the way too much. It has openings on three sides and comes with a groundsheet and optional inner sleeping tent. It's very lightweight and compact which is the main thing. Putting up gets easier with practice (we are still married!) but easier if you are tall. We are certainly happy with it.
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Post by Graham on Apr 1, 2007 17:13:16 GMT
Hi Dora
Glad you managed to get what you wanted, we have just come back from the meet at Devizes and Viv has got one but she hasn't tried it out yet, so its interesting to hear that you managed to put it up OK.
Regards
Graham
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Post by peterholden on Apr 13, 2007 7:51:58 GMT
Have now tried my awning and it is a pretty good fit although we found it best to put it slightly to one side (only a few inches) so that the romahome door can open and close easily. Just a couple of points: It goes up easily but a bit of practice is needed. I think that the groundsheet needs more eyelets in it so that you can peg it down in the doorways to prevent accidents and also to keep the black tape out of the way. I also think that the connecting sleeve needs the awning bead removing and I used a couple of guys to keep the sleeve pulled onto the van roof.
I have a photo when I have the time work to how to post it on the page
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Post by yamaha on Apr 13, 2007 8:50:11 GMT
Peter said "I used a couple of guys to keep the sleeve pulled onto the van roof."
That was very Public spirted of them, Peter - didn't their wives mind?
Mike
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Post by Sotontraveller on Jun 3, 2007 15:44:40 GMT
This is a response I sent to Graham which went through the "Folding Bikes" string. I thought it might be useful here too !
Graham - where is "Romahome items for sale" ? Is it on this site or ano ?
I do have a full blown Romahome awning which I'm learning to use - currently with a love / hate relationship ! It's great when it's up but it can be pain getting it there and then drying it out once I'm on the road again. (It always rains when I use it). It does provide brilliant space. I think it is well worth the effort for 3 nights +, anything less is questionnable.
I have just bought a utility tent for the short stops. This is being put to the test in the next two weeks. More on this anon.
What does yours offer over / above / different to the two I have, please ?
(Should I have put this reply under "Awnings" string ?.....)
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Post by yamaha on Jun 3, 2007 16:33:06 GMT
Hi Sotontraveller The Quick-n-Easy awning can be seen on this link - it's pictured on the second picture down :- www.avonmotorcaravans.co.uk/pfs.mhtml?eng_no=0&override=true&mode=SEARCH&count-num=141955It is ideal for an overnight stop - Derek also uses one, and swears by it. An ideal "extra" space to keep that important "junk" overnight, so that you can make up the bed without the clutter - and you know it's safe outside. It isn't a free-standing awning - although I believe Derek managed to do so with some extra ropes, etc - but it literally goes up in about 10 mins - so ideal for a 1 night stop. See how you get on - I haven't advertised it anywhere else at the moment. Mike
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Post by Derek on Jun 3, 2007 20:43:42 GMT
Our Avon Quick TentWe have the the version for the Hylo and are very pleased with it. I decided to try freestanding it, we have since made a curtain for the front. Good Points Really quick to put up and even quicker to take down Very easy to dry Light weight and packs up small You don't need curtains It has a breathable groundsheet so when you kick over the dogs water it goes straight through Not So Good Points Flaps around a lot in the wind, drives you mad . We have made some clips to fit the edge next to the van so that limpets can be used to tension the canvas which help. If you want windows it hasn't got any. Derek
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Post by Sotontraveller on Jul 26, 2007 18:52:36 GMT
Hi, Everyone - this is Freda with the little Utility tent I bought to house my junk to save having to put up the hard-work purpose-designed awning I also have. The tent was great. It only has two poles (4 guys), a large door at the front, window at the back and pocket for loo roll inside ! It didn't take long to erect, say 20 minutes. I could get it down in no time, especially when it was raining. It doesn't, of course, fit against Freda but in the summer - despite the rain - I didn't find this too much of a disadvantage. At £40, including p+p, it was a good buy. Very light and compact too. As for the awning / winter - time will tell
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Post by moya on Jul 27, 2007 11:12:57 GMT
We just bought the same as that recently (Outhouse) instead of using the Movelite awning all the time. It is brilliant, especially when raining as so much easier to put up and take down. We will take that on our two week holiday this year instead of the awning as we are changing sites a few times and will be easier.
Is that a tie down strap you have got on it? We wondered whether to buy one in case of windy conditions but didn't know if was necessary.
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alan
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Real gone !
Posts: 74
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Post by alan on Jul 27, 2007 19:20:02 GMT
We have an Outhouse and tried using it on a visit to Durham. The site was quite exposed, and the wind was moderatly strong, we had to take down the Outhouse before it blew away. Due to it's small base area, and relative hight, the wind bent the whole structure and pulled the pegs from the ground. I doubt we shall use it again !
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Post by Derek on Jul 27, 2007 20:44:39 GMT
We have an Outhouse and tried using it on a visit to Durham. The site was quite exposed, and the wind was moderatly strong, we had to take down the Outhouse before it blew away. Due to it's small base area, and relative hight, the wind bent the whole structure and pulled the pegs from the ground. I doubt we shall use it again ! Straight from the outdoor revolution website www.outdoor-revolution.com/outhouse.phpSounds like a meaningful discussion with the firm is called for, trades description and all that. Derek
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Post by moya on Jul 28, 2007 9:51:01 GMT
We have an Outhouse and tried using it on a visit to Durham. The site was quite exposed, and the wind was moderatly strong, we had to take down the Outhouse before it blew away. Due to it's small base area, and relative hight, the wind bent the whole structure and pulled the pegs from the ground. I doubt we shall use it again ! The first time we used ours we had gusting winds and pouring rain and last weekend it rained all day Monday and slight winds and no problems. We did put two clips on the back side in the middle and pegged them and also one in the middle of each side to pull the material closer to the ground so the wind didn't get underneath. That is why I wondered if we need bother with a tie down strap. What I liked was that we could take it down so easily, pouring with rain of course, chucked it in a bin bag and dried it at home over a clothes horse. It was dry and ready to pack in the bag again the next day. Durham is our first stop on our holiday so you have got me worried now Alan. We are staying at the Grange CC site. Mind you by the time we go it might be brilliant sunshine and no winds blowing. We live in hope!
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Post by lunnie on Jul 28, 2007 13:25:51 GMT
Use Delta pegs for any tent or awnings, and the fabric will rip before the pegs do!! personally tried them out in 60mph gales at Morecambe.
ebay Groundeltapegs, 90p each, but well worth it, if you are a member of ukcs then you receive a further 10% discount. Rob Orr is the inventor.
Storm straps are always a good idea when camping in Cornwall.
Joan
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Post by Derek on Jul 29, 2007 22:41:59 GMT
Use Delta pegs for any tent or awnings, and the fabric will rip before the pegs do!! personally tried them out in 60mph gales at Morecambe. Storm straps are always a good idea when camping in Cornwall. Joan The only time I nearly had a tent go flying was when the pegs failed. Interesting about the Delta pegs, I must get a few. I use rock pegs like this most of the time as we are normally on gravel hard standing. Put them in with a claw hammer, use the claw to get them out. I have always set storm guys with frame tents (or the freestanding awning), I guess storm straps do the same job on bendy pole tents. I use larger pegs on the storm guys, great big spikes normally, I hate pegs that bend I have found that the pegs that have been supplied with tents and awnings were nearly all useless (the Avon Quicktent was a notable exception). Derek
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Post by moya on Jul 30, 2007 9:55:42 GMT
I have found that the pegs that have been supplied with tents and awnings were nearly all useless (the Avon Quicktent was a notable exception). Derek We have said the same thing Derek - pegs supplied are useless. We always use the rock pegs as well. Thinking the same thing about getting a few Delta pegs.
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aileen
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
Posts: 41
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Post by aileen on Aug 3, 2007 19:15:45 GMT
Hi Everyone, I was going to tell you about my camping shed equivalent, but it seems that you have found the outhouse before me. We have some old poles that we use to prop up the open door too, so we can have it as a canopy straight to the van. I am on the look out for some heavy duty rubber sucker things, so I could perhaps stick the canopy to the van, but am afraid of some of the hits I get when I google rubber clamps or anything similar! (Try it and you will see what I mean) I was thinking of something that worked the way the suckers on sat-navs stick to the windscreen. Any suggestions there? Thanks a lot, Aileen.
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Post by yamaha on Aug 3, 2007 20:08:44 GMT
They may be a bit large - but how about a pair of window fitters glass clamps? They are large suckers, applied and released with a handle built in. Try the Tool Station, if you have one nearby.
Mike
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Post by Derek on Aug 3, 2007 20:14:11 GMT
We have some old poles that we use to prop up the open door too, so we can have it as a canopy straight to the van. I am on the look out for some heavy duty rubber sucker things, so I could perhaps stick the canopy to the van, but am afraid of some of the hits I get when I google rubber clamps or anything similar! (Try it and you will see what I mean) I was thinking of something that worked the way the suckers on sat-navs stick to the windscreen. Any suggestions there? Thanks a lot, Aileen. Hi Aileen We have tried dent pullers similar to this. www.amazon.co.uk/MINI-SUCTION-PANEL-DENT-PULLER/dp/B000R08YJWI think ours came from a market stall selling tools. They do work but tend to fall off after a while. Derek
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Post by Sotontraveller on Aug 29, 2007 16:49:49 GMT
Hi, Moya - sorry it's taken so long for me to get back to you. I've been away rather a lot !!! Yes, I do have a tie-down strap and I found it extremely worthwhile whilst caught in all that rain and wind in Northern Ireland. I also use the pegs that you and Derek use. They are good news. Pity the manufacturer doesn't include instructions as to how to actually set up the guy ropes. Once I had a friend sort them out for me properly, it made a huge difference both to stability and ease of erection subsequent times. I love the Outhouse and strongly recomment the tie-down strap - just for peace of mind, good nights' sleep and insurance against anything stored in the outhouse getting a drenching sometime.
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Post by moya on Aug 29, 2007 19:16:42 GMT
Hi Sotontraveller, Thanks for the info. Do you put the strap through the gap where th poles cross over at the top? Might see you around sometime as you don't live far from us. We are near Fareham and on Monday we were in St Denys visiting my brother for the day.
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Post by langan513 on Sept 9, 2007 10:35:18 GMT
Hi everyone We're novices at this awning business and have no idea how to pitch a bendypole movelite on concrete. I've read a cryptic comment on the web about bungies, ?? to hold the ends together under tension inside the awning. Sounds like instant divorce to me. Help! Jean and Leslie
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Post by Graham on Sept 9, 2007 14:32:38 GMT
Hi Jean and Leslie
Can't answer your question but I thought I would just say hello and welcome to the forum.
I know there are quite a few folks on here with Movelite awnings, they seem to be very popular, so hopefully someone will be able to help you.
Graham
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Post by langan513 on Sept 10, 2007 18:21:53 GMT
Thanks very much for the welcome........and I think I'm snookered with my question. A chap at Glossops Caravans said some folk make a wooden frame with uprights/holes for the tensioned ends of the poles. But that doesn't help the guy ropes, unless sites turn a blind eye to them being dug into the grass. I'll have to go to sites with gravel hardstanding, or do without............ but we've only got a tiny Romahome mounted on a Dihatsu pickup, three dogs and my other half is 6 foot 2!
Jean
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