Using a Thule Omnistor

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We too have the Fiamma Caravanstore and would echo AD's comments.  If your caravan has the opening for an awning to be threaded into the rail about 2/3rds up the side then you need not worry yourself about making one with a blunt object.  Sure most caravans have this entry point.   I would add that you should make sure that you get some lugs to stop the 'awning' sliding in the rail when towing, they are very cheap and widely available.  When measuring, the widest awning you can get is the length of the straight part of your awning rail.  Very happy with mine, have used it for 7 yrs now and it is begining to show its age.  A couple of years ago a small tear appeared on one side where it is sewn into the sleeve; a quick visit to a local sail maker was all that was needed to get a good and cheap repair.  This incident shows that they are not very wind tolerant and you should roll them back into their bag if the wind gets too strong!  They are very easy to put up and roll away, I have even used ours for en route lunch stops in hot climes (ah memories!).

I also use a Fiamma 3.5 metre in a bag,. Whether Omnistore or Fiamma, just be sure your bag doesn't rest on the awning light above the door, I lowered my light on my Lunar eventually so the bag rests evenly along the surface.

Thank you for the information you have all provided.

The awning bag will unfortunately sit on the Awning light and clearly that is something to avoid. I am considering unscrewing the locking blocks and sliding the bag forward when travelling away from the light and then moving it back when on pitch if that makes any sense. I have looked at the awning light and don’t feel it can be moved.

Any other advice would be appreciated when using this type of awning, for instance in regard to the performance in the wind.

The advice is much appreciated.

Nick

Yes sliding it along will cure the light problem, unfortunately my straight awning rail takes nearly the full length bag so no room to slide. I never thought about it when I bought it.

My awning bag sits on the awning light and I have not had a problem.  Perhaps I have been lucky!

I have some storm guys which I use to make the awning more secure and I also  put pegs in the bottom of the poles to stop them lifting - the awning can act like a wing and want to lift off in strong winds.  It is only in very strong winds, say force 6 + when you need to roll it back into it's bag and as this only takes a few minutes (5 at the most) it is not a problem.  I do not have sides for my Fiamma, I am told that if you fit sides the awning is more secure.  Don't get over concerned about this problem just be aware if the forecast is for strong winds.

 

 

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Personally I would have put ours away well before it reached force 6+. Force 6 is 25 mph and could result in serious damage. 
In general we found it would tolerate a constant wind fairly well, however gusts were problematic. I operated on the principle if in doubt put it away. It’s a right pain wrestling with it at 3am when you have been awakened by the flapping noise.

The problem I have been told when it is really windy onto the front of  canopies with storm straps etc it is the stress on the awning rails as many are an externally screwed? and sealant fixed into soft wood, 

All,

Thank you again for the information and advice, very helpful and much appreciated.

Looks like we may well buy one.