Awning compatibility Swift Sprite Quattro EW

HelWal replied on 31/07/2020 12:54

Posted on 31/07/2020 12:54

Hi, we are new to caravaning and will soon be completing the purchase of a Swift Sprite Quattro EW 626, the Expression edition. We have the chance to,purchase a second hand awning used for a Swift Charisma 560. The seller has advised us that the awning size is 975cm. The information I’ve found online for our Quattro indicates awning size 1052cm, does this mean the Charisma awning will be too small or is there some flexibility with sizes ? Thanks ! 

Oxfordeagle15 replied on 31/07/2020 14:01

Posted on 31/07/2020 14:01

From the info provided it seems it will not fit.  However if the awning is a good buy, you might consider sending it to a specialised awning company who can add a roof segment and bring it to the required size.  However that is not an inexpensive exercise so it might be better to look for another pre-loved one.  Hope this helps.  

Trini replied on 31/07/2020 14:21

Posted on 31/07/2020 14:21

We had our full Ventura awning altered by Trio Pair in Pontefract and they used the same material so the increase in size which os around the change youre needing, is indistinguishable. 

http://triopair.com/index.html

 

richardandros replied on 31/07/2020 14:24

Posted on 31/07/2020 14:24

Welcome to the forum HW and I hope you enjoy your new hobby. I reckon the quoted size for your van is the maximum size that your van can take - but even that's not set in stone, these days!

You can have any size awning you want, providing it doesn't exceed the maximum length of the awning track. And even then, you can effectively exceed it by having an awning with a zip-in annexe - which is independent of the awning rail - giving you even more room if you need it.

Our van is 8.1m long and we have two awnings.  One, a small 220 Sunncamp which just covers the door and one window and is fine for short stays and somewhere to dump boots and wet jackets etc.  The other is a Kampa 390 Grande - which at 3m deep gives loads of space and although it's much shorter than the van is still a big awning.

Rather than commit to something that might seem an attractive deal at the moment - go and look at a selection of awnings erected and see how you feel about them.  Look at things such as flexibility of doors / windows etc - which ones can be removed and which can't.  The big Kampa we have has removable side panels and front windows that fold right back, effectively turning it into a sunshade - ideal when conditions permit!

I don't know where you're based but Yorkshire Caravans at Bawtry (I have no connection with them but we bought our previous van from there) have an excellent selection of awnings on display and give good advice.  I am sure there are many other, similar sized dealers around the country.

If it's a private sale, you could always ask the seller to erect the awning on the van before you commit to it - and see what you think.

Ideally, you want to make sure that neither edge of the awning covers a window, otherwise there is a danger of scratching the window and being unable to get a tight seal against the side of the van.

HelWal replied on 31/07/2020 18:01

Posted on 31/07/2020 18:01

Thank you all for your very helpful replies ! As newbies it’s great to know there is so much help and advice available from seasoned caravaners smile We are down in the West Midlands but will take your advice Richard and go take a look at a selection before we buy . Thank you all again for your help . Best wishes , Helen 

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