Hi, we have this awning. The main issue we have is when it rains the water pools in the middle as there is probably too much distance between the 2 main air beams. After an overnight of heavy rain you can have a huge pool of water! It needs more support possibly between the two smaller support beams (front to back).
Thanks John. I hadn’t considered that as the awning has a continuous curve from the caravan to the ground. I am suspicious about its abilities to handle poor weather but time will tell. That said, for fairer weather camping it appears to be great.
Nice video as always. We have the rva 1 but have had issues with the airbeams bursting, usually along the top seams. I was testing it before our summer break this week and we had our 3rd leak. Once one of the main beams goes the awning is useless. Poor response from Vango. Has put us off air awnings.
I bet you can toothpaste back in the tube, too. We attempted to fit our RVA2 awning about a year ago and gave up because I couldn't get it into the groove over the door despite taking a small stepladder with us. I only managed to get the awning itself plus a few other bits back into the bag and left out the pump (with the pegs in the bag) and the sponge bits. After watching this, I got it out again to have a look and had the same problem getting everything back in the bag but it doesn't help that we only have a small area of grass. It's not as if I'm inexperienced with tents. The Hilleberg Stalon we used for cycle camping is designed for ski/sledge touring in Sweden and even has a compartment for the dogs! I could put that up ready for temporary occupation in about 5 mins max - just 4 pegs. I think we'll manage without an awning :) I'm too short and too old.
I feel your pain! There is a technique to it. Fold the awning into a long cigar shape and then fold into three. Squeeze the air out as you do it by kneeling on it. It will then easily go back in the back. Then pack the other bits and bobs in.
Hey Nick. We just got an RVA-2, lovely used condition. Did you find a carpet that fits well? I think you were using the one for the kampa 200 in your RVA, but wondered if you found anything that’s a slightly better fit?
I haven’t found an alternative carpet that is a better fit. However I have noticed that it’s better not to have a carpet that fits to the edges because when it rains water can flow under the carpet and you get wet feet. For that reason I don’t fit my ground sheet to the edges either.
Hi alister here like your video on the RVA 2 can you confirm the foot print size plus we are also looking at the dometic 200 air pro ? How was the seal on each side with this awning I realise the awning you used was the 200 pole type?look forward to hearing from you regards
The Kampa Dometic 200 we use is an excellent all rounder. The seal is superb so no leaks and it will take a pounding provided the optional storm straps are fitted. I also put a heavy duty spring between the storm straps and the pegs. The compromise is it’s size. It’s a small compact space albeit ideal for our personal outdoor lifestyle. I don’t have the footprint of the RVA2 but it’s much larger than the dometic and looks stunning on the Basecamp. The compromise is it’s not ideal in windy weather. It’s large size and relative lightweight is the Achilles heel. It will leak in the corners of the awning rail depending on the rain direction. It’s fine in the usual British weather we get from Spring to Autumn. That said it’s an excellent awning for extending the living space and is great for socialising which is the reason we got it.However I will avoid using it when I know the weather is going to be particularly bad.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales thanks for quick response your insight is greatly appreciated we will make up our mind on purchase shortly! Will comment on completion of our research regards
just a tip you should not reverse a caravan up leveling ramps as when you reverse a caravan the brake pads move out of the way to allow it to be reversed and after any reverse you should allways pull forwards abit and also ending on a reverse the brakes will not work on the handbrake
We have to RVA-2 also (sadly) ! Even without the leveling blocks, this awning does not reach the ground properly. So the pegs never stay in! It's terribly ill-fitting and when it's windy it makes a hell of a racket and is extremely draughty - making the need to have air vents at the top corners a bit of a joke! Also, water pools on top in heavy rain and the air beams buckle! On top of all this, the instructions are useless. Glad you like yours but I think it's dreadful! Nice colour though! 👍
The RVA2 looks great on the back of the Basecamp but it’s better suited for fairer weather. It’s a two season awning (spring and summer). All awnings make a racket when it’s windy to be fair. The pooling you mention can be caused by a slack pitching. If you tighten your guidelines and also make sure the airbeams are positioned flush to the caravan this should solve the problem. The supporting beam above the window is a weak point I agree. I over inflate the beam. The RVA1 is sturdier but very heavy and bulky.
@@FlyCampCaravanNorthWales Thanks for your reply 👍 I think I could put up with the shortfalls if only it reached and sat on the ground properly! I'll try over inflating the beams a bit also 👍 The Basecamp 2 we have is great though!
