Drive away awnings---------yay or nay ?

[vw-me]

Hi all,

I'm after some advice on a drive away awning.
We've been using a Coleman Event shelter with 3 sides when we've been away a few times last year, mostly parked up on sites and never really moved. Just the usual cooker chairs table etc in there.

We've just booked Brittany for July with some friends and are on the hunt for a drive away awning, as were thinking an event shelter isn't the way to go for 10 nights. We'll want to explore more in the daytime and unpack the van and leave alot of our gear back at site, clothes, bikes, scooter, BBQ, gas etc etc. Possibly a one nighter away from the site if we venture a bit out too.

The Mrs has her heart set on a Vango Galli II but Christ they're expensive and HUGE !
The thought of it is good if friends come away too as there's the bedrooms you can hang up and somewhere for us to socialise that's waterproof and not out in the elements.


Has anyone bought one and regretted it ?

Thanks.

 

[Fish]

@andythom188 used a coleman at busiest last year..
maybe their is someone on the forum that is closer to you that you could have a go / borrow their galli for a couple of nights\?

 

[Davejo]

We have the vango kela 3 ......highly recommended!

 

[vw-me]

@andythom188 used a coleman at busiest last year..
maybe their is someone on the forum that is closer to you that you could have a go / borrow their galli for a couple of nights\?

Think I’ll have to try and find a local shop that has got something setup. I’d be frightened to death of borrowing anything like that incase it got damaged.

I presume I’m going to need an awning rail ? I’ve got a Stitches and Steel rail thing that bolts to the roof bar holes, but I don’t think I’ll use it as I don’t fancy the awning rubbing against the top of the van.

 

[Davejo]

My neighbour has the Galli.....we call it the ‘event tent’ because it’s huge!

 

[vw-me]

View attachment 17303 We have the vango kela 3 ......highly recommended!

When the awning is connected is the gap under the van open to the ‘tent’ or is there another door that zips down ?

 

[Davejo]

The Reimo rail is really neat and avoids any chaffing!

 

[Fish]

When the awning is connected is the gap under the van open to the ‘tent’ or is there another door that zips down ?

yes to both

 

[vw-me]

My neighbour has the Galli.....we call it the ‘event tent’ because it’s huge!

I wish I’d have gone to one of the campervan shows over the last few weeks to have a look. We’re away at Easter so the plan is to sort something by then as a trial run.

 

[Fish]

Think I’ll have to try and find a local shop that has got something setup. I’d be frightened to death of borrowing anything like that incase it got damaged.

I presume I’m going to need an awning rail ? I’ve got a Stitches and Steel rail thing that bolts to the roof bar holes, but I don’t think I’ll use it as I don’t fancy the awning rubbing against the top of the van.

your best bet would be a trial run at bala in May

 

[Fish]

I wish I’d have gone to one of the campervan shows over the last few weeks to have a look. We’re away at Easter so the plan is to sort something by then as a trial run.

CCM in February, maybe worth a trip mate. They have hundreds of awnings erect both on and off VW's

 

[Davejo]

Yes another door which zips closed, the section connecting to the van folds away leaving a stand alone awning. With practice really easy to drive away. I will see if I have some photos!

 

[Fish]

packing away Vango galli - YouTube

 

[andythom188]

@andythom188 used a coleman at busiest last year..
maybe their is someone on the forum that is closer to you that you could have a go / borrow their galli for a couple of nights\?

fish I bought a cheap outdoor revolution for busfest, I do own a coleman event shelter with all 4 sides had it a few years and find it a good piece of kit

 

[vw-me]

packing away Vango galli - YouTube

I’m not sure if I even want to click this link.......I’m bad enough trying to put a sleeping bag away.

I think this CCM show is going to be a worthwhile visit.

Bala ?

 

[Fish]

fish I bought a cheap outdoor revolution for busfest, I do own a coleman event shelter with all 4 sides had it a few years and find it a good piece of kit

Ah, Yeah I remember now, my bad!

 

[Fish]

Bala

The Annual T6F Pilgrimage to Bala Lake

 

[andythom188]

the new Vango AirHub HexAway Low – Inflatable AirBeam Drive-Away Awning 2018 looks a good one not to bulky

 

[vw-me]

packing away Vango galli - YouTube

Looks a doddle. Can’t see me and Mrs falling out

 

[Davenjo]

the new Vango AirHub HexAway Low – Inflatable AirBeam Drive-Away Awning 2018 looks a good one not to bulky

I really like the look of this - saw the prototype at Busfest. If I didn’t already have a Kela III and a Airhub (same as the Hexaway but without the tunnel) this is what I’d be buying.