Pitching an awning on hard pitch without wrecking the sewn in ground sheet

[Rob638]

We have a Vango Versos drive away awning for our T6.1 and it works really well.

Until now, we've only pitched on grass.

As we come into Autumn, some of the sites we are looking at only offer hard pitches - I assume this means gravel?

So to the question, do I need to be worried about sharp gravel tearing the sewn in ground sheet? We plan to use the separate footprint ground sheet as well before pitching the awning, but this is pretty flimsy.

And if I need to be worried, what is the best solution?

Thanks

Rob

 

[JumpShip]

We put either a tarp or an old isabella carpet down first , never had any problems even when we were on a seasonal pitch .
If its an air awning I cut squares of foam rubber awning mats to use as protective feet under the ends of the air beams .

 

[Bargy62]

We have a Vango Versos drive away awning for our T6.1 and it works really well.

Until now, we've only pitched on grass.

As we come into Autumn, some of the sites we are looking at only offer hard pitches - I assume this means gravel?

So to the question, do I need to be worried about sharp gravel tearing the sewn in ground sheet? We plan to use the separate footprint ground sheet as well before pitching the awning, but this is pretty flimsy.

And if I need to be worried, what is the best solution?

Thanks

Rob

got one of these to put under it so far so good

560gsm Extra Heavy Weight PVC Tarpaulins

Choose 560gsm extra heavy weight PVC tarpaulins for robust, long-lasting protection. Ideal for industrial, construction, and heavy-duty applications.

tarpaflex.co.uk

 

[Rob638]

Great advice @JumpShip and @Bargy62 - I will take a look at options to be ready for our trip to Cornwall on Monday.

 

[doncarlyon]

Heavy duty tarp should do it. That's what I would do.

 

[icn05]

We’ve got a second tarp groundsheet for ours - used it several times when staying on hardstanding & the awning groundsheet has survived undamaged

I’d defo consider getting something though

 

[Paynewright]

With our big tent we always put a tarp / ground sheet down on the grass first.

We’ve used the drive away once straight on the grass but have now bought a tarp.

 

[Shaun Witts]

I am always concerned about holing the groundsheet on a gravel pitch, so always use a large mesh underlay that we bought in Germany - in fact I usually use two.
I have even tended to omit the groundsheet sometimes and find the green mesh matting comfortable to walk on even with bare feet on a gravel pitch. Of course, you can’t do that if your groundsheet is sewn in. An advantage of the mesh mat is that you can peg through it easily without damaging it.

 

[Badjamin]

I pitched my vango cove air on a hard standing last week for the first time and I was definitely concerned. I have an old tarp I will be taking in future. Still need to be cautious of chair feet etc. A tarp also keeps the ground sheet clean and in some cases dry depending on the weather , so that's handy for the pack away. Yet another system required for comfortable care free camping - it never ends hehe

Hard standing pegs and a claw hammer required also. A brush to sweep off all the gravel dust as you roll it up too. Windbreaks may be difficult to stake in as well.

 

[Rob638]

Thanks for all the tips - online now to get a heavy duty tarpaulin ordered!

 

[Dannyb6467]

I use a big piece of weed control membrane, doubled over, then the footprint on top. Cheap as chips

 

[Martinw]

We have a set of those 2 foot square dense foam clip-together square mats that we assemble beside the van before raising the awning. Working well so far.

 

[Camper_Chris]

https://amzn.eu/d/3LlfoBx

OLPRO OLTEX Breathable Groundsheet, Footprint, Awning, Tent ​

We have used one of these breathable ground sheets under or awning for the past 3 years. It has protected the internal ground sheet and doesn't trap rain water like the tarpaulin we first tried.

You can peg your awning through the fabric with it causing damage.

 

[Bargy62]

https://amzn.eu/d/3LlfoBx

View attachment 304563

OLPRO OLTEX Breathable Groundsheet, Footprint, Awning, Tent ​

We have used one of these breathable ground sheets under or awning for the past 3 years. It has protected the internal ground sheet and doesn't trap rain water like the tarpaulin we first tried.

You can peg your awning through the fabric with it causing damage.

Was this used on grass or a gravel hardstanding.

 

[Camper_Chris]

Was this used on grass or a gravel hardstanding.

I've used it on all types of pitch. But it does work protecting the awning ground sheet on a gravel hardstanding