Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by Factory Returns?
Factory return products are items returned to the manufacturer from authorised retailers that do not meet with the full specification of that product. This can vary from a missing pegging out point, over-run stitching, minor holes and defects, all of which are rectified prior to sale by our on-site technicians.
The inspection process is carried out by our lead technician with over 45 years of experience. Once erected a detailed check of all components takes place to identify any missing parts and/or defects. Inflatable products are erected over a 24 hour period and pressure tested. Where possible components are recycled and reused to minimise wastage and factory returns will often arrive in recycled packaging.
We are proud to have been servicing factory return awnings from many of the leading manufacturers for over 40 years.
Do you offer Credit Payment Plans?
Yes we do. You can pay in instalments via PayPal credit.
What are your delivery options, and do you ship outside of the UK?
We offer next working day delivery as standard within the UK. Some areas of Scotland and the Highlands may incur additional charges. We no longer ship internationally. To view our delivery options click here.
Do you undertake repairs?
Yes, we offer a repair service for Awnings, Tents, Canopies, Covers etc, in our workshop. We also have a pole technician for pole repairs and replacements.
I leave my caravan awning sited for long periods, what additional measures should I be taking?
Firstly, ensure that you are adequately insured, especially if your awning is left unattended and make sure you have a good hard standing pitch. Your awning should be suitable for permanent pitch, freestanding and of steel construction. Always utilise all pegging points with hard ground pegs, thread pegs or pile drivers ensuring you peg at a 45 degree angle. Add storm straps, consider additional roof support poles and upright storm poles. If your awning has a front apex canopy, it is beneficial to add canopy cross poles.
My caravan is sited from March to October, what awning should I consider?
It is paramount that you choose an awning that is advertised as suitable for permanent pitch. This is different to ‘All Season’ and ‘Touring’. It should be a full awning that inserts into the full length of your awning rail.
My full awning does not fit my caravan, but my manual states it should?
When trying to establish your ‘full’ awning size, you need to take into account any adjustments that may alter your size from that stated in your manual. The ‘A’ measurement printed in your manual is a ground to ground measurement, this will not factor in levellers, chocks, blocks or decking. If you use any of these you are best placed to undertake a measurement of your own, with the adjustments in place. To find out how best to measure for a full awning, use our guide here.
What are the benefits of adding a roof liner?
Roof liners are manufactured in Cotton or Poly cotton which is a hybrid of Polyester and Cotton. This natural fabric breathes well and can absorb additional moisture, helping to reduce levels of condensation within polyester products. They also help to regulate the inside temperature too.
What are the differences between Polyester and Poly Cotton?
Polyester is a man-made synthetic fabric, identified by denier or thread count. It repels water well, light weight, easy and quick to dry out, available in different thicknesses, making it affordable for all budgets. However it doesn’t breathe well, so more prone to condensation.
Poly Cotton is a hybrid of Polyester and Cotton, the addition of polyester into the weave, makes it more resistant to mildew than pure cotton. Cotton is a natural, sustainable fabric that breathes well, so less prone to troublesome condensation. Highly waterproof, but does require weathering to tighten the weave, adapts to differing climates, less susceptible to UV degradation, great strength and stability, quieter in wet or windy conditions. It is a heavy fabric so will take longer to dry out, and can be quite expensive.
What is the best gas for our camping trip?
Most campers will opt for the Camping Gaz cylinder which is available in three sizes, 901, 904 and 907. This brand of cylinder contains butane LPG, and is readily available on most camp sites in the UK, France and Spain, should you run out.
What should I use to waterproof my tent/awning?
We recommend Fabsil Universal Protector, this has water proofing properties and UV inhibitor. Fabsil Gold has a higher concentration of water proofing but no UV inhibitor. Available in an aerosol spray for small areas such as clothing and umbrellas, or a paint on solution for tents and awnings.
How often should I change the water filter in my caravan?
Filters should be replaced at the recommended intervals shown on the packaging, irrespective of how often they have been used.
Can I connect an awning directly into my Fiamma or Omnistore Canopy?
Yes. There is often a groove on the underside or face of the canopy, sometimes you may need to wind the canopy out a little to see it. This groove will be 4mm in diameter unlike the 6mm awning rail found on caravans. So, when choosing a suitable awning, if you decide on fixed then a product with dual beading sewn onto it is needed. If you decide on a driveaway option, then you will need to purchase a 6mm to 4mm driveaway kit to reduce down to the 4mm. The awning height and width also needs to coincide with your canopy. It is always advisable to speak with an awning advisor as it can prove problematic.
How can I secure my groundsheet/carpet to stop it moving around?
For a groundsheet that is laid directly onto grass, you can use groundsheet pegs which have domed tops and fit flush to avoid any trip hazards. If you have a fleece type carpet on top of a fitted groundsheet, then a great tip is to use ‘mattress straps’. Wrap around a pole or air beam and clip to the carpet corners.
I have a hand pump to inflate my tent/awning, is it worth investing in a 12V electric pump?
12V Electric pumps are advantageous as you can set the psi to avoid over-inflation. However the speed of inflation will remain the same, not so labour intensive and helpful for those with any underlying medical conditions.
