Princess Bancroft
When it comes to installing accessories on a 'van, the options for uprates unfurl in
an almost endless list. And as regular readers will be aware, the Bancroft tribe have fitted many to our own motorhome, the 'Fenland Drifter'.
Before discussing one such improvement though, let us wind the clock back and consider my last 'van, the 'Fenland Princess'.
I often referred to her in this column in past issues, but only occasionally printed a photograph, and even then it was usually a close-up of a gizmo, rather than a full panoramic of her charm. Andy Craven from Letchworth sent me a photograph (above right) of the Fenland Princess saying,
"I know that you changed `vans recently, but I didn't realise your previous one was quite so old!"
An exterior shot of our last `van (below) shows that our Fenland Princess wasn't steam powered, but does feature this month's must-have accessory, the wind-out awning. Read
on for our experiences with
this essential add-on.
All-weather wind-out wonders
Did you know that an awning is the most popular after-fit motorcaravan accessory? They have been for years, although they are now in danger of losing their pole position to satellite dishes, sat-nav systems and intruder alarms. Each has almost doubled in popularity over the last two years.
At its simplest, a wind-out awning consists merely of some canvas rolled around a tube and stored in a long, thin metal box attached high up on the side of a motorcaravan. Nearly all awnings fitted to British `vans extend and retract manually, through the use of a long, skinny 'starting handle'
– remember those? I've still got the scars. Some of the smallest awnings pull-out rather than wind-out and a few motorcaravanners wishing to dispense with unnecessary toil have electrically-operated ones.
When extended, the frameless canvas on very early models flapped against the side of the `van like a severed sail on a sinking ship. The bottom corners of the extended canvas each had eyelets and these were simply popped over a couple of tent poles which were then guyed down in the usual fashion.
Around 25 years ago, manufacturers changed to the current design of folding metal supports and concertina'd legs, which are secured to the ground with tent pegs. But this method isn't actually very secure at all, which is why so many folk use a tie-down kit
or retract the awning when
it is windy.
The benefit of awnings comes from the provision of quickly-erected shelter from the sun and rain. I don't know about you but it often starts drizzling just after the Bancroft barbeque is lit.
Modern awnings are simple to use and relatively easy to fit, providing the correct mounting kit is specified. This is especially important for those attempting to fit one to the curvy monocoque 'vans
from Auto-Sleepers.
Contemporary awnings (canopies really) don't have any disadvantages as such, though attaching sidewalls to enclose the space can be a real problem. Admittedly this makes the space much cosier, but by taking such action you tie yourself to the pitch. This makes pootling off-site for day visits a pain in the proverbial, which is why we use a free-standing awning if we are going to stay on one site for
an extended period.
The full ramblings can be found in the May 06 issue of Practical Motorhome
Happy motorhoming!
Jack Bancroft |
