Usage, packing, and storage

Usage, Packing and Storage

HOW DO I PACK MY AWNING?

Packing away the awning is a procedure that has certainly given many campers grey hairs. At the same time, ingenuity is great and many have developed their own method for packing away - for example, folding and packing each part separately. At Isabella, however, almost all awning models are packed with the front and gable panels attached to the frame. This is partly to ensure that the camper knows that all panels are in the right place when they first set up the awning. Before the tent is packed away, the camper must of course ensure that it is as clean as possible and absolutely dry. Lay out the roof on the ground (awning mat, tarpaulin or similar) with the inside facing down, to avoid damage to the coated outside. Straighten out the gables and then fold them in over the middle of the roof. Fold the tent a few more times - still across - until the width fits the size of the tent bag. Now roll the tent up from the front towards the back so that the keder strip, which may have gotten dirty from the awning rail, is on the outside. The tent can then be easily stuffed into its bag. Winter tents and universal tents are folded in a similar manner.
Clean the frame parts and dry them thoroughly. Remember to remove sand and other dirt that may have got stuck in joints and crevices. The frame parts can now be packed in their bag, preferably with the corners and centre cross first. This is how tents are packed at Isabella, but over the years we have seen many creative solutions - for example, packing each panel separately, with cotton fabric as protection for the windows - which we have the utmost respect for. However, the optimal way to pack away the awning - by rolling each panel separately, with spacers, on a cardboard tube - is probably only something the dedicated long-term camper, with plenty of time and storage space, can afford to do.

HOLES IN THE AWNING

To achieve a perfect fit when sewing such a complicated structure as an awning, it is always necessary to have alignment marks. At Isabella, we have found that the best type of alignment marks are small holes in the fabric, as these cannot move at all. We do not use chalk marks, as these can transfer to several places on the tent fabric. The small holes are made with a heated drill, and they are primarily made on the canopy channels and at the zippers. On a brand new tent, these holes may be visible, but when the tent is exposed to the elements, the fabric works so that the holes more or less disappear. Polyester and coated materials do not behave the same way as structured woven acrylic. On PVC tents, small scars may occur during manufacturing or during packing and transport. Such scars can also occur during dismantling, especially where two folds meet. These scars are usually only superficial damage, but since light penetrates more easily there, it may look like a small hole. The scars normally have no significance for waterproofness or lifespan, and are an unavoidable phenomenon when it comes to PVC films and coated fabrics.

THE ROOF IS WRINKLED

This phenomenon is usually due to the longitudinal poles not being tensioned tightly enough. The easiest way to determine if this is the case is to lower the front section and grab the strong seam that holds the roof, front and canopy together. The seam should be tightly tensioned between the corner cross and the centre cross's pegs. Then check that the canopy's outriggers are fully extended, and that the front is perpendicular to the ground. If you follow these tips, the risk is minimal that the roof will sag behind the longitudinal poles.

VENTILATION

Proper ventilation prevents condensation from forming in the awning. Always keep the ventilation flap open - especially if the tent is left for an extended period. Feel free to loosen the groundsheet a bit to allow for air circulation in this way as well. In areas with high humidity or very fluctuating temperatures, condensation can form in the awning, especially in synthetic tents, and appears in the roof. Follow the ventilation advice and also consider placing plastic under the tent mat. This keeps out ground moisture and helps with condensation issues.

GROUND SHEET/WHEEL ARCH COVER

All Isabella awnings are equipped with a ground sheet and a wheel arch cover is supplied, so that no draught occurs in the tent. There are punched holes for pegs in the ground sheet and at the grass edge.

VERANDA

All Isabella awnings have removable and foldable gable and front sections. With the help of the supplied veranda pole, both the front and gable sections can be folded down to form a so-called veranda. In the gable section towards the caravan, there is a sewn holder for the veranda pole; otherwise, it is attached to the frame. Draw the curtains before the sections are folded down; the window film should not come into contact with the veranda pole. You can also purchase a cover for the pole. Extra veranda poles can be bought as accessories from the caravan dealer.

WINTER STORAGE

Before winter storage, the tent must be completely dry. If the tent is damp when taken down, mould damage can occur. Therefore, dry thoroughly and then store the tent in a dry, well-ventilated and not too warm place. To avoid rust damage, check that the frame is also completely dry. Remove the rubber bands and replace those that have become brittle. If damage has occurred to the awning, repair it before the tent is put away for the winter.