Apache Torino full awning
Web www.cabanon.com
French-made Apache awnings are increasingly popular with British caravanners, thanks to the high-quality design and materials, and their competitive prices.
The company's latest Torino awning comprises five acrylic pieces and, unusually, has double mudwalls manufactured from heavy-duty PVC.
There is a choice of three colour combinations and a variety of sizes. The green/cream and blue/grey versions are available in ground-to-ground measurements of 820cm-1060cm. However, the third colour way, burgundy/grey, is also manufactured in the largest available size of 1080cm.
For all three, though, the ranges come in 20cm increments, which makes it easier to get a good fit between the awning and caravan. In addition, the depth of the Torinos across the board is 2.5m (8ft), which is more than enough for most people's needs.
The Torino's side panels are interchangeable, but the front ones are not because they follow the line of the front roof poles. Also the awning elastics have been fitted between the two parts of the mudwall, which hides the pegging rubbers from view.
There is a range of frames available with the Torino: zinc-plated steel, aluminium and Apache's own Campion fibreglass. If your caravan needs one of the larger sizes, the preferred option is the steel frame, which will provide the strength needed to support the roof and walls. While we prefer the aluminium poles, many people will certainly opt for the more expensive Campion fibreglass version.
Regardless of which frame you choose, there is the disappointing lack of any tensioning poles for the front canopy. As a result, no matter how well the Torino is erected there is a tendency for the canopy to sag slightly, detracting from its otherwise excellent appearance.
There is a large ventilation/insect screen above the window in one of the two side panels, and another between the front panels. Both side and front panels have zipped doorways.
A storm strap connection is stitched at each front corner. Moreover, Apache supplies the storm straps and a mallet, all as standard equipment. This is unusual, because most awning manufacturers with which we're familiar list these pieces as extras.
(Extract from the full review in the Feb 08 issue)