SunnCamp Ultima 260
Web www.sunnflair.com
This is what we'd call a 'tunnel awning', because the roof, front and side panels are one piece. This porch is fine for a weekend break, but not necessarily for long holidays, although you can get an inner tent for extra sleeping space.
The model we tested was the 260cm-wide version; there is also a 390cm model, and both are 240cm deep. Each side has a door. A mesh flap stands behind each door to keep flying insects out when the door is rolled back. The panels are made of ripstop polyester in a choice of colours – green, burgundy and blue.
The frame has two aluminium crossbars that are used to connect the three vertical rods, each comprised of short lengths of fibreglass that are connected by elastic cord.
The rods fit into pockets in the canvas to create the awning's distinctive tunnel shape. One of the big advantages of the Ultima is that it takes only a few minutes to erect, including pegging down and attaching the guylines. Moreover, because it is made of lightweight material, it dries out quickly when wet.
The front panels can be rolled up on sunny days or whenever the temperature in the awning becomes uncomfortably high. Alternatively, you can unzip a front panel and, using two aluminium poles (supplied), turn it into a sun canopy. Of course, you can roll back the side doors to let air in and the mesh doors down to keep insects out.
Just remember that, because the canvas is not attached to the caravan, draughts may develop depending on the weather. However, in the Ultima's defence, this is a common feature of virtually all porch awnings.
In designing the Ultima, SunnCamp has called on its many years' experience in designing tents. This explains its use of lightweight materials and interlocking fibreglass poles. The result is an awning which, at around £150, is inexpensive, even if it lacks some features found in more conventional caravan awnings.
It's not an awning that you would expect to last a lifetime, but none gets used for more than four weeks each year. On this basis, assuming the Ultima lasts five years, you will not have lost out. Finally, we think you'll find it a lot easier to erect than some other porch awnings.