Today's issue... Toilets

[Jabbawocky]

Hi Dan

Yes, the awning canvas was made specially for us by Graham at Tent Valeting Services near to Bolton. I had an old alloy caravan awning frame (Graham can also supply poles), which luckily had steel joints, so was easy to alter to fit the Dormobile. I took the Dormobile and frame to Graham and left it with him. I told him I wanted in the traditional light green fabric to match the age of the vehicle and he already had it in stock. He recommended the plastic fabric for the roof as it will cope better with the fact that the door does rub on the roof and lets more light through. I also gave him a drawing with the design, and position of the zips. We had a long chat, including agreeing on the size of mudwalls (I had these made extra big to allow rocks to be placed on them. In the Sahara, you cannot use pegs, but sand on the mudwalls was enough to stop it blowing away in the sand storm) and then I left him to it. I collected it about a week later.

Here it is showing the awning in normal day mode. The side of rear awning attaches to the side awning, allowing us to stay dry/out of the sun. We have awning rails both sides, so can do this on either side.



There is a link to their website in the suppliers section of this forum.

Happy to show you it, if you pop across

Mick

[Calum]

Was only talking to my other half today about a rear tent as she was asking if I will get one made for the Carawagon... it did have one back in the day so I will have to look at old photos to see what it was like and try and replicate it. That place in Bolton you mentioned looks fantastic Mick, I remember seeing pictures when you had it made. Will definitely be giving them a call when the time comes!

[smirf]

Hello Calum, i have the original rear awning and ground sheet in great condition with my 1965 carawagon if you want to check it over, take pics or measure? mark

[RMS]

Got an original awning with my latest one as well.

Happy to bring it to any of the shows/events you can get to Callum, for measurements etc.

Steve had one made for his, a bit longer than standard so someone can sleep in it. I'm sure he'll bring his along to a show/event as well.

As you probably know, we tend to use tarps over the awning poles at shows, to make a roof, rather than using the awnings. It's a bit friendlier for communal living

Cheers,
Robin.

[Calum]

Thanks for the offers, but mine never had a standard Carawagon awning. It was made by the owners from canvas, which I would like to replicate as it's another unique feature that's part of its history. I was told it got thrown away as it was once packed away damp in the garage and became rotten, but there are many photos of it so I should be able to replicate it. I believe their design allowed the tent to be left as a standalone tent, which does mean poles to carry but does sound very useful if you are using one site as a 'base' - you can leave stuff behind and not carry it round all day with you.

Obviously when I finally get hold of all the history and photos a lot of questions I have about my vehicle will be answered!

[jerryd]

Sorry but I couldn't resist posting this

[Dormy]

Dormy

[DanC]

Much advice has been given, thanks particularly to Mick and Alex for humouring my incessant questions! I am down to three options just now, all involve a porta potti (probably the small one).

1. I store it behind the drives seat and move it when we stop, on account there is only two of us.
2. I remove the jump seat at the base of the wardrobe and make a new one that holds the porta potti and sits in the same place.
3. (my current choice). I am going to modify the wardrobe but adding an extra compartment below the main door, this will store the porta potti that will then slide out onto the jump seat on runners. This means it is securely packed away and that it comes out at a good height for aires camping in France (no external tents allowed). Shame to butcher an original wardrobe, but as Troika will testify it needs a bit of work anyway. In addition the previous owner thinks they might have the original packed away somewhere!!!!! If this is the case I will mothball that one with all the other original bits I have take off.

In rubbish news I got quoted just under a grand to recover the seats!!! I am going to give up and buy the Exmoor Trim retrim kit and fit it myself as I need the camper soon.....

[67dormobile]

How much are those Exmoor kits Dan? Anyone fitted a set successfully?

Gary

[DanC]

http://www.trakkers.co.uk/index.php?pag ... t&Itemid=1

Yes, Troika has and so has Jeremy Hackney....

Dan