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Darche Awning: Product test

Turning to Darche for a new awning was an easy choice

Darche Awning
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A COUPLE of months ago I was in a pickle when it came time to replace our camper’s side awning. Not that it had worn out, but it had met with an accident, which I won’t go into here... because it’s embarrassing.

Anyway, I looked around for an awning and came across the Darche range. I’ve had a Darche swag for more years than I can remember, so I thought “why not give its awning a try?” The one we have fitted to our caravan (they are also suitable for the side of a vehicle, roof rack etc.) is the Eclipse Side Awning measuring 2.5m wide and 2.5m pull-out.

Apart from the 180- and 270-degree awnings, it is the biggest in the Darche range. The all-important material is a super tough, mould-treated, 12oz (approx. 410gsm) proofed poly/cotton rip-stop canvas, with a waterproof rating of 2000mm, which is pretty darn good for an awning.

Darche Awning
Any raw edges are bound with canvas and twin needle stitching for added strength and reliability. The black-anodised alloy twist-lock poles work well, while all hinges are made from a specifically formulated polyamide and are highly crack-resistant and super flexible, reducing any component stress.

The transit cover is made from heavy-duty 600gsm PVC and features a No.10 self-repairing zipper to offer the best protection for the awning while travelling. The awning comes with a couple of tie-down ropes and pegs, an important provision for any awning. Weight is around 12kg all up.

The awning is of the very best material and manufacture. It extends quickly and easily and packs up just as swiftly. If we look after it and it doesn’t have any unforeseen accidents, it will give us years of trouble-free shelter.

Ron Moon
Viv Moon

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