I have decided to sell my Westy side tent, and get an awning.  For a single
person, it seems more practical, because the side tent is sort of hard to
put up by yourself.

So, looking around I have found six awnings that might work for my '87
Westfalia, by Shady Boy, Dometic and Carefree.

They fall into four groups, fiberglass pole support, (Shady Boy) , roller
with spring return (Dometic), manual roll-up (Fiama and Carefree) and crank
out  (Fiama and Carefree)

Prices range from about $300 for the manual rollup models to  $600 + for the
crankout.  Shady Boy is about $350 (??) and I can't find a price on the
Dometic.  Campingworld doesn't have it on their web site.  Anyone know where
you can get them anymore?

I have listed the models, with their advantages and disadvantages as I see
it.  If you have used one, I would love to get your opinion, keeping in mind
that it has to be easy for one person to use.

Shady Boy $350??        Advantages:  Small, lightweight container, few moving
parts, looks neat, one person can easily set up
                        Disadvantages:  Manual set up and takedown, must be fully extended to
use, requires guy ropes for any wind

Catalina 2500 (Dometic) $???    Advantages: Spring assisted rollup, can be
extended any amount
                                Disadvantages: Heavy tube attached to van

Fiama F35 $300+         Advantages: Low price
                        Disadvantages: Manual rollup, must be extended full amount to use,
difficult for one person to setup

Fiama F45 $600          Advantages: Can be extended any amount, easy crank out or in
                        Disadvantages: Price

Carefree Sidewinder II  $300    Advantages: Low price
                                Disadvantages: Manual rollup, must be extended full amount to use,
difficult for one person to setup

Carefree Freedom II $600+       Advantages: Can be extended any amount, easy crank
out or in
                         Disadvantages: Price

Web Sites -

http://www.fiamma.com/

http://www.shadyboy.com/

http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/
PS - if you are interested in a nice side-tent, let me know!

Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, ID

Mike Finkbiner
mike_l_f@hotmail.com

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