I need to buy an awning for our new (to us) caravan, which sits on a seasonal pitch all summer. I'd prefer a porch type rather than the full type, but would also like a 520 wide.
There are a couple of inflatable options including a Vango Airbeam, but I'm not sure about the practicalities of leaving it up all summer versus getting one with steel poles.
Any ideas / experiences in tents or awnings?
These are a couple of the options
http://www.vango.co.uk/gb/caravan-air-awnings/99-varkala-ii-520.html
http://www.dorema.co.uk/en/lightweight_awnings/magnum_air_weathertex.htm
We love our airbeam tent.
The beams are pretty solid, but if you are leaving it all summer then they will presumably need topped up occasionally.
The big feature of airbeam tents (and why we have one) is that they are really quick to put up. That isn't really a factor if you are staying all summer, so why not just go for poles? It will also pack down a bit smaller.
We have an AirBeam tent, it's great. Goes up quick, comes down reasonably quick as well. Packs down massive, however!
If it's going to be up all summer long, I'd be worried about the number of UV hours degrading the fabric prematurely* - especially on something expensive like an AirBeam - I think you can get protective covers to help with this, though (Vango Sky Liner?)
* I have no first hand experience of this, just what I've read elsewhere