Kampa Ace User manual

Ace
Instructions & care manual
Shown with
optional annexe
Some of the images shown in these instructions are other similar Kampa awnings and
are for illustration purposes only.
The Ace is a registered design exclusive to Kampa UK Limited
2
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ:
Under certain conditions all awnings will suffer from internal condensation.
Depending upon the atmospheric conditions, the weather and the amount of
moisture in the ground, the condensation could be quite severe and is
commonly mistaken for leaking, especially as it can run down the inside of the
roof and drips off ties tapes and other internal fittings. If you suspect your
awning is leaking it is almost certainly condensation. Laying a waterproof
groundsheet (not a breathable carpet) throughout the whole awning will help
and condensation can also be improved by ensuring adequate ventilation. On
some awnings we offer an optional roof lining that can also help prevent
condensation and catch any drips of condensation that fall from the roof.
The awning material has a waterproof PU coating over its entire surface and
the main seams of your awning have been factory taped to help prevent
leakage. Depending upon your expectations, it may be necessary to treat the
remaining seams with a seam sealant. Seams treated with seam sealant
cannot leak. Seam sealant should also be applied to areas where the taping is
damaged or has peeled away through wear and tear. It can also be applied to
areas where a leak may have developed. Seam sealant is available from your
dealer.
The awning beading is sewn to the awning with a special waterproof sewing
thread. This thread swells when wet to fill the needle holes but thread needs
to become wet several times before it is totally effective. This process is known
as ‘weathering’ and it may take several soakings for the weathering to be fully
effective. This area can also be treated with seam sealant.
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing your Kampa awning. Please read these
instructions carefully before attempting to set up your awning and retain for
future reference. If used properly, your awning should give you years of
trouble free use. We recommend that your awning is insured against
accidental and storm damage as this is not covered by the warranty.
This awning is designed for use in light to moderate weather. During strong
winds or snowfall we recommend that you take your awning down. The
awning is designed for touring use; it is not designed for static or commercial
use.
We recommend a trial run before using your awning for the first time. This will
allow you to familiarise yourself with the awning, its set up and any limitations
the awning may have for your particular use. Please also check your caravan
awning rail to ensure that it is not damaged or has any sharp edges that could
damage your awning.

3
Before using for the first time please check the contents of your awning
Awning flysheet - roof section - 3 front panels - 2 side panels 1
Curved Dynalite aluminium roof poles - long and marked with red tape 2
Curved Dynalite aluminium roof poles - short and unmarked 2
Dynalite aluminium leg with adjustable section 4
Dynalite aluminium adjustable roof stretcher pole - straight 1
Dynalite aluminium adjustable roof stretcher pole - pre-bent 1
Curtain set - 10 individual curtains 1
Peg bag 1
Draught skirt 1
Carry bag 1
If you are missing any parts please contact your supplying dealer.
SITING
Choose a site that is flat and, if possible, protected from the wind. Try to set up your
awning with the doors facing away from the wind.
SET UP
To protect your awning from dirt and damage, it may be beneficial to lay a groundsheet
or awning carpet down before unpacking. Unpack the awning, separate and identify
the different parts.
Assemble the curved aluminium roof poles, these are linked together and just need
slotting together ensuring that each pole is fully inserted into the adjoining pole – be-
cause of the shape of the pole they can only be assembled one way. There are two
lengths, the longer two poles are marked with red tape.
Assemble the aluminium legs. They are spring linked and just need slotting together.
They have an adjustable foot – ensure that this is in its lowest position (making pole
shorter) by using the clamp adjuster.
It is possible to set the roof of the awning up without the walls panels attached. This
will make it lighter to slide the roof onto the caravan. The awning may also be deliv-
ered with the wall panels detached. The wall panels can stay attached for set up and
take down, it is a matter of personal preference.
4
Slide the awning beading, on the rear
of the awning roof, through the
caravan awning channel
Slide the awning along the rail to your
desired position. The awning should
be positioned on a horizontal part of
the caravan. Ensure that you can
open the caravan door.
Slide one of the red roof poles, closed
end first, into one of the pole sleeves
marked with red webbing. Push the
pole into the sleeve as far as it will go,
with the bent part pointing down to-
Attach on of the legs to the roof pole

5
Follow the seam down from the pole
sleeve and locate the ring and pin at
the bottom of the awning. Put the pin
into the open end of the leg. This will
be easier if the leg is in its shortest
position and the webbing strap,
holding the ring and pin, is released to
make it longer. Tighten the webbing
strap until it is within 3 or 4 centimetres
of its tightest position. You can
tension the awning more later.
Repeat with the second red roof pole
and leg. Take care in really windy
weather - if necessary ask for help or
wait until the wind has abated.
Repeat with the other two, outside,
roof poles and legs. If necessary you
can stabilise the awning at this stage
by using the guy lines. Do not over
tighten at this stage.
Zip in the three front panels and the
two side panels. Each panel will have
two sets of zip runners and each
runner should be started from the
bottom of each panel. The two side
panels are larger than the front panels
and the front panels are all the same
size.
Attach the plastic clips that run down
the seams to the each of the legs.
6
Assemble the straight aluminium roof
stretcher pole. One end has an
adjustable sliding pole that is held with
a clamp. Insert the other end into the
pocket at one end of the awning about
halfway up the roof. It will be easier if
you use your caravan step.
Put the other, adjustable, end into the
same pocket on the other side of the
awning. Stretch the pole and tighten
the clamp. You may have to tighten
this pole again later. Ensure that the
screw thread protruding from the
clamps is pointing away from the
awning fabric.
Locate the two tie tapes, along the
length of the pole, and tie them to the
stretcher pole.
Repeat this process with the pre-bent
stretcher pole that goes into the front
of the awning. The pockets are in the
front corners of the awning.

7
WARNING:
Ensure that the screw thread
protruding from the clamps is
pointing away from the awning
fabric.
The awning should now look like this
and is ready to peg. First make sure
that all entrances are zipped fully
closed. Peg the rear corners of the
awning. The awning wall should be
vertical and the pegging point should
be pulled slightly under the caravan to
ensure a good seal between awning
and caravan. It may be necessary to
shorten the front legs to achieve this.
The pegging points have a range of
possible pegging options. Select a
point that puts the awning under
tension but without over stressing.
Once the rear corners have been
pegged, peg each front corner. It is
necessary to pull each pegging point
diagonally to create tension in the
awning. It may also be necessary to
adjust the length of the leg using the
adjusting clamps. Peg the
intermediate pegging points, pegging
the points either side of doorways first.
These doorways should be cross
pegged - the points should be pulled
across each other. . It may also be
necessary to increase the tension in
the internal stretcher poles. Once
completed the awning should look taut
without too many creases - if
necessary readjust the pegging and
adjust the height of the legs. As well
as looking nice a well set up awning
will perform better in adverse weather.
8
PEGS
The Ace awning comes complete with general purpose
plastic & wire pegs. These will be suitable for many
sites but there will be some instances where different
pegs will be necessary. Your dealer will stock a range
of pegs suitable for different types of ground. For max-
imum effectiveness, pegs should be driven into the
ground at a 45°angle away from the pegging point.
CAUTION: Pegs can be sharp. Do not allow children
to play around the awning and ensure that suitable
protective footwear is worn.
GUY LINES
The Ace comes with guy lines pre-attached. We rec-
ommend that these guy lines are used at all times (1).
Peg the guy lines so that the awning is under tension
without distorting the shape, they should run in line
with the seams. The guy lines can be adjusted using
the runners. Guy lines should be secured using suita-
ble pegs - see above. DO NOT allow children to play
around your awning. Guy lines are a trip hazard.
SEALING BUMPER PADS
To help create a seal between caravan and awning the
Ace has sealing bumper pads (2) sewn to the rear
panels. Using the rear pegging points, these bumpers
should be pulled towards the caravan. An improved
seal can be maintained by use of the optional rear up-
right pole set. Insert the top of each pole into the
pocket in the top rear corner, adjust the height to bring
the pole under tension and then secure the pole to the
bumper pads using the tie tapes.
DRAUGHT SKIRT
The supplied draught skirt should be pulled through
the awning rail at the bottom of your caravan (3). The
ropes at the top corners can be tied to the caravan
chassis to make the skirt taut. Peg down and tension
the skirt using the webbing straps.
CURTAINS
The Ace has two curtains for each window (4). They
have curtain runners along their top edge that simply
slide onto the curtain track sewn above each window.
Use the plastic retainers to keep the curtains tidy dur-
ing the day.
MUD SKIRT
The Ace comes with an internal mud skirt to keep out
draughts. The mud skirt has eyelets that can be used
with pegs to secure it to the ground (5). DO NOT use
the mud skirt to peg your awning down.
1
2
3
4
5

9
ACE MONSOON POLES(OPTIONAL EXTRA)
The Monsoon poles are designed to give extra support
to the roof in extreme weather conditions. They may
also offer extra support where the awning fit to the car-
avan is not perfect.
The Ace Monsoon Poles are either sold as a set of
three or individually. Each pole can be extended to
reach the front stretcher pole.
Assemble the Monsoon poles - these are shock cord-
ed and just need slotting together, ensuring that each
pole is fully inserted into the adjoining metal ferrule.
One end, of the pole, has a rubber stopper. Push this
end of the pole over the centre aluminium stretcher bar
(6) and then push the rubber stopper into the pocket
near the roof ensuring that it is fully inserted (7). At-
tach the clip, on the other end of the pole, onto the
stretcher bar at the front of the awning (8) ensuring
that the Monsoon pole is parallel with the exterior roof
poles.
6
7
8
SEAMS
The main seams of this awning have been factory taped to help prevent leakage. De-
pending upon your expectations, it may be necessary to treat the remaining seams
with a seam sealant. Seam sealant should also be applied to areas where the taping
is damaged or has peeled away through wear and tear. It can also be applied to areas
where a leak may have developed. Seam sealant is available through your dealer.
SUITABILITY
This awning is designed for use in light to moderate weather. During strong winds or
snowfall we recommend that you take your awning down. The awning is designed for
occasional use; it is not designed for static or commercial use.
UV DEGRADATION
Awning fabrics can be weakened by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Under normal
holiday use your awning will give long service but use for extended periods in strong
sunlight will soon cause deterioration. In those cases it would be wise to use a site as
shaded as possible. UV degradation is not covered under the warranty. The warranty
does not cover awnings used on permanent sites, displays or for commercial purpos-
es.
10
CONDENSATION
Under certain conditions awnings will be affected by condensation inside. See page 2 for more
information about condensation. Condensation and its effects are not covered under the
warranty and should not be confused with leaking.
SAFETY
DO NOT COOK IN THE AWNING OR USE NAKED FLAMES. READ AND UNDERSTAND
THE FIRE PRECAUTIONS LABEL SEWN INTO THE INSIDE OF THE AWNING.
DISMANTLING
Reverse the set up procedure. Ensure that all parts are clean before packing in the carry bag.
If the awning is wet or damp, dry fully as soon as possible.
FOLDING THE AWNING
Using two people, hold the awning at the tie down attachment points and lay the awning down
on the ground so that the outside of the roof is on the ground and the front windows are
upwards on top of the roof. Protect the awning from dirt and damage, if necessary, before
laying on the ground. Fold each end inwards to create a rectangle. From the outside edges,
fold the panels in half until the awning is the correct width for the carry bag. Then roll the
awning, towards the open end (end with the awning beading). The awning should now fit into
he bag. The awning frame and the draught skirt can be rolled up with the awning.
CARE
Awnings are best stored opened out. Air fully and ensure it is totally dry before packing away.
Store in a well ventilated dry place. A wet/damp awning will develop mildew surprisingly
quickly.
Dirty awnings can be washed using clean water and a soft brush. Do not scrub and never use
detergents.
Poles should be protected from damage and should be stored completely dry to prevent
corrosion. Damage due to improper use, wind damage or neglect is not covered under the
warranty. Have any damage repaired at the first opportunity.
Failure in the poles normally occurs through incorrect use. Make sure that poles sections are
fully inserted into their adjoining pole and do not over stress the pole beyond its designed
curve. You can purchase replacement poles from your dealer. Connecting springs or shock
cord, used to connect poles together, are consumable parts and are not covered under this
guarantee.
Zips should be treated with care, use two hands to close and open and never tread on them.
Never force a zip but release the tension that it stopping it from closing.
We strongly recommend that you carry a comprehensive spares kit including silicone
waterproof spray, seam sealer, and spare guy ropes and pegs for extreme weather.
Repairs to the flysheet should be made by a company recommended by Kampa or your
supplying dealer. Repairs and alterations made by an unauthorised company may invalidate
your warranty.

11
TROUBLESHOOTING SOLUTIONS
Difficulty in pulling the rear of
the awning close to the caravan
1. Try lowering the front adjustable legs. The rear pegging
points should always be pegged first, before applying too
much tension to the front legs.
Rear of awning is too close to
the caravan
1. Adjust the front legs upwards
The awning is sagging in the
roof or collecting water
1. The Ace awning is universal and the fit varies from
caravan to caravan. Try stretching all adjustable poles to
tension the awning. The walls should be taut with no
flapping material.
2. Re-peg the awning ensuring that the walls and roof are
taut
3. You could try installing the optional Monsoon Poles
available from you Kampa dealer
My awning is moving along the
awning rail
1. Peg the awning tautly
2. Use the optional Awning Rail Stoppers available from your
Kampa dealer
If a connecting spring breaks
between the poles
1. These parts are consumable and are only there to help
assemble your poles, they are not structural. If these
springs become overstretched or break they can be
replaced with new springs available from your Kampa
dealer.
If you think your awning has a
water leak or the interior of the
awning is wet
1. Most suspected leakage is actually condensation (see
condensation section of this manual). This forms on the
inside of the awning fabric. Try to increase the ventilation
by opening the doors. A waterproof groundsheet will help
stop moisture from the ground causing condensation. The
fabric, used to make this awning, has a massive 4000 mm
hydrostatic head, so it is extremely unlikely that it would
leak.
If your awning has a water leak
at specific points/areas
1. The main seams of this awning have been factory taped to
help prevent leakage. Depending upon your expectations,
it may be necessary to treat the remaining seams with a
seam sealant. Seam sealant should also be applied to
areas where the taping is damaged or has peeled away
through wear and tear. It can also be applied to areas
where a leak may have developed. Seam sealant is
available through your dealer.
If you think your awning has a
water leak at the beading that
attaches to the caravan
1. It is not possible to hot air tape the join between the
awning and the caravan beading. Therefore we use a
special waterproof sewing thread. This thread swells
when wet to fill the needle holes but the thread needs to
become wet several times before it is totally effective.
This is known as ‘weathering’. You can also treat this
seam with seam sealant for a quicker effect.
12
Kampa UK Limited
Witham, CM8 3EU
© mcl/Kampa/2015
OPTIONAL EXTRAS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR ACE AWNING
Easy Tread
Groundsheet
Breathable and made
to fit your awning
Rear Upright Pole Set
Provides an better seal
between caravan and
awning
Rally Enclosure
Creates an enclosed
area in front of your
Ace awning. Requires
390 size.
Tie Down Kit
Extra security in bad
weather. Sold in pairs
complete with pegs.
Continental
Cushioned Carpet
Breathable,
hardwearing and soft
underfoot.
Annexe
Complete with inner
tent and will fit either
side of the awning
Organiser
Designed to fit to the
AccessoryTrack fitted
inside the awning.
Hanging Rail
Designed to fit to the
AccessoryTrack.
Shown with optional
Jack Hanger
Roof Lining
Insulates the roof and
helps reduce the
affects of
condensation.
Ace Monsoon Pole
Provides extra support
for the roof in extreme
weather conditions (3
required).
Kampa also produces an extensive range
of awning furniture designed to
complement your awning.
Available from your Kampa specialist
retailer.