SunnCamp Eclipse User manual

CARAVAN PORCH AWNING
INSTRUCTIONS
Congratulations on purchasing your new Sunncamp caravan awning. If looked after, your awning could
give years of trouble free use and enjoyment. Please read these instructions before attempting to erect
your awning and retain for future reference.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that your awning is insured against theft, storm or accidental damage.
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT - IMPORTANT
Before going away with your awning, ensure that you are familiar with the pitching of the awning and
that all parts are present. You should familiarise yourself with the awning including any limitations the
awning may have for your particular use. An awning that has been taken out of its original packaging
cannot be exchanged. Try to practice setting up the awning before you go away, this will make your
holiday more enjoyable.
NOTES ON AWNING MATERIALS
Your awning is made from the best available materials. On first inspection you may find some slight
variances in colour, thick threads, pigment stains and changes due to the weather and environment.
These are all normal, will not affect the performance of the awning and are not faults or errors.
When a caravan awning is folded the window material may pick up impressions from zips, tape,
seams, etc. This is quite normal and some of these impressions will disappear over time but some
may remain. This is not a fault but a characteristic of an awning.
You may also experience, depending upon the weather and use, condensation in your awning. This
should not be confused with leakage. To reduce the risks of condensation make sure that your awning
has adequate ventilation.
FIRST USE
Your caravan awning has had its main seams hot air taped to help prevent leakage. To maximise the
awnings’s weatherproofing a special sewing thread has been used on the remaining seams. Seam
sealant should be applied to seams where the tape has been damaged, peeled away, or where the
taping is broken because of tie points, suspension points, etc. Seam sealant is available from your
SunnCamp stockist. When a new awning is used for the first time do not be surprised if there is
seepage through the un-taped seams the first few times it becomes wet. When the special sewing
thread becomes wet it will swell to close the holes caused by the sewing needle. It may be necessary
to use a seam sealer on some seams. Seam sealer is available from you retailer.
Eclipse
Solara
Eclipse Solara

ERECTING YOUR AWNING
PREPARATION
Sunncamp caravan awnings come complete with a special system for attaching the frame to the
caravan. These are known as “Quick Fix” pads and require no permanent attachment of any parts to
your caravan. This is the easiest and most convenient way of erecting your awning, they simply clamp
onto a special profile that is pre-attached to all Sunncamp caravan awnings.
To save time on site, you may at this stage prefer to attach the pegging ladder straps to their anchor
points on the awning. The Prestige and Cardinal have a Vario pegging system allowing the mudwall to
be positioned on the inside or the outside of the awning. Decide upon your preferred choice and
attach the pegging ladder straps accordingly.
SITING YOUR CARAVAN
Choose a site that is as flat as possible. Avoid sites where the land may flood or that water will run
down. DO NOT camp directly under trees but a hedge or wall may provide shelter against wind.
AVOID areas with heavy pollution or where crop spraying may be in progress. Park and level your
caravan and ensure that the ground is free of stones or other sharp objects. Check your awning rail for
damage and sharp edges or burrs. These could seriously damage your awning if ignored.
Unpack the awning canvas and place it at the end of your caravan closest to the caravan door (you
can use a groundsheet or similar material to lay it on). Find the end of the beading, (the part that slides
through the awning rail) ensuring that the awning is not inside out.
ERECTION
1. Refer to the frame diagram supplied with the frame (see appendix 1) and assemble the telescopic
parts of the frame (to their minimum length). Lay out the frame on the ground in front of the caravan
in their approximate final positions. At this point DO NOT assemble any other parts of the frame.
2. STOP: Have you checked that your caravan’s awning rail is not damaged and does not have any
sharp edges or burrs? Take out any removable panels from your awning to make it lighter. Pull the
beading through the awning rail. It will be easier if one person pulls and another slides it into the
awning rail. The awning should be positioned with both sides equal distance from the ground. Pull
the beading NOT the canvas. Slide the “Quick Fix brackets onto the profile at this point and position
them at either end of the profile (in the corners of the roof). The Quick Fix brackets pads can be
repositioned at a later stage.
3. Lay out the frame in front of your caravan as per the diagram. Under the canvas assemble the
front of the frame (parts 6, 7, 10, 1). The telescopic parts should not be extended too far and the
front canopy poles should not be attached. Raise the front frame so that the brackets locate
through the holes in the front corners of the awning and at the same time locate the hook on the
end of rafter poles in the Quick Fix brackets and the other ends attach to the front brackets.
Tension the roof frame.
4. Go outside the porch and locate the stub canopy poles into the front awning brackets. Locate the
front canopy pole (11) onto the hooks on the stub canopy poles. Tension the canopy.
5. Go back inside the porch and clamp tensioning poles (8) to the rafters and tension. One of the poles
should be located as close to the caravan as possible and the other at the bend in the roof rafter.
6. Raise the front legs. The bottom of the awning (not the mud wall) should be about 8 cm from the
ground.
7. Attach the rear legs to the roof rafter and adjust tension.

8. Ensure that all panels are zipped into awning and that zips are fully closed.
9. Tension all roof poles so that all creases disappear from the roof section checking that the Quick Fix
bracket pads are in the correct position. DO NOT OVERSTRESS THE CANVAS.
10.Adjust the height of the front legs so that the canvas can be pulled to within 8 cm of the ground.
11. If you have not already done so, attach the pegging ladder straps to their anchor points. The
Eclipse & Solara have a Vario pegging system allowing the mud wall to be positioned on the inside
or the outside of the awning. Decide upon your preferred choice and attach the pegging ladder
straps accordingly.
12. Peg the awning in the following sequence.
a) Close all doors and zips and peg the following points in the number sequence.
b) Peg in line with the seams inserting the peg at 45°
and stretch the canvas making sure that tension is
applied between points 1 and 5, 2 and 6 and 5 and
6. The flap at the rear of the awning should be
pegged against the caravan.
c) Cross peg all doorways to remove tension from zip.
d) Peg rest of awning. The canvas should always be
taut with no creases and the pegs should be
positioned in as straight a line as possible on each
side.
10. When finished, the awning should be taut on the frame with no "flapping" canvas. It will probably be
necessary to adjust the frame during and after pegging to ensure maximum tension. It may be
necessary to practice pegging your awning several times before a satisfactory result is obtained.
11. Pull the draught skirt through the rail at the bottom of your caravan.
12. Attach the curtains to the curtain rail above each window.
13. The Eclipse & Solara are pre-fitted with attachments to take the optional Storm Mate kit. We highly
recommend this method of securing your awning. Storm Mate kits are available as a dealer
supplied option. Insert the side release buckle into the attachment on the awning. Attach the other
end to the spring and then peg the spring to the ground. Alternatively you can use the same
attachments to connect guylines (not supplied).
EXTREME CAUTION SHOULD BE TAKEN WHEN ERECTING YOUR AWNING IN WINDY
CONDITIONS. IF NECESSARY PEG THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE AWNING BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO ERECT THE FRAME. DO NOT TRY TO SET UP OR TAKE YOUR AWNING
DOWN ON YOUR OWN, GET SOMEBODY TO HELP YOU.
To dismantle your awning, reverse the above instructions. Fold the walls onto the roof and then fold
until it fits the storage bag, rolling the canvas for the last stage. Remember to remove the curtains and
Storm Mate straps before folding the awning.
PLEASE TAKE EXTREME CARE WHEN TAKING DOWN YOUR AWNING IN WINDY CONDITIONS.
a)
Caravan
Awning
1
2
3
4
5
6

GUYING - STORM MATE
Your awning must be guyed for protection against unexpected
inclement weather. All Sunncamp awnings are supplied with built
in awning tie down points. These can be used with the optional
“Storm Mate” tie down straps available from your dealer. We do
not recommend the use of other awning tie down kits that go over
the top of the awning, as they can wear the coating from the roof
fabrics.
ALWAYS remove the Storm Mate straps from the awning before
taking down and always store separately.
PEGS
General purpose pegs are supplied with this awning and are suitable in many instances. There are
many types of pegs available and it is up to you to choose the correct peg for the job. Your Sunncamp
dealer will be able to give you advice.
VARIO PEGGING SYSTEM
The Prestige and Cardinal have a Vario pegging system allowing the mudwall to be positioned on the
inside or the outside of the awning. Decide upon your preferred choice and attach the pegging ladder
straps accordingly.
CURTAINS
These should be clipped on the curtain track and retained by the curtain tape. Always remove the
curtains from the awning when packing away. Never pack the curtains in direct contact with the
awning material as colour may leak out of the curtains.
CARE OF YOUR AWNING
CANVAS
During use try to keep your awning as clean as possible. Remove all deposits and objects as soon as
possible. Leaving any substance or object in contact with the fabric may leave a stain. NEVER clean
your awning with anything other than pure warm water and a soft brush. NEVER use detergents,
petrol, turps, etc. or any cleaning agent.
The canvas should always be packed away and stored completely dry. Never pack the curtains, Storm
Mate kit or frame in direct contact with the awning canvas. If you have to take your awning down wet
then, at the first possible opportunity, dry your awning. DO NOT LEAVE IT PACKED WET. Damp
storage will cause mildew and other damage. Dry all awnings within 24 hours. Store in a clean dry,
well ventilated place.
Zips should be treated with care. Always use two hands to open and close. Candle wax will loosen a
stiff zip. DO NOT FORCE A ZIP UNDER TENSION, release the cause of the tension and try again.
When erecting or dismantling place a plastic groundsheet or carpet on the ground to protect from
sharp objects and dirt.
Do not pitch under trees or use aerosols in or around your awning. Tree sap and aerosols can
adversely affect the performance of your awning.

FRAME
Take care not to put excess strain on your frame. When erecting or dismantling, make sure that you do
not over-extend any spring links. Should this happen your Sunncamp dealer will be able to supply
replacements. Retain your awning frame diagram so that you can identify parts when spares are
required.
During storage, a light coating of petroleum jelly will help protect the frame. Remove any excess before
pitching the awning. Store in a clean, dry place.
EXTENDED USE
If you intend to leave your awning erected for an extended period then it is important that the awning is
well ventilated. Large amounts of condensation can form in awnings left erected which in extreme
cases can cause mildew to form on the inside of the awning. Only good ventilation can stop this from
occurring. Mildew is not covered under your warranty.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS - REMEMBER, YOUR AWNING CAN BURN. CAMP SAFETY - FOLLOW
THESE COMMONSENSE RULES
• When siting, ensure a minimum distance of 6 metres between awnings.
• Do not place cooking, heating or lighting appliances near the side or the roof.
• Always observe the safety instructions for the appliances.
• Keep exits clear
• Make sure that you learn the fire arrangements on the site.
• Never allow children to play near lighted appliances.
WARRANTY
Our products are covered by a one year warranty. Your Sunncamp awning is guaranteed against
faulty materials and workmanship and any defects relating to this will be repaired free of charge. The
following situations are not covered by the warranty:
• Damage due to misuse.
• Excessive tensioning
• Awnings used for permanent or commercial use.
• Storm/weather damage of any type.
• Condensation
• Colour changes due to environmental circumstances.
• Slight colour differences between panels and light points in coated materials.
• Pegging points, rubbers, pegs.
• Zips which are working parts
• Mildew
• Marking of the window material
Please refer to your supplying dealer for all warranty details. If you need to return your awning please
ensure that it is clean and dry. If an awning is returned dirty or wet we will not be able to work on it and
it will be returned un-repaired.
Please remember that when a new awning is used for the first time do not be surprised if there is
seepage through the un-taped seams the first few times it becomes wet. When the sewing thread
becomes wet it will swell to close the holes caused by the sewing needle. It may be necessary to use
a seam sealer on some seams.

APPENDIX 1
SunnCamp is the camping division of Sunnflair Limited
Chelmsford CM3 5XJ Great Britain
©mcl/EclipseSolara/2006
To view our other products or to join Club SunnCamp visit our website
www.sunnflair.com
The Eclipse and
Solara are supplied
with only one no. 8
pole and without the
no.11 and no.12
poles. All of these
are available as
optional extras. The
no. 8 and no 11
poles should only be
necessary for winter
use in snow.