Vango Varkala Connect 360 air awning review

Vango have sent us a Varkala Connect 360 caravan awning for review. We have tried it a couple of times and also used the Vango Varkala Connect Extension as well. We have reviewed the awning and share out thoughts and if we would buy this awning.
Details for the awning :
➡️Vango Varkala Connect 360 : trudg.uk/varkab...
➡️Vango Connect L/H Extension : trudg.uk/varkab...
➡️Vango Varkala Annex trudg.uk/varkac...
----------------
BE SOCIAL
----------------
▶ Website : trudg.uk/web
▶ Twitter : trudg.uk/twitter
▶ Instagram : trudg.uk/insta...
▶ Facebook : trudg.uk/facebook
▶ Storefront : trudg.uk/store...
----------------
CAMERA KIT
----------------
ℹ️ We earn a small commission from qualifying purchases through the Amazon Associate links below. It costs you no extra and it really helps us invest into our channel.
▶ Canon EOS 80d camera body amzn.to/2qY5Sj3
▶ Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens amzn.to/2qXTyPy
▶ Canon EF-S 10-18 mm lens amzn.to/2qYjKcZ
▶ Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 STM Lens amzn.to/2qY54ut
▶ Canon EOS M50 Camera amzn.to/2nBQiGk
▶ Rode VideoMicro Mic amzn.to/2MpcnGd
▶ Manfrotto Compact Tripod amzn.to/2KRb7qz
👍 We don’t take Super Chats anymore, but you can support our channel here : trudg.uk/5cba0

[@markfensome9737]

What a great video , honest and unbiased . With the extention well worth buying . Great job guys thank you .

[@stuartvialls8384]

Love air awnings had mine now 5 years, glad you have reviewed this as the fact that you don't like Air awnings as a whole, and now you like this one, helps me with the wife getting her to allow me to get this. I hope thank you

[@richardbinnie]

We have had a Kampa air 400 for two years now and cannot fault it with the single inflation point being a real bonus compared to this vango. Top tip regarding twisting the straps to eliminate wind flap so thanks for that. Keep up the good work.

[@perryreynolds5941]

Great balanced review. We have the Bradcot Modul Air 390 with the extensions and it goes up so easily. One advantage it has over the Vango is that the extensions slide into the awning rail as well, so when it is set up as a full awning there are no sections covering any windows or lockers on the side of the caravan.

[@kenroberts6907]

Just bought a Vango Balletto 200. Had it up for almost 3 weeks (one week with almost constant rain) really pleased with it . Thinking of getting the Vango Balletto 300 with anex for next year. Great video Dan

[@GlensOfLarne]

Having looked at a lot of awnings and tried many, I think the Kampa Air 390 Plus is the best of the lot. Its one point inflation, with isolation valves, there is no adding extra support beams, everything is already connected. We even used this awning on a seasonal pitch in 2017, and it did not need air top up once!! Would love to see Kampa do a 5 meter version of their All Season one as I think that's the only one I would consider changing too. We also have a CaravanStore roll out one just for those really quick get aways when all we need is a little sun shade. Oh and the Kampa Limpet system is awesome

[@Jordanmufc666]

Lloyd Fulton that’s the one I have brilliant bit of kit

[@bryansilcox9590]

We have had this awning now for last 3 years , yes 1 beam has a bend in it . It's great to use for when just my wife & I go away we use the single awning . Then when the family comes along we use the add-on and fit a double blowup air bed in there Great awning in our eyes

[@gallowaygetaways5326]

Love the conservatory addition. Great for longer stays like you said and wonderful having all that extra space, wow!

[@englishrivieravanessa]

BBC weather

[@markwebber1189]

We've had our Vango air awning for three years now and disappointingly had three air beams pop! Thus putting a damper on three trips as the beams have popped on the first day or so of a week long break leaving us with two chocolate labs and no awning, not great. Using the pump supplied you can't over inflate as you have the gauge so it wasn't down to that, Vango have to be fair replaced the tubes under warranty. The roof beams curve just like you have found and I've tried all ways to correct them but with no luck so we have to live with them. The main beams do also kink and need to be opened up now and again and the inner tube adjusted. The awning is quick to erect though and a fellow caravanner who had obviously been watching with interest once came over to congratulate me on the speed of putting it up. I've noticed that some seasonals on our site leave their Vango air awnings up for the season with no apparent problems and we've had ours up in some very strong winds and it's survived. There are good and bad points on air awnings but I suppose it's the same for any awning, pole or air.

[@LifesADiscovery]

I bought a 4.5m Quest "The Rollie" roll out awning after seeing how good/ easy your roll out was. Im using it for a week in the top of Scotland and then in the Lakes for a week so will be a good test as others we are going with are using traditional pole style awnings. Depending how our trip gose, this Vango inflatable is definatley something ill be watching for updates on. Great video Dan.

[@AMandiJ]

Great tip about twisting the ropes!

[@rebeccajaneacquah]

Andrea Margison love the idea about twisting the ropes I agree 😁

[@Dieferdan]

It's called a Helicoil. It's to encourage the wind up the strap rather than across it thus causing the resonance Dan Mentioned. If you look at many tall chimney stacks, they have twisted metal straps towards the top, again encouraging the wind up the object rather than around (this is pure layman's terms) Check out Kármán vortex street ;)

[@AMandiJ]

It all makes sense now when you see the twisted decorated Elizabethan chimney stacks that there was an actual purpose behind it! Learning something new every day :)

[@rebeccajaneacquah]

Andrea Margison It's a great idea and I'm.going to do it myself from now on. Dan's brill videos show something new every time 😊

[@tsport6368]

Discovered this when strapping a paddle board to my roof bars. Straight straps sounded like it was ripping the roof off. A couple of twists, silence.

[@stevenboon9829]

Another great review there dan. Were getting our first caravan next week and thanks to you we know exactly what we want to buy accessory wise 👍

[@justinmorgan8128]

Hi Dan. Good informative video as usual, I particularly liked your tip on how to stop the straps vibrating. However, no matter how good they are becoming, I still don't like air awnings, to me, they look like a bouncy castle hanging off the side of the van. Also, having recently witnessed one of the tubes on my father in law's Kampa air awning burst, resulting in tearing the roof panel, I remain unconvinced. A quick Google search shows that this is a lot more common than they will admit, and talking to my dealer recently who told me that they have seen a considerable rise in customers going back to original poled awnings, after trying air awnings. We will be definitely sticking with our poled awning, but an informative video all the same.

[@paulpringle8263]

Thanks for the tip Dan I have moved the zips to one end.And it has reduced the bend in the air beams.Hopefully it works for you.thank you for the tip and the quick response.regards Paul 👏👏👏👏

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Still can't make my mind up. We have bought a small pole awning off Martin Davies until we decide. Thanks for sharing Phil.

[@pauldowns9961]

Good review Dan. I had a vango awning for my VW Campervan and had the same issue with the detachable air beams. It made the awning roof look odd but stopped water pooling so I wasn't bothered about it for that reason. It's a good idea about the connecting end sections and with two fitted it looks good too. I agree that they need to have better access to the gas point and wet locker, the Kampa Rally Air Pro version does do that. I've just bought a Kampa 390 Grande, so your review came a little late for me to consider the Vango :(

[@carlyfellows8158]

Well this couldn’t have appeared at a better time! We have been looking at this and the Kampa Rally Pro Air! The extension adds some brilliant space! Thank you! :)

[@georgerodger7021]

Well balanced review - looking for one with a sewn in groundsheet - can you recommend any please

[@Carpetmas5]

Thank you for your review, the only comments I can make we had last years model very good, but it is not all seasons unfortunately having had a Dorema for a number of years we changed to This Vango model we found it brilliant in winds & putting up and taking down. But it is not all seasons and only after 1 season in Spain the roof started rotting, the grey went pink and the black went grey.

[@TheCaravanNut]

Nice review Dan. We have a Vango Kalari 420 which is great. A few moans, it’s heavy to put on the rail and no fly net on the 3 front windows, however you can buy zip in panels at £20 each! Cheers Martin

[@simongare4815]

Hi We got the 280. Like you very happy with it but what do think to the side skirt and wheel cover? Mine doesn’t seem to fit well.

[@riccrawford4012]

Hi Dan. Can you leave the side panels on when you add the extension? Looking to essentially leave the door open on the extension with no groundsheet so you can get in quickly from rain, but then have the door separating from the main awning. Thanks.

[@thebackyardwelder5267]

We've got a Bradcot 390 air module. Think it's brilliant and wouldn't go back to a pole set up now.

[@cr-ew8od]

What a clever tip regarding twisting the webbing

[@Lifeat39000ft]

Great video Dan. Although we are considering replacing our vango 520 for the Thule roll out one!

[@omega7311]

Oh dear how simple twist the straps,I put tape on mine ,I have the rapide ,found the inside brace beam to be slightly bent,as banana ,so it pushes the roof up when put in,I was wondering what happened to your roll out do you still like it

[@richardmiles6826]

Hi Dan, we're just about to buy a Bailey to replace our Lunar which was written off. I've thought of having an air awning but my Wife is refusing as she says that where it seals against the caravan wouldn't be good enough in really bad weather. How do you stop the draught coming through? Cheers Richard M

[@lindalloyd216]

Great review. Really helpful. Would it be possible to see how you packed it away. Thanks. From Linda Lloyd.

[@rebeccajaneacquah]

Great vid, we are looking for a bigger air awning for when we go On long holidays but would end up with 2 awnings coz we also have a small air awning for short holidays. With this one we could have the best for both types of holidays. I like it Dan thanks. And think you should go for it too 😊. All the best

[@howejones4126]

If you are going to change your van in the near future you need to check that this awning will fit the new van, eg will it fit in between or not cross a windows, will any of the inflated tubes impede the door opening. I have experienced these problems with some air awnings.

[@crevusllohcin]

Do the ground sheets come with the awning or did you buy it separately.

[@clivetucker176]

Nice video Dan. We don't use an awning at the moment we prefer the Fiamma, having said that if we were on the market for one I would certainly look at this.

[@T.J4644]

Hi Dan could you do a video on how to take this awning down and get air out & rolling up to put in bag Thankyou

[@jampot20000]

Looks good and a good review Dan. The number of second hand Kampa air awnings on eBay shows that many have had problems with rips etc. Wonder how Vangos compare? Very little reviews on air awnings

[@grahamsellwood8284]

Agree about the fold out awnings not fitting the side of caravans well ours doesn't seem to let the poles and padding get close enough to make a snug fit (Westfield rollaway).

[@djc59x]

Hi Dan, I had a beam with a bend in my Vango Kela that I had for the VW T5 Camper. I was unable to ever get rid of the bend. Like the other poster I used to position it with the bend upwards to help stop pooling on the roof.

[@DesmondsDonders]

Nice one Dan. I particularly like the fit against the caravan wall I have not seen better and we had a few over the years :-)

[@lensmanonline]

Well made video Dan, I never been to keen on air awnings but I think they'd be great for weekend trips away, I may invest in a smallish one. Cheers Jon

[@paulpringle8263]

Good review Dan.if you do find a solution to the problem with the air poles bending i would be interested to know.as I have the same problem with 2 of my air beams.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Paul - I've been tipped off, that if you move the zips to one end (mine are in the middle) this can reduce the bend. i haven't tried it yet, but will do when we are away. Oh, move the zips on a deflated beam, not inflated Dan

[@melstaxihomevideos7565]

love the video's Dan...👍 .... can't wait till we get rid of covid & get camping again...👍...

[@chrissale4270]

Hi are you still using the Vango connect and if so still happy & Cheers Chris

[@chrisbird829]

We have this awning and love it. So easy to put up. Thanks for the tip about the storm straps, brilliant. The one thing we have to buy is the roof liner as in this blazing sun it shines right through the skylights which we're not too keen on. I found this on line for £22.94 so not a great extra cost. We also have the bow in a couple of the beams but like another comment below we just turn them over. Thanks Dan for another great review.

[@jhonbrakoumatsos2455]

Sale in greece-athens?

[@NorthernExplorers]

Cracking review Dan, we have the idris ii and you can get the bedroom pods which fit inside the main space of the awning. Does this have something similar other than the end pod?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI, im not sure about specific pods inside the awning. We did use a generic pod in the rollaway awning, that we held in place with bungy straps. I suppose the same could be accomplished with this. Hope that helps Dan

[@vangotentsandessentials]

Hi Both, Yes there is a clip in Caravan Bedroom similar to the one for the idris which clips into the main area of the awning :)

[@graemewiles07]

Hello Dan. Do you still has and use this awning.

[@TheTrudgians]

No, we haven't used this for some time now, its a great awning, but we've moved onto Isabella now.

[@graemewiles07]

@@TheTrudgians bit cheeky but don’t suppose you’d like to sell it by and chance.

[@digitalchimpuk]

We've got the Vango Kalari and don't bother deflating the cross beams but store them under one of the seats when not in use. Air doesn't weigh anything and it makes it quicker to put up next time. The only issue we've had is pegging out the corners near the van. It just doesn't make sense and I even asked a rep at the vango stand at the caravan show and he couldn't properly explain how to do it either .. ?!

[@lostweekendscaravan]

Thats a good idea. Saves time with the cross beams. Phil

[@rassman48]

Does it make a difference to the pitch cost when you add the extra pieces. I only ask because on some sites for my tent there is a tent charge, but add the extension piece (not much more than a porch) and you get charged more,

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Rob, when i initially read this comment i thought "What a silly comment" but as I think about it, it has made me question this as well. In the cases of sites that feel they need to charge for an awning, I would declare this as a full awning (with extensions) - what difference it makes, im not sure - perhaps the damage to a grass pitch ? and perhaps call the site to double check etc. Anyway - thank you for a great question, It had me thinking about it for a while Dan

[@kevandrews4699]

Hi dan good review of awning like how u can make it bigger if u want by adding more kit to it is the awning a 250 cm depth outwards from caravan a standard size if someone offered u free of charge your roll out awning with all the kit like the vango which would u go for your roll out or the air vango cheers .kev

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Kev, Yep its standard width, 250 etc. As for a free of charge awning. Thats a really difficult one to answer. Let me use this for a bit longer and i'll get back to you. D

[@kernowgirl53]

Has it got a built in ground sheet or is it just your awning carpet straight on the grass? I haven't had an awning before and wondering about how wet the floor gets if it rains? Great video once again 😊

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, no ground sheet on this awning. The floor will get wet if downhill from a water run off, or the pitch is flooding, but if on a level pitch the ground will remain surprisingly dry. Hope that helps

[@kernowgirl53]

The Trudgians Thank you, very helpful 😊

[@stephaniechalmers3902]

We use a black ground sheet first it goes down before we open awning gives it a dry clean surface to work on for both putting up and taking down then you gave a clean awning.

[@stephaniechalmers3902]

Carpet also stays clean and dry.

[@HowardB54]

Thanks for another good review Dan, I’ve been looking at the Vango Sonoma 400 which I think is similar . What I like about vango is everything is in the bag inc. straps, wheel cover etc. Regards Howard

[@sidlewis3954]

Hi Dan, liked your review on the awning, is this the one you had at Trudgfest ?? Hope to meet up with you Sambuca guzzlers at Trudgfest 19. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@TheTrudgians]

Perfect - looking forward to catching up again Sid. See you soon.

[@ajc7166]

I went for the Sonoma 350, which by the way has fly screens, I didn't see any advantage with it being an air awning. It went up much the same as any "porch awning". The downside is its heavier than our, albeit, slightly smaller awning which has fibre poles. A couple of points, unless you buy a full awning which is measured for the van, there's always a chance that a window or locker door is going to be covered. My Sonoma covers my underbed locker door on my van. Most annoying. Also, they seem to recommend that the awning is threaded into the van from the rear, which means that you have to negotiate the tightest bend in the rail. Why? By the way, Vango aren't the easiest of companies to deal with. I've returned the carpet to them as they sent the wrong one, and despite emails and phone calls I'am still waiting 2 weeks later for the replacement.

[@petertitterton6836]

Great review Dan, it is interesting that you have changed your mind since Trudgfest. A point about the curtains dropping into a pocket at the bottom, our Kampa has the same idea and if condensation forms on the windows it runs down into the pockets, you end up with wet curtains! We arrange the curtains to guide water away from the pockets.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Peter - yep, its a complete change of opinion. It was the 2nd time we put it up, we started to warm to the idea. I suppose we had always loved our roll away awning, and were not open to change. The extension has made all the difference for this awning. It really has. Dan

[@AlHos]

Dan so what are the poles for then? I have ordered the 420 version which comes in a few days and the salesman showed me the two poles and padded protection for the van. Is it for strong winds to add some stability to the awning?

[@Vicq52400]

AlHos The poles hold the pads tighter against the side of the caravan.

[@markwebber1189]

As said the pad on our vango is held in place securely with the poles and gives it more rigidity.

[@TheTrudgians]

HI, yep I cannot ad much to this - the other comments sum it up perfectly. I will say in this instance we simply don't need them, perhaps when we are on a slightly wonky pitch or when the windy weather picks up again we will look to add them in, but not right now. Dan

[@AlHos]

Thank you for all the replies. Is it easy enough to add the poles later on in if the weather gets bad or does it have to be done before awning is fully pegged out and tensioned?

[@markwebber1189]

AlHos You can put them in later, but as they are supplied to hold pads in place and they do seal the awning against the van it's easiest to just pop them in first while the awning is being erected.

[@davidmbell]

Nice balanced review

[@ovocwavewalker]

Dan, I've been in contact with Vango and they have told me that the Kalari side mesh door (which can be bought seperate) also fits the Varkala Connect. I have no idea if this is true or not, if anyone out there can confirm this that would be great.

[@bobmckayfreedom]

Wee question ...not about awning but where did you get the carpet/groundsheet 😄

[@AlHos]

Bob McKay it’s the Vango Varkala carpet luxury version which is excellent. Interwoven strands which can go on most surfaces without needing anything underneath apparently.

[@RockyD]

Awning, plus both extensions plus annex is £1800. Some serious dosh that. That against a normal awning of similar price. Which lasts longer? Which can withstand the worst of weather? Does the ease of erecting outweigh the longevity of the normal owning?

[@SeasideVanlife]

Really helpful, easy video to watch :)

[@privateprivate4384]

Love the honest review. That's why we trust the Trudgians thank you!

[@Parknest]

Not the usual "divorce in a bag" then? (unless you refuse to buy it, lol). Some silicone spray in the awning rails should make things a bit easier. Some of your gripes are specific to your own caravan which you're selling anyway. Sounds like you're warming to air awnings.

[@scotiajinker8392]

The only thing I like about that awning is the adjustable straps for uneven ground .. the rest is a faff

[@lesdunn736]

Thanks for that.

[@LatitudeAdventures]

Looks like you've been converted to an air awning. shame you can't open the window when the connect section is added.

[@kippy587y]

Dan, great review as always. I assume as well as saving on set up time an Air Awning has the advantage of being less weight? Also is there anyway you would be able to use your awning lights you made? Keep up the good work.

[@scotia4429]

The only thing I like about your awning is the adjustable straps at the bottom.. the rest is too much of a faff

[@stewchesman5259]

Great review Dan, best get your wallet out lol ;))

[@luciocancellara4995]

Got this with side extension if anyone wants to buy it let me know

[@andrewmoorey6103]

Not convinced about air awnings. They all look like a bag of crisps to me. Had a Kampa, absolute garbage.

[@kevinrowe456]

Great review but still wouldn’t buy one. ATB

[@sebs8605]

I have one and it is rubbish when it’s really windy. It doesn’t stay up. I really regret buying it. This awning is only good for good weather. I have video of it in gale conditions. Utterly rubbish awning. Will never buy an air awning again. £1000+ wasted.