Trigano Panoramic 410
The French mega-manufacturer aims to make a big impression with a new range of premium inflatable awnings. Peter Baber goes under canvas to take a closer look
FOR A MAJOR leisure vehicle conglomerate manufacturing caravans and motorhomes, it’s surprising how little the Trigano brand name appears on its products. One major exception now is awnings, but for a company that started making tents in 1936, perhaps this isn’t surprising.
Trigano’s full awning range (known until 2014 as Eurovent) has been fully revamped, and is sold in the UK via Manchesterbased Grove Products.
We tested the Panoramic 410 from the premium inflatable range. This has a depth of 290cm, and six interconnecting individual pods (four long, two short) slide into the tubes to make the frame.
Some might find this laborious for an inflatable awning, but Trigano prefers it, partly because it means damage to any part of the airframe only involves replacing an individual valve or tube, and not the whole system.
Any extra air you feel might be necessary once the frame is in position can be introduced via a valve near the bottom of the tube, accessible from outside. A hand pump is supplied with the awning.
As a result, and despite the awning being heavier than some of a similar size, it was easy to erect and went up, with the help of two seasoned awning erectors, in about 20 minutes. The outside top-up hole proved very useful in making sure everything was as inflated and taut as could be.
The fabric is 300 denier ripstop polyester with a hydrostatic head
of 10,000mm – this means it will be rainproof and waterproof under light pressure.
Once assembled, the awning looks the part, even if it does come in a fairly drab grey two-tone. You do get fluorescent guy ropes, plus storm straps that clip on the outside. The awning is sealed to the van’s side with poles.
The 410 has three doors across the front, the middle one of which opens, plus doors at the side designed to accommodate people using a mobility scooter – a thoughtful touch which means there are no trip hazards.
PVC windows have detachable mesh panels that fold back, but
there are no verandah poles. Ventilation is improved with vents that can be strapped open, while a roof lining is included.
Extra tubes in the roof to keep it taut come with a suggested retail price of £13.80 each.
An annexe tent is available, with an RRP of £219, and this can be fitted on either side. An inner tent, which fits in the awning or the annexe, costs £35.
VERDICT
The Panoramic 410 is a good awning with exceptional fabric, albeit in a dull colour. Accessories are a little thin on the ground, but they are at least versatile.