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P a g e
DEFLATION
When taking the awning down, open the dust covers and remove the pump from all valves. Deflate
by pushing in the valve insert with your finger at the same time twisting the insert anti- clockwise,
which will lock the valve open. We recommend that this is done with all the valves to ensure as
much air as possible leaves the bladders for packing. Then simply reverse the order of the
instructions. When packing the awning away lay the canvas outside down, on top of your ground
sheet, on the ground. Fold the side panels into the roof but leave the front panels flat on the floor.
Fold the roof and front lengthways into two
(into three for the 390 model)
and roll up the canvas
from the roof end. As the valves are still open this will allow all air pockets to empty and reduce the
size of the packed awning.
(Once rolled, it is good practice to unroll and re-roll the canvas to expel
more air.)
This process can be made much easier if the side and front panels are removed before
deflation. It is however important they are re-fitted prior to putting the awning up again to ensure
the correct “footprint” is achieved before inflation.
IMPORTANT
A new awning will require time to
“weather”
. As such you may experience some leaking through the
sewn seams until such time as the thread within the stitch holes has had the opportunity to swell
and fill out the stitch holes. There is no time limitation on when this is achieved but 3 or 4 good
soakings should suffice. The most important part of the weathering process, is the awning drying
out thoroughly before the next rain fall. Light rain is ideal for this purpose but if subjected to very
heavy rain when new, considerable leaking may be experienced!
On first inflation, the air bladders within the awning may need to adjust themselves to “comfort” fit.
Should you see any areas where the inflation beams have a slightly twisted, misaligned or “lumpy”
appearance, it is advisable to deflate the beams and then re-inflate. Each time the awning is inflated
any “lumpy” areas will eventually disappear once the bladder has settled within the confines of its
carrier.
Please do not attempt to open any of the containment zips in the air beams at any time.
There are
no customer serviceable parts contained within those zips and opening them without an express
written instruction from Bradcot will invalidate your guarantee. These zips are fitted with a “use
once only” security tag and should not be removed.
The air beams adjacent to the caravan are not attached to the main canvas for a small distance. This
is deliberate to allow a comfortable fit against the caravan.
The pressure within the beams is temperature sensitive. A 20c degree change in ambient
temperature can be coped with by the beams. However, if you erected the awning on a hot day it is
advisable to re-pressurise the beams once the ambient temperature has dropped. This will ensure
the unit remains at working pressure when cold.
As with all marine grade (serviceable) valves some loss of air pressure and volume is inevitable
through the valve. As such we recommend that the foot operated pump is available on hand with
which to “top up”. If the beams are easily depressed with a hand grip you should top up from any
one of the valves. A twice daily check is recommended.
The electric pump can draw considerable amps in piston mode. As such we
do not
recommend
extending its power lead. Connection must be made to a suitable 12 volt battery with the crocodile
clips.
Do not
attempt to fit a
“cigar lighter”
type plug to the lead.
This could damage the cars wiring.
