Bradcot Classic Review

Good Points
The easy alloy poles are easy to erect and are lightweight. They don't rust and they are virtually maintenance free. I haven't experienced any problems with the awning canopy but I agree that from time to time the zips require a certain amount of patience.

Bad Points
The locking joints sometimes slip leading to sagging of the awning and subsequent pooling of water on the sagging roof. This also causes the intermediate poles to deviate from their position against the side of the caravan and for upright poles to lift off the ground. Even in moderate winds the poles have a tendency to bend. Replacement poles are very expensive. In a recent episode when the wind was about force 6 the entire frame collapsed. The intermediate poles which were braced against the side of the caravan folded in two and this was followed by the collapse of the intermediate upright poles. The remaining poles then failed in turn.

General Comments
My experience of the easy alloy poles on the Bradcot Classic has not been a happy one and I will not be purchasing a replacement set of these poles. I think I will choose the steel poles which are heavier but are also cheaper. I have considered buying the fibreglass poles which are reputed to be very light and strong but I don't know a lot about them. I wouldn't say that the alloy poles are completely useless but I would be uneasy using them in areas where strong winds are either routinely experienced such as the coast or when strong winds are forecast.