Following our recent trip to Germany we got a chance to use some of the latest products added to the Landy, and one of these products was the Generation 2, 270 degree Eclipse awning.

One of the things that we keep saying about DARCHE as a company is that they are committed to releasing quality products while always looking at ways on how they can improve them even more. We had the original 270 Eclipse awning on the 90 for over four years and it was awesome, hard to see how it could have been improved but it has been with the release of the Gen 2. But it was not just the 270 that was improved, DARCHE also added some new features to the walls that can be added to the awning. A couple of years ago DARCHE took the concept of an enclosed walled awning to an entirely new level with extended poles and the launch of the Eclipse 270°Awning. The Eclipse 270° Awning is a class-leading design that stood out when it comes to innovation and the sheer amount of covered space that this awning with its walls attached provides. Having displayed the new setup at the Abenteuer & Allrad show you could instantly see what attracted people to this awning setup.

One of the key benefits that stood out for people was the amount of space to shelter from the elements and set up camp under with a very impressive 11.5m2 of covered area to relax beneath, but also the quality of the canvas and of course the strong hinge system that brings confidence when set up in windy conditions. The Eclipse was designed for an easy one-person set up, the unit is free-standing during set up and pack down.

1. New & Improved Alloy Hinge System

2. New and improved 320gsm Canvas (Originally 260)

3. New clear PVC windows and solid window flaps.

 

The Generation 2 Awning Improvements.

The Generation 2 awning is now made from premium 320gsm (Originally 260) rip-stop polycotton canvas and has an impressive PU 1500mm water rating plus seam sealing that will keep you dry in extended rainy conditions. The kit also includes a removable, heavy-duty 600gsm PVC cover for protection when you’re on the road. Another key upgrade is the Aluminium Hinge System. Hinged from both ends, the awning pans along the full length of the vehicle, as well as the rear, offering additional undercover area compared to other general market offerings. Also the box-tube alloy arm system is light, strong, and built to last. Available in left or right-hand side mount configurations you can put one on the car, on the camp trailer, or the shed your options are endless. With multiple wall panels to choose from (sold separately), you can set up one as a wind and weather break or add them all for a whopping 20.5m2 of shelter around your vehicle. The included mounting brackets suit most commercially available flat roof rack or steel basket set-ups. Make sure to check the weight rating and suitability of your roof rack and vehicle with appropriate manufacturers prior to purchase. We recommend professional installation through your local 4WD centre or ask your DARCHE dealer for advice about installation. With new clear PVC windows and solid window flaps, you will get all the wind and weather protection as with the traditional solid walls set, plus the added benefit of letting in the light on gloomy days.The added walls can be used for protection against the elements or even as awning extensions for extra cover (poles sold separately). The zippered wall panels connect to allow for various wall configurations. The wide zippered door on wall one allows easy access if you peg down all the walls. The walls are made from quality ripstop polycotton canvas and have an impressive PU 1500mm water rating and seam sealing that will keep you dry in rainy conditions.NOTE: the Eclipse 270 PVC window walls are not compatible or interchangeable with solid Eclipse 270 walls.

Key Features

Provides 11.5m² of cover in all weather conditions; Free-standing set up mode allows for quick and easy one person set up/pack down; Lightweight and strong construction; Includes 3 x pivoting telescopic leg poles stowed on the rafters plus 3 x additional leg poles in a separate carry bag; Includes 3 x mounting brackets; 2 x steel-buckled tension straps, guy ropes and pegs; also includes transit cover. Wall kits available (sold separately)

GEN 2 WALLS

Clear PVC windows plus solid window flaps give you more light inside the awning. With all walls anchored, it provides approx. 20.5m2 of coverage depending on vehicle height. Acts as a wind/weather break or as an awning extension (poles sold separately). Zippered wall panels allows versatile configurations 1300mm wide zippered door on centre panel. Includes pegs and guy ropes.

 


DARCHE has done it again with this improved Eclipse 270 Awning, like all DARCHE products this is premium quality. The awning canvas has gone from 260 to 320 rip-stop polycotton canvas and has an impressive PU 1500mm water rating, the aluminium rafters are TIG welded and very smooth. The windows added to the walls are a great addition,the heavy-duty mounting brackets are some of the strongest on the market.All up DARCHE, you have made what was an awesome awning even better.