The awning holder from GRAFT made a very good impression in our test. The product is designed to attach motorhome awnings to the body of the caravan instead of to the ground. This makes setting up the awning completely independent of the ground conditions. Two holders are supplied for this purpose, which can be attached to smooth surfaces such as a motorhome body using a suction cup and offer a suitable mount for standard awning feet. The awning holder from GRAFT offers an attractive design, good quality, very good hold, a very fair price and is easy to install and remove. Nevertheless, it would have been desirable if the awning holder also had an option for attaching awnings that do not have one of the foot types provided.
Advantages
✅ Good quality
✅ Easy assembly and disassembly
✅ Very high holding force
✅ Favourable purchase price
✅ Attractive design
Disadvantages
❌ Limited compatibility with awning feet
❌ Partially rough finish on the rear side
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, items were packed compactly | 100 points |
| Packaging design | High-quality packaging, also suitable as a gift | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the awning bracket from GRAFT arrived with other products in a matching shipping box. The box was undamaged and easy to open without any additional tools. Inside the box, the awning holder was packed in visually appealing cardboard product packaging. The product packaging was protected from slipping by paper filling material. In this case, the product was fully protected and the awning holder was therefore in perfect condition.
The product packaging of the awning holder is fully recyclable. The filling material and the shipping carton are also fully recyclable.
Overall, the awning holder from GRAFT makes a very good impression.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Two awning holders and a transport case | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Multilingual, clearly written, with illustrations | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found in the instructions for use | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The product packaging contains a black transport case, which is closed with a zip fastener. The front is labelled with the GRAFT brand name. The transport case can be opened into two halves by opening the zip. Each half contains an awning holder and a multilingual instruction manual. The two halves of the transport case are moulded to fit the awning holders and covered with a black fabric. This means that the awning holders are not only excellently protected against dust and dirt, but also against scratches and knocks.
The instruction manual not only contains instructions in German, but also in English, Spanish, French and Italian. The instructions are written precisely and clearly, and the individual steps are also illustrated with colour illustrations. In addition to the instructions, the manual also contains safety instructions and tips.
The instructions for use also include contact information. In addition to the company name and address, there is also a telephone number and an e-mail address.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Only on closer inspection do you realise that it is made of plastic | 90 points |
| Processing | Very good with the exception of the rear of the awning foot holder | 90 points |
| Stability | Except for the clamping lever, all loaded parts are made of metal | 90 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Can be reused as often as required | 100 points |
| Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The awning holder can be described as a large suction cup with awning foot holder and tensioning lever. There is a black plastic cover on the outside of the suction cup, which forms the front of the awning holder. The awning foot holder is integrated into the top of the plastic cover. The foot holder consists of a rail moulded to fit awning feet and a locking hook for locking. The locking hook is pre-tensioned by a metal spring, which is located inside the foot holder.
The tensioning lever for attaching and releasing the suction cup is located underneath the foot holder. The clamping lever is also made of black plastic. With a material thickness of approx. 2.5 mm and several reinforcements on the inside, it is sufficiently robust to operate the suction cup. The suction cup and clamping lever are firmly connected to each other via a metal hinge shaft and a metal rod. The suction cup itself is made of black rubber.
Overall, the awning holder from GRAFT makes a very robust impression. All components are well made and very stable. There are only uneven edges in the plastic on the back of the awning foot mount, but these do not impair its function. The black design has a classy look, only on closer inspection do you realise that it is made of plastic. The black colour scheme is also suitable for discreet and unusual motorhome designs. As the awning holder can be detached again, it can be used as often as required and on any number of motorhomes.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | Quick and easy assembly and disassembly | 100 points |
| Compatibility | Compatibility with common foot moulds, but not universal applicability | 80 points |
| Holding force | Very high holding force achieved in the test (> 20 kg with pure shear load) | 100 points |
| Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
A smooth, flat surface must be selected for installation, which can be found on the bodywork of a motorhome, for example. If the suction cup or surface are dirty, they must first be cleaned and freed from oil, grease, dirt and dust. Firstly, open the clamping lever. Then press the awning holder, suction cup first, onto the selected surface and close the clamping lever again. No great effort is required for this. The awning base can now be pushed into the holder until the locking hook engages. Assembly is therefore quick and uncomplicated. The same applies to dismantling. The locking hook must be released in order to remove the awning base. The awning holder can be released from the surface without any effort by opening the clamping lever.
The base mount of the awning holder is designed for three different common motorhome awning base shapes from Thule, Fiamma and Dometic. This ensures compatibility with commercially available awnings. Unfortunately, there is no adapter piece or screw hole for universal use of the awning holder.
The manufacturer specifies a tensile load of up to 50 kg for the suction cup. However, when used as intended, the suction cup is subjected to pressure and shear. As pressure has an increasing effect on the holding force, we measured the maximum shear force in our test. To do this, we weighed down the suction cup with weights until it gave way. We carried out the test on a clean surface made of smooth plastic. In this test, the suction cup was able to bear just over 20 kg. This corresponds to the shear force exerted on a suction cup by an 80 kg awning with an evenly distributed mass that is attached with two suction cups. Since in this case the inclined awning feet exert an additional pressure force on the suction cup, the maximum load-bearing capacity will be even higher in reality. Accordingly, the holding force can be rated as very good.
In our practical test, the GRAFT awning holder impressed us with its simple assembly and disassembly and sleek design. The holding force is far more than sufficient to set up awnings securely on the motorhome.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Points achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance at a low price | 100 points |
| Rating cut | Not rated, as too few customers have rated yet | |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Prices of up to €105 are charged on the internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €52. The awning holder from GRAFT is therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €52.46. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services you get.
Display
Overall result
| Weighting | Points achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 100 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 100 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 93 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 93 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 100 points |
| Total | 97 points |
