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The History of Isabella Awnings – Isabella’s 65 Years in Numbers

Isabella Awnings 65th Anniversary Blog Graphic

April 2022 is the month Isabella Awnings celebrates its 65th birthday! Isabella Awnings was founded by Søren Odgaard in 1957, after he sewed the first ridge tent in the cellar at his home in Vejle.

Even back then in 1957, Søren could see how important leisure time was becoming to many families. After all this time, the goal remains the same – to ensure that leisure time and holidays are well utilised and not wasted because of poor quality.

To celebrate the Isabella Awnings 65th anniversary, here’s 8 milestones in their history…

1950s

Søren Odgaard sews his first ridge tent in the basement of his home in 1957. He starts by renting out his first tents for 1 DKK per day. As prosperity rises and more people want to own rather than rent, the young entrepreneur starts production of the first villa tent, Capri.

1960s

Isabella keeps up with developments and, in 1964, produces the first Awning for the new two-wheel holiday homes. In 1967, Søren Odgaard develops the A-Measurement System for Caravans.

1970s

As camping becomes more and more popular, durable Awnings are in demand and able to withstand being outdoors for long periods year after year. In 1975, Isabella presents a new and solid Awning – the first one with acrylic canvas and polyester coated roof, replacing the well-known cotton tents.

1980s

Increasing demand for mobility leads us to develop a new and revolutionary fibreglass frame system, the IXL system, in 1985. The new frames weigh far less than traditional steel poles. Travelling campers rejoice as they must carry far fewer kilos on their journey and the Awning is easier to pitch. In 1986, Campbells Caravans became an Isabella dealer!

1990s

Isabella expands the range with a whole new series of products to meet the needs of the discerning permanent pitcher and price-conscious camper. Both want new options and they provide them with the new Ventura Awning range. Ventura Pacific quickly becomes a bestseller and is available in both 2.5 and 3 metre depths. In 1990, Isabella designed an exclusive Awning for Campbells Caravans known as the Isabella Apollo!

2000s

Once again, Isabella launches a completely new pole system. The unique CarbonX lightweight chassis is introduced. The new frame is a carbon fibre-reinforced fibreglass frame, ideal for touring. It’s even stronger and easier to handle than the previous IXL frame.

2010s

In 2017, Isabella acquires the Danish Caravan manufacturer Camp-let, to whom they already supply tents. Development quickly accelerates and the new Camp-let Passion is born.

2020s

In the early 2020s, Isabella focus on developing new products for Motorhomes and Vans, such as Levo Cosy Corner and Isabella AIR X-Tension.

7 things that make an Isabella Awnings Carpet more than just a regular carpet

For decades, Isabella have worked with the leading woven vinyl carpet manufacturer in Europe to create the perfect and most durable Awning carpet.

Isabella Carpet is available in three different colourways that perfectly match your Isabella Awning. Choose from three pile depths: 2.5m, 3m and 3.5m, as well as lengths from 3m to 10m.

  1. It can be cut in all directions without fraying.
  2. It’s flame retardant. You can even put a lighter to the carpet without setting it on fire.
  3. It’s UV-resistant. That means the colours in the carpet remain beautiful.
  4. It’s water-repellent. If you spill something on it, it will form a film on top of the carpet instead of penetrating it.
  5. It’s easy to clean. In 99% of cases, you can simply clean the carpet with water and a scrubbing brush.
  6. It’s 100% free of hormone-disrupting phthalates.
  7. It’s produced using 100% renewable energy.

5 tips for an Easter trip

  1. Remember AquaTex! AquaTex waterproofing spray makes life easier. Use it if getting the Awning into the Awning rail proves difficult. Simply spray the rail all the way around and the Awning will slide easily.
  2. Get a good windscreen! The wind is usually still on the chilly side at Easter. To make the most of sunny hours in front of your Awning, we recommend a windscreen.
  3. Relax in a recliner! Unwind and recharge your batteries. Isabella’s Freja recliner can be tilted all the way back to the position you want.
  4. Create the right atmosphere at the camping table! Creating the right atmosphere is easier if the lighting is pleasant and subdued. Use Isabella’s lamp cord with dimmer and the elegant Cube Creme lampshade to create the perfect ambient lighting.
  5. Set an elegant Easter table! Easter is never complete without an Easter lunch. Give your table setting an elegant and natural look with the stylish Natura Service Set – available in 8 and 16 pieces.

Get in touch about Isabella Awnings

Campbells Caravans are proud to be a dealer of Isabella Awnings. Call our Sales Team on 01772 627 627 or email [email protected] for more information.