[camp&ride]

Installed my fiamma F45s w/ Thule Bars/podiums, ARB Awning Mounts, and the Fiamma wall mount kit.

 

[EddieZ]

That's a nice-looking van, overall. I think we've seen it before, with the window install.

I'm expecting to put a rail up top, and just attach cheap tarps. One thing I'm looking at, is having it extend all the way to (or a little past) the front of the sliding door... to have full rain coverage for an open door. That would be 30 or 32 inches of unsupported rail! -- or, in your case, awning case. I expect that you were limited by instructions, on how far from the end the support could be. Curious, though -- do you think the case is rigid enough to slide it forward the remaining 12 or 18 inches?

 

[camp&ride]

Curious, though -- do you think the case is rigid enough to slide it forward the remaining 12 or 18 inches?

Thanks EddieZ. The factory recommended attachment points are at both ends and the center. As mine is built, I'm already ~6" inside (behind) the front end. Not sure I'd be comfortable extending it further forward than that and it would protrude forward past the front roof angle by quite a ways (think jousting...).

If you want it that far forward, maybe consider direct mount to the wall, you'd be able to go lower and further forward. I just didnt want to drill into the side of the van.

 

[jhtransit]

Installed my fiamma F45s w/ Thule Bars/podiums, ARB Awning Mounts, and the Fiamma wall mount kit.

Noticed you have the Thule 460 feet and square bars. What did you use to fasten the feet to the van? Were those bolts included with the kit? How did you seal the feet to the roof? Can the bars be removed leaving just the feet in place?

 

[camp&ride]

The Thule foot kits come with mounting hardware to bolt into to factory platform & threaded attachment points. I used RTV silicone to seal between van and foot. However, the kit comes with a pretty good rubber pad that may have sealed on its own, RTV is added insurance for good long-lived seal.

As for removal, the foot kit comes in two pieces, the van attachment "foot" and a tower/bar section. The tower/bar section can be removed via 2 allen bolts per tower. The remaining foot would remain attached to van and sealed. This would be a bit of a PITA, in my opinion. If you're looking to frequently take rack off, maybe contact Thule and see if they have a diff't tower that has a quick release mechanism.

 

[atoine]

Our Installation

We installed a Fiamma F45S awning, which is installed on the side of the van just above the door (i believe only the High-Roof has some room to do this).

It looks like a solid product and the color match the Magnetic Grey of the Transit

Here is the story:
http://faroutride.com/fiamma-f45s-awning-installation/

 

[skagitstan]

We installed a Carefree, which appears to be a very similar design to the Fiamma. Mainly because we wanted an acrylic, not vinyl, awning. It looked like acrylic wasn't available with the Fiamma.
We have some issues with the Carefree build quality (and shipping competence), but nothing we could not handle.

The install process was very similar to atoine's. However, we did use plywood backers on the inside to distribute the awning weight and the bolt tie-down and torque forces. We also used VHB instead of the anti-erosion tape, and built up the front mounting plate with aluminum stock instead of spacer washers.
Then potted as appropriate with non-sag lap sealant.

Here's the link to the details:
http://anniebuild.blogspot.com/2015/07/mawnings-spent-installing-awning.html

 

[smitty141]

I am wanting to order a Fiamma F45s. I have emailed them 3 times over the last 2 days. I have not received a reply. I always have a hard time spending $1100 without having a freeking phone number I can call if there is a issue..

Anyone else have a hard time making contact with them?

Smitty

 

[ejbleen]

Some years ago, I needed parts for a Fiamma F35 and had similar difficulties contacting the Florida-based office. Instead of e-mail, I called. Everyone was very helpful when you were able to talk to them in person.

Regards,
EJB

 

[ejbleen]

That number, by the way, was 407-672-0091

 

[lepelch]

FIAMMA 11'-6" TITANIUM awning

Using factory plates on my high roof, here is the awning in the field....
very satisfied with the quality of this awning. Installation was a challenge dealing with the curve of the Transit. Had to fashion custom aluminum shims for the front bracket....plus the thing has to be dead straight (all three brackets) and plum in the x,y,z, directions or the thing won't work. Be prepared to spend 3x more time than you think to install this and say a hail mary once you decide to drill the holes....and hope the bracket align perfectly once you prop it up there....
then I had to fashion some custom installation for the strut clips at the bottom to secure and hold up the end load...

 

[smitty141]

​

That number, by the way, was 407-672-0091

Well they finally made contact. There is only a fax number on there web site.

Thanks for the number..
Smitty

 

[smitty141]

What length on a 148 standard length van?? The 10'-1" or the 11'-6??

I put a tape down the side... One is a bit short, and the other is a bit long...

Need a 11 footer...

Thanks guys!!

Smitty

 

[lepelch]

length

Hard to say which length will work for you.
You may want to determine the length based on the connection points and where you can drill holes (from the interior). There are logical places to create the connections based on the inner and outer wall bracing points. Check that out. You might not have a choice for one or the other given the existing van limitations

 

[yelnam]

You might also consider Carefree of Colorado awnings. Very similar to Fiamma and perhaps with other lengths to choose from.

 

[skagitstan]

Here are my experiences installing a Carefree Freedom wall mounted awning. It's a 4meter version.
http://anniebuild.blogspot.com/2015/07/mawnings-spent-installing-awning.html
http://anniebuild.blogspot.com/2015/07/mawnings-spent-installing-awning_3.html

Stan

 

[smitty141]

I have a self made 3 cross bar rack that I fabricated. I have my solar panels on it. My plan is to use a long 3"x5" aluminum angle to span the 3 braces. This way it will have uniform support the complete length of the awning.

The 11' 6" would be best, but I did not take into account of my back door all the way open. Don't want the door to hit the awning..

Not sure how much forward I would have to put it to prevent that.. I will have to get the tape measure bAck out tonight..

Smitty

 

[belloinsella]

Looking at getting a Fiamma F45, but I have a medium roof 148" and would rather not mount a roof rack just to attach an awning. But I called Sportsmobile West and they said the awning is $899 (without shipping) and out the door with install would be $1500. They also said they "think" they can mount it on the side of the van with the flush mount kit included with the awning. I'm skeptical, as others have said there is not enough room about the slider. $600 for install...

 

[skagitstan]

I suspect the others are right about not enough clearance for a MR.

I have the high roof, & mounted my Carefree Freedom (which is quite similar to the F45) as high as practical on the side.
If the slide door is open, the awning case lightly bumps into the top of the slide as I crank it past the door.
I just open the awning a bit more before opening the door and no bumping.
I think a medium roof will have more interference problems.

You can read about my Carefree installation here:
http://anniebuild.blogspot.com/2015/07/mawnings-spent-installing-awning.html
http://anniebuild.blogspot.com/2015/07/mawnings-spent-installing-awning_3.html

BTW, if anyone does go with the Carefree Freedom, the Fiamma Rainguard (it's used to cover the gap between the awning body and the van wall) fits the Carefree. Just installed the Rainguard a couple of days ago.
It is a bit of a hassle to get it properly retained in the frame.

Stan

 

[EddieZ]

Looking at getting a Fiamma F45, but I have a medium roof 148" and would rather not mount a roof rack just to attach an awning. But I called Sportsmobile West and they said the awning is $899 (without shipping) and out the door with install would be $1500. They also said they "think" they can mount it on the side of the van with the flush mount kit included with the awning. I'm skeptical, as others have said there is not enough room about the slider. $600 for install...

I didn't want a full rack, either. I put on a single rail, to extend forward of the sliding door. Will be using a tarp in the near future, but, may go to a real awning, later. I have not checked clearances for awning mount, but, certain I can fab up brackets to make it work with this 80-20 rail.

Rail installed:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...m.com/camper-vans-conversions/10650-project-minimalist-kayak-19.html#post414658

Tarp trial:
http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...m.com/camper-vans-conversions/10650-project-minimalist-kayak-21.html#post418762