Fiamma F45s from Campervanbits

[MattBW]

After talking to some members and chatting to Nick at Campervanbits I decided to go for an F45s awning over the Omnistor one.

It seems it is a slightly larger awning but also the canvas is a single piece. I have heard stories of two part panels on the Omnister the glue can degrade and cause faults in hot weather. I felt the F45 being the original Cali awning too it was a good option and I decided to order..

Ordered with Nick late on Monday and it arrived by courier with the Cali fitting kit on the Wednesday morning, faster than quoted! Thanks to Nick for the great support and advice even before I ordered, and for being able to look at one at the Cali meet. It really made the decision a whole lot easier to make.

I am planning to fit it this weekend and will post some pics and my experience on the fitting for those pondering an awning.

 

[briwy]

Matt, just pmed you.

 

[theonecraw]

If I didn't already have the VW standard awning I would definitely go for the F45. I saw a few at the Lower Lode meet last weekend and they look great and the quality feels top notch. Good investment @MattBW and good luck with the fitting this weekend.

 

[MattBW]

So we fitted the awning today. Relatively straight forward.

At first glance the instructions seem a little insufficient but in reality they are fine and worked well.

2 man job for sure,or rather two man to lift it on. The prep could have been done solo.

My recommendation is to fit one bracket at the front and then fit the rain seal before permanently fitting the rear bracket.

The seal is probably the hardest part of the install. I found washing up liquid helped a little but the best bet was to insert from the front, bend it towards yourself and push the Seal in hard with a thumb. Ouch painful.

Really happy with it, looks smart in black as does the gray canvas. The mechanism is great and easy to use and gives good coverage.

Very happy indeed! Thanks Nick!

 

[MattBW]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattBW]

bending the seal back and pushing in hard with a thumb seemed the fastest method. This allows you to see if it was inserted properly as you went.

 

[MattBW]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattBW]

Once awning attached it was easily bolted on.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattBW]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[calikev]

Good work Matt

 

[Alfokla]

Looks good. Does it increase the height of the van? Is the total height still below 2m?

 

[MattBW]

Very slight height increase but I haven't measured exactly how much. I will do so tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MattBW]

Measured today from highest point probably 35mm higher.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jts46]

Looks good. Does it increase the height of the van? Is the total height still below 2m?

Mine still below 2m with fiamma awning. Use 2m barriers on auto routes and no problem

John

 

[jts46]

Mattbw,
Can you buy the sealing strip (2nd picture down) as a separate item, as when ours was fitted their wasn't such an item.

John

 

[MattBW]

It came in its own box separately so I believe it's orderable on its own.

Nick at @comfortz may be able to order one for you.

It stops the water coming between the van and the awning.

 

[Bigted]

Mattbw,
Can you buy the sealing strip (2nd picture down) as a separate item, as when ours was fitted their wasn't such an item.

John

Yes you can - thay are around £24

 

[comfortz]

Mattbw,
Can you buy the sealing strip (2nd picture down) as a separate item, as when ours was fitted their wasn't such an item.

John

Do you want me to order one in John? Its a separate item so no problem at all.

Cheers
Nick

 

[comfortz]

Very slight height increase but I haven't measured exactly how much. I will do so tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Good work Matt!, you can have one of the LED rafters now! I love mine plugs straight into the cigarette lighter next to the sliding door! Drop a PM if you want one - I have a couple in stock.

 

[MattBW]

Funnily enough we saw one yesterday on a caravan and I was going to ask you about them and if they did a f45 one. They look brilliant.

I'll pop an order in on your site if you have stock


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jts46]

Do you want me to order one in John? Its a separate item so no problem at all.

Cheers
Nick

Yes please Nick, but away until middle of June.

John

 

[comfortz]

Can't fault you John! I'll get one in the next time I order and it'll be waiting for you when you get back

 

[jts46]

Can't fault you John! I'll get one in the next time I order and it'll be waiting for you when you get back

Thanks nick

John

 

[hirsty]

from experience I'd recommend both the Fiamma Rafter (keeps it taught) and either their tie-down straps / guy ropes or their heavy duty tent pegs. both available in yellow to match your mirror caps!

the Fiamma literature warns that it's a sun shade only & should be rolled back in during rain and/or windy conditions, but I'd keep it secured full time now - an unexpected gust of wind on an otherwise dead calm day in the Highlands last August lifted my F45S straight vertical and slammed it into the raised pop-top. didn't do the aluminium mounting brackets much good ...

I massively rate Fiamma kit, everything I've seen of theirs is top notch, but they can't defy physics.

 

[MattBW]

Where do you store the rafter out of interest? Mines just arrived.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk