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Fiamma Awning Mounting on a Baywindow
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obnoxiousblue
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:06 am    Post subject: Fiamma Awning Mounting on a Baywindow Reply with quote

I am well aware that GoWesty has a modified Vanagon mount kit,mthat is intended for mounting the Fiamma awnings on a Vw Bus. But, what seems to be overlooked (at least in m opinion) is that the bus and Vanagon rain gutters are of drastically different shape.

I HAD a 10' F45i on my 77 bus, and found that when the awning cranked down (before dropping the legs out) the weight of the awning/case was bending the upright of the rain gutter and fatiguing the metal to a point where it was going to fail.

I have to concede, I sold my Fiama for this reason and bought an EzyAwning. Which I do like very much, but even beyond the price difference I really do miss my Fiamma.

I'm looking into buying another, but am curious if any other bus owners have encountered similar issues, if anyone has overcome the issue of the bracket/clamp tearing the gutter. Or maybe, I was deploying it wrong and someone has a better procedure?
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peaceful warrior
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 03, 2012 11:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

What about using 3 brackets? I had to do that on my Vanagons, one 8' and one a 10' er.
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vwdiscup
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 8:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd really like to see some closeup photos of the Fiamma mounts ... I plan to add a 10' to my '78 next spring...unless convinced otherwise..

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obnoxiousblue
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 2:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Pete, I'll have to try and find pics of mine. I miss the Fiamma, it's certainly among the most expensive options, but in terms of ease-of-deployment it's hands down. What disappoints me, is that:

1)The bus's rain gutter is more round than the Vanagon rain gutter. The bracket, is shaped to fit the Vanagon rain gutter and such when you tighten the outer and inner pieces together they deform the cutter a bit.

Then,

2) When deploying the awning, I would crank it out and the edge would drop at almost a 45 degree angle towards the ground. I would watch as the weight would cause the awning case also to turn towards the ground a bit, thus fatiguing the gutter.

If I could find a solution that at least didn't damage the rain gutter, I would be running out right this second to buy another.
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 3:57 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've often thought about fitting one of these. Very Happy
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obnoxiousblue
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 4:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was looking on the GoWesty site (though, ordering manufacturer direct and shipping it ground freight to my work would save me like $200+) but it seems, I may be wrong.

It appears 1) that I was deploying the awning incorrectly, and 2) that I failed to install the Rivet nuts.

I'm not a huge fan of drilling into the body. But if this is a true fix, and withstands better than my last I'd be inclined to purchase again.

Looks like I should chalk another one up to RTFM.

Two good videos halfway down the page.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23446&category_id=277&category_parent_id=
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vwdiscup
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 04, 2012 9:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't feel bad. I overlooked that today myself. I even e-mailed them for a copy of the installation manual. The video is far better than paper instructions.... Smile
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Love to see some pics of these mounted on your bays.
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obnoxiousblue
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 05, 2012 4:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This was my last Fiamma, mounted on my 77 bay. It caused some damage (that just recently I found out was actually caused by MY improper installation and use of the awning)

Thus this thread, and my renewed interest in buying the new f45s

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spencersk8
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Any new info on this topic. Anyone buy straight from the fiamma website. Do I go 10' or 8'?
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:41 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I see they have bay specific brackets now http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=3995&category_id=277&category_parent_id=
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spencer, they do have the bay brackets now. It's just narrower than a Vanagon bracket to fit the B post. The old brackets, were just modified Vanagon brackets also, notched to allow the sliding door room to pop in and out.
I had a 10' previously, I would go 10' again. Though, heed my warning, you DO NEED to use the rivet nut, it needs the lower end support. I would even consider buying an star set of brackets so you. Can have three mounting points. B post, C post, and behind the rear side window.
Also, watch the video on GoWesty as to how to properly deploy the awning. It's NOT the way the Fiama manual suggests for larger RVs. Of you follow the Fiamma method, you WILL bend the gutter over time.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have been considering getting a shadyboy if I sell my busdepot add-a-room. I know Fiamma is the big name, but the shadyboy has some great features for the $ IMHO.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd be more interested in a shady boy, if it had a mount for the rain gutter too

All the ones I've seen, require welding or screwing to the roof.
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A third bracket is a good idea. Anyone else with a fiamma experience rain gutter sagging over time?
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PostPosted: Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

obnoxiousblue is that pic you posted the 10' then? Anyone have pics of an 8' on a bus or vanagon?
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, here's another view so you can see better where it extends to.
Ignore the former coworkers. Lol

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PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 9:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks so much!
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:15 pm    Post subject: GoWesty Sale 15% off... Reply with quote

It's a good time to buy a Fiamma (15% off today only), if you're thinking about it. I'm leaning towards the less expensive www.shadyboy.com. Only because I'm not convinced the Fiamma mounting system is ideal for bay window rain gutters.

Shady Boy Pros:
15 lbs vs. 49 lbs
hidden mount points (underneath camper top)

Fiamma Pros:
Side tent capability?
More stable in the wind?

thoughts?
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Last edited by vwdiscup on Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:38 pm; edited 1 time in total
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The shady boy seems like a great unit for the price point. I think combined with the mjnting kit from Country Campers, it's a real winner.
I don't think it's the same caliber as the Fiamma, but definitely something I'm interested in.
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