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Fiamma F45s Awning: Our Guide

If you're a campervan owner, you know a reliable outdoor shelter is vital to enjoying your time on the road. The Fiamma F45s awning has become a popular choice for many van-lifers. 

As an expert in Campervan Accessories, I can confidently say that the Fiamma F45s Awning is a top-notch product that can stand the test of time. It's easy to set up and offers ample coverage from the sun or rain. 

Its compact design, adjustable legs, and easy-to-use manual operation make it a user-friendly option. The awning's durable fabric and sturdy construction make it a reliable choice for those who want to enjoy the outdoors, rain or shine. 

In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the Fiamma F45s Campervan Awning and provide tips on installing and maintaining it for years of worry-free camping.

What van is the Fiamma F45s suitable for?

The awning is designed to be used with campervans. Its innovative design allows it to be easily adjusted for different angles or quickly retracted when needed. I also appreciate that it's available in various sizes to accommodate a range of vehicles.

Its durability and versatility set the Fiamma F45s Awning apart from other awnings on the market. It's made with high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements. It's suitable for use in various conditions, from hot and sunny to cold and rainy. Additionally, the awning is highly customisable, with multiple accessories available to enhance its functionality and make it even more convenient.

You can also install the Fiamma F45s on the Vamoose Multi-Rail to prevent any drilling.

How easy is the awning to use?

There is little to say here other than that it is straightforward. Setting it up is a cinch - roll it out and secure it with the support legs. Remove the pole from its holder. Insert the winder into the awning. Wind until you get to your desired coverage. Retract the legs and wind out to your required height. Taking it down is just as easy - retract the awning and store it away.

Fiamma F45s Awning on a Two Tone Campervan Conversion from Wildworx

Our expert review of the Fiamma F45s Awning

We purchase lots of the Fiamma F45s awnings and use them on our campervans and conversions. The Fiamma F45s is a top-of-the-line retractable awning that is built to last. Its popularity speaks for itself. 

Thanks to the user-friendly winding system, it can be easily operated with just one hand. It also has an adjustable pitch, which allows me to set it up to my desired angle for maximum shade.

The Fiamma F45s is also incredibly sturdy and durable. It is made from a high-quality aluminium frame and UV-resistant vinyl fabric. I've used this awning in various weather conditions. Including wind and rain, and it has held up exceptionally well.

The Fiamma F45s has a sleek, modern design that looks great on my campervan. It helps a vehicle stop looking like a panel van and begin to look more like a campervan. A few other options are on the market, including Dometic and Thule. Both have a very similar look. The Dometic Ominster might have a slightly more attractive design if I'm being picky. But only by a whisper.

Regarding drawbacks, the Fiamma F45s Awning can be pricey compared to other awnings on the market. However, the quality and durability of the product more than justifies the cost. You should get many years of use out of it.

While the aluminum frame and vinyl fabric are durable, they make the awning quite heavy. This can be a challenge when installing or removing the awning. This is solved by enlisting the help of a friend during installation. You won’t be taking the awning on and off every day.

The awning's weight can affect the fuel efficiency of your camper, l. It's worth noting that this will be the same with any retractable awning, as they all come in at roughly the same weight. 

We have heard some chatter about the Fiamma F45s awning rattling when driving. This may be due to being installed incorrectly. If yours rattles, I recommend taking it to a professional converter for them to look at. 

Awnings are like big sails. They shouldn’t be put up in any sort of wind. It will be fine in a light breeze. Common sense should prevail here.

The Fiamma F45s awning is a well-designed, high-quality product popular with campervan and motorhome enthusiasts for many years. Its ease of use, durability, and sleek design make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a retractable awning for their camper. 

While its weight may be a consideration for some, the Fiamma F45s' overall performance and longevity make it a product that speaks for itself. 

Enclosing the Fiamma F45s awning

One question you might have is whether it's possible to turn the F45s into a fully enclosed awning. Fortunately, there are a few different options on the market. 

The Fiamma Privacy Room Ultra Light 260 is a lightweight and easy-to-use privacy room that can be attached to the side of your campervan or motorhome to provide extra living space. 

The Privacy Room Ultra Light 260 is made from a durable, lightweight fabric that is water-resistant and UV-resistant, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. It features large crystal windows providing excellent visibility and plenty of natural light. The privacy room is also easy to set up and take down. 

How to install your Fiamma Awning 

So, you've got your new Fiamma Awning and are ready to install it? Don't worry; it's not as difficult as it may seem. The first step is to find a suitable spot on your motorhome or camper van where you want to install the awning.

To install your Fiamma Awning, it's essential to read and understand the installation manual. Try checking out a few Youtube videos beforehand.

The awning must be mounted in a level position, both vertically and horizontally. Choose appropriate brackets and use three to support the awning. Positioning the end brackets where the arms are fixed to the case. Use spacers between the bracket and the wall of the vehicle if needed. 

Follow the instructions and use the necessary tools to attach it to your vehicle. If you're not confident in your installation skills, Wildworx offers professional installation services.

How to look after your Fiamma awning

Maintaining your Fiamma awning is crucial to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Proper care and maintenance will keep your awning looking great and prevent any potential damage. Here are some simple tips to help you take care of your Fiamma awning and keep it in top condition for years.

  • Always make sure the awning is dry before closing it to avoid moisture buildup and potential mould growth.
  • Clean the awning regularly with a soft brush and mild soap or detergent to remove dirt, dust, and bird droppings. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the fabric.
  • Keep the awning rolled up when not in use to prevent it from getting exposed to direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions.
  • If the awning gets wet during use, roll it out and let it dry as soon as possible to prevent mildew and water stains.
  • Lubricate the moving parts of the awning, such as the arms and springs, with a silicone spray to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust buildup.
  • Inspect the awning regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as tears, holes, or loose fittings. Repair or replace any damaged parts as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the awning.
  • If storing the awning for an extended period over winter, clean it thoroughly, let it dry completely, and keep it in a dry and cool place.

What brackets do I need?

You need different brackets to attach your awning to your van. Several different types of bracket fit the Fiamma F45s Awning for a Transporter: 

VW California (including C rail in the channel)

This bracket will attach a Fiamma F45s to a California VW Transporter. The California has channels running on the roof. The standard brackets that Fiamma supplies will fit a California.

Standard Transporter (with or without pop top) 

You need a special bracket for a standard Transporter with any pop-top roof. This adapter kit is designed to allow you to attach an awning to your campervan or van. 

This adapter kit does not require drilling as it is attached to the van's original VW roof mounting points and won't work in conjunction with a roof rack.

This adaptor kit won't work if you have an aftermarket awning multi-rail (Vamoose or Reimo)

Reimo Awning Rail and Vamoose Awning Rail

If you have an aftermarket awning rail, like the Vamoose or Reimo. You need the Multi-Rail Adaptor kit from Fiamma. 

This will attach your awning to the multi-rail itself. 

Please note. You do not need a multi-rail to fit the Fiamma F45s awning to your campervan. You also do not need an awning rail to fit an inflatable and wind-out awning to your campervan. 

For example, if you want to have a Fiamma F45s and a Vango Drive Away Awning, you need the following kit: 

  • Fiamma F45s Awning 
  • The appropriate Fiamma bracket for your van
  • Vango Drive Away Awning 
  • Drive away awning connection kit

Wildworx Fiamma F45s Awning 

And there you have it, everything you need to know about the Fiamma F45s awning for your campervan! By following these simple steps for installation and maintenance, you'll be sure to get the most out of your awning for years to come. And if you're looking to purchase one, head over to Wildworx's online store to check out the Fiamma F45s awnings. Any questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

Our other blogs relating to VW Campervan Awnings: 

Vamoose Awning Rail
VW T5 Awning Rail
VW T6 Awning Rail
How to choose a camper awning
What you need to know before buying a campervan awning
Fiamma F45s: Our Guide

 

Get in touch if you have any questions, our team would be happy to help. Alternatively, check out our campervan conversions and our campers for sale.