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Awning for Vanagon/Bus/Eurovan
8 ft. Model Fiamma F45
with crank
click on photos to enlarge
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| Camping by Oregon's Columbia Gorge |
(Not to be confused with the Fiamma F35, a totally manual model).
There are many different models of awnings from different
manufacturers that will fit a vanagon westy.
This is just one that we happen to choose.
After checking all different types of awnings, advantages and
drawbacks, decided to pay some more for the extremely easy
setup of the Fiamma F45 with hand crank.
Had a chance to test it on a summer trip to Eastern Oregon.
We're very satisfied with its performance.
Some more details about it:
Advantages:
1). It's built sturdy. All moving hinges are made from aluminum cast.
2). The rain gutter brackets, specially designed for vw buses and
vanagons, are very strong and rigid galvanized steel.
Generously sized brackets don't damage the body.
(I cushioned them with some rubber padding).
No drilling in car body required, attaches to rain gutter only.
3). The heavy duty fabric makes a comfortable shade in the hot sun.
4). The case is aerodynamically shaped.
Didn't notice any wind resistance or noise.
The case is mounted close to the body, and barely sticks out in the
air stream. The alum. case is painted white. Blends in with the westy.
5). The awning is wind resistant, as much as one can expect.
The legs can be staked to the ground.
It's also easy to reef it in, if it gets too windy.
6). Makes a nice rain shelter, and the legs can be adjusted
so the water runs off.
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| Here you can see the removable hand crank, the wide mounting bracket, and swing arm. The mounting brackets have to be close to the swing arm mechanism on each side of the awning. The 8' awning fits perfectly on the westy. |
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| This is what it looks like from underneath. You can see the two swing arms. It also makes a nice towel rack. |
About using the awning:
Very effortless to set up or to stow away.
You just hook in the small hand crank, turn a few times.
The awning hangs up in the air, self-supporting.
Then fold out the legs, and crank the awning out as far or as
little as you want.
Time to unfold or rewind it completely, easy 40 seconds.
But more importantly, there is virtually no physical or mental effort
required at all.
Can be done in darkness, or if tired or lazy.
We actually set up the awning often when we stopped somewhere
or had a picnic, several times a day, while touring a hot place.
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| Here it is blowing pretty strong, as you can
see by the towel. The legs are adjusted so the awning sheds the wind. |
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Disadvantages:
1). Cost. It is more expensive, but well worth it.
2). Weight. 38 lbs, approximately the same as most case awnings.
It didn't seem to affect drivability, since that side of the westy is
lighter anyway.
3). Crank handle is long, but I shortened it for easier stowing and
cranking. But the nifty handle does fold up.
4). Since the awning is mounted very close to the pop top,
one has to be careful to gather in the pop top fabric when
lowering the pop top, since it tends to get caught between
the awning and the fiberglass top.
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