How to Choose the Correct Fiamma Awning for Your Van
If you're gearing up for your next camper van adventure, adding a Fiamma awning to your vehicle can make a world of difference. Not only does it provide much-needed shade and shelter, but it also extends your living space, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors comfortably. However, with a variety of options available, choosing the right Fiamma awning can feel overwhelming. This guide from Camper Warehouse, your go-to source for camper conversion parts and leisure supplies, will help you navigate the decision-making process.
Understanding Fiamma Awning Types
When selecting an awning, understanding the differences between the main Fiamma awning types is crucial. Fiamma, a trusted name in van and motorhome accessories, offers several awning models, each suited for different van types and uses. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Fiamma F80 Awning
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Mounting: Top-mounted.
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Best For: High-top vans and motorhomes.
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Why Choose It: The Fiamma F80’s sleek, top-mounted design is ideal for larger vehicles, providing excellent compatibility and a streamlined look. The F80 is also the latest top-mounted model, having replaced the discontinued F65 awning. Brackets and enclosures for the F65 remain compatible with the F80, and some F65 spare parts can still be found on the market.
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Sizes Available: 290cm, 320cm, 340cm, 370cm, 400cm, 425cm, 450cm (F80S); 450cm, 500cm, 550cm, 600cm (F80L).
2. Fiamma F45 Awning
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Mounting: Side-mounted.
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Best For: Smaller vans like VW Transporters, Mercedes Vitos, and low-roof vans.
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Why Choose It: The Fiamma F45 is compact and easy to use, making it perfect for vehicles with limited roof space or low profiles.
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Sizes Available: 190cm, 230cm, 260cm, 300cm, 350cm, 375cm, 400cm, 425cm, 450cm (F45S); 450cm, 500cm, 550cm (F45L)
Our most popular Fiamma F45s Awning is the 260cm suitable for VW Transporter. Find it here.
3. Fiamma F35 Pro Awning
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Mounting: Side-mounted.
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Best For: Those seeking a simple, manual-winding awning.
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Why Choose It: The Fiamma F35 Pro is a cost-effective, lightweight option for users who don’t mind manually extending and retracting their awning.
- Brackets available: VW Transporter, VW Caddy, VW T3, T4, PSA, Nissan NV200, Renault Trafic, Mercedes Vito
4. Fiamma F40 Van
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Mounting: Top-mounted.
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Best For: Small vans and minivans
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Why Choose It: The Fiamma F40’s sleek, top-mounted design is ideal for smaller vehicles, providing excellent compatibility and a streamlined look.
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Sizes Available: 210cm and 270cm
- Brackets available: PSA, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Nissan NV350, Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito.
Available Colours for Fiamma Awnings
Fiamma offers a range of colours to suit your aesthetic preferences and vehicle style:
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Casing Colours: Polar White, Titanium Grey, Deep Black.
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Fabric Colours: Royal Grey (most popular), Royal Blue, Deluxe Grey, Blue Ocean, Sahara, Evergreen, Bordeaux (some colours are not available on all awning models)
Using the Fiamma Configurator
To make choosing the right Fiamma awning even easier, Fiamma provides a handy online Configurator tool. This tool allows you to:
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Select your van’s make and model.
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View compatible Fiamma awnings for your vehicle.
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Identify any pre-made brackets needed for installation.
Simply visit the Fiamma Configurator, input your van’s details, and explore the tailored options.
Finding the correct brackets
Once you have identified the correct brackets, head over to Fiamma Awning Installation Brackets and Kits and purchase it together with the awning.
Please note that the awning and brackets might arrive separately with different couriers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fiamma Awning
In addition to using the configurator, keep these factors in mind:
1. Vehicle Type and Size
Your van’s size and roof design play a significant role. Top-mounted awnings like the Fiamma F80 are better for larger, high-roof vehicles, while side-mounted options like the Fiamma F45 and F35 Pro work well for smaller vans.
2. Operation Style
Do you prefer the convenience of an automatic winch or the simplicity of manual winding? Models like the Fiamma F80 and F45 feature winch operation, while the Fiamma F35 Pro requires manual effort.
3. Budget
Manual models like the Fiamma F35 Pro tend to be more budget-friendly, while winch-operated models may come at a premium price point but offer added ease of use.
4. Installation and Brackets
Most vans already have pre-made brackets designed for specific Fiamma awnings. Check the compatibility of your vehicle with the help of the configurator to ensure a hassle-free installation.
Installing a Fiamma awning with brackets is an easy job that shouldn't take too long since the brackets fit into the existing holes for roof bars. Although it is a simple job for most DIY van converters, it is a two man job as the awning is long and heavy and can cause damage to the van if not handled with care.
Why Buy Your Fiamma Awning from Camper Warehouse?
At Camper Warehouse, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality camper conversion parts and accessories to enhance your van life. Our team is here to help you find the perfect Fiamma awning for your vehicle and provide guidance on installation and maintenance.
In addition to this, we have a customer friendly return policy and fast delivery.
For most of the Fiamma awnings there are lots of accessories that can turn a simple sun shade awning into a cozy room or enclosure by using the correct parts.
The process of finding the correct accessories can be overwhelming but our team is here to help. As a general rule, privacy rooms use the same sides depending on the awning type, however the length of the vehicle and awning will dictate the size of the enclosure. The standard enclosure might need another front panel or another door panel depending on its size.
Download the Fiamma product catalogue for detailed information about awning enclosures and accessories.
Ready to Choose Your Fiamma Awning?
Adding a Fiamma awning to your camper van doesn’t have to be complicated. By considering your vehicle type, preferred operation style, and budget, and using tools like the Fiamma Configurator, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect fit.
Start your journey today by exploring our extensive range of Fiamma awnings and accessories. Have questions?
Contact us at Camper Warehouse—we’re here to help make your van adventures unforgettable.