Awnings again.

[Stumpalump]

I'm looking at 10' awnings like the faimma 35 and 45 because they look like they will handle branches in their hard case better than zip up units. I really would like the tuffest case possible and highest wind capacity when deployed. Has anybody noted the differnce in the two faimma's? What would you buy for higher winds in Colorado mountains and for trail limbs and branches? Has anybody got any experiance with this unit:http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=8

 

[pangaea]

Depends on what you want out of an awning, but if you want ease of set up, look at the African Outback awning from Slee Off Road.

The Eezi Awn case is nice, but the awning is kind of a PITA to set up (ironic, considering the name).

 

[Art Vandalay]

I have the 6 foot Fiamma F35 rather than the 10 foot on my Rover. The box is certainly tough and I have no qualms about hitting branches when it's rolled up. As for wind, I don't think it's very good at all. It's just not a wind shedding design. The instructions tell you to take down the awning at some absurdly low wind speed like 5 mph. Certainly I've used it in 10-15 mph winds, but any more than that and I'd be concerned about destruction.

 

[Superu]

I have the 6 foot Fiamma F35 rather than the 10 foot on my Rover. The box is certainly tough and I have no qualms about hitting branches when it's rolled up. As for wind, I don't think it's very good at all. It's just not a wind shedding design. The instructions tell you to take down the awning at some absurdly low wind speed like 5 mph. Certainly I've used it in 10-15 mph winds, but any more than that and I'd be concerned about destruction.

How's the latex business Art?

 

[elcoyote]

I have the 6 foot Fiamma F35 rather than the 10 foot on my Rover. The box is certainly tough and I have no qualms about hitting branches when it's rolled up. As for wind, I don't think it's very good at all. It's just not a wind shedding design. The instructions tell you to take down the awning at some absurdly low wind speed like 5 mph. Certainly I've used it in 10-15 mph winds, but any more than that and I'd be concerned about destruction.

We use the Fiamma F35 on our trailers. I agree with Art that the awning is not a wind shedding design, no awning is. We always advise our customers to use the 2 stake points to the ground as a minimum and the provided guy lines.

The F-35 also comes with foot brackets to mount to the body of the vehicle. We use these on our teardrop design as well as vehicle applications. When they are used, the awnings become very solid indeed. We experienced gusts up to 40+ mph in Prescott at the OVX 09 and they did not budge.

If you need a set of the brackets Art, drop me a line. A lot of people don't use them and toss them out. The difference they make is substantial.
Link to picture of the brackets installed here: http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=27203&d=1238619931

 

[adventureduo]

I've actually had our F35 out in 40 mph winds with guy lines in place and staked at the feet and it's done quite well. Several times too. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to leave it deployed in winds. The ARB we have on the other hand, not so much.

Mario, the Eezi Awn is very similar to the Fiamma isn't it?

 

[elcoyote]

I've actually had our F35 out in 40 mph winds with guy lines in place and staked at the feet and it's done quite well. Several times too. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to leave it deployed in winds. The ARB we have on the other hand, not so much.

Mario, the Eezi Awn is very similar to the Fiamma isn't it?

The EA is similar to the Fiamma. We sell both. My personal preference is for the Fiamma as I like the fit & finish better. It is also lighter than the EA as it does not have a steel clock spring to rewind the fabric.

 

[UHAULER]

How's the latex business Art?

I thought he was in the import/export business, I must be thinking of another episode.

 

[Art Vandalay]

How's the latex business Art?

It's difficult running the business from my apartment. I cannot seem to find a reliable salesman, as that Costanza fellow didn't work out.

Back on topic, I'm quite impressed to hear that the mounting brackets make the awning so much sturdier in the wind. But I don't think I can see myself mounting them on the side of my Rover.

 

[T.Low]

I have an old Thule 8' awning, sourced by Carefree out of Colorado. Its hardcased, sits high on my van and takes a beating from The Pacific Northwest trees and keeps on ticking.

It deploys easily, but i haven't actually had it tested in much wind yet. $200 used in good shape from a river boatin buddy of mine.

There's a picture of it deployed on my van in Pedersons 4Wheel & Off Road Mag July issue "Bug Out Mobiles" article. Otherwise, I'll have to put some pics on this computer soon.

Oh, and Mr Vandalay, I really admire your architecture; love some of the buildings you've done.

 

[davegonz]

http://www.4wheeloffroad.com/featur...on_vehicles_off_roading_camping/photo_12.html

 

[T.Low]

Yes, thats the one. (Sorry, I actually forgot about this thread).

We are very happy with the awning. Even though my wife is starting to look impatient in the photo. ("Just one more picture, Honey, then we'll go on our hike. Oh, wait, let me get it from over here, now. Yeah, there, just one more...no, don't get up yet...")

 

[Stumpalump]

Reminds me of this song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ux3-a9RE1Q
I got a lucky shot in JP magazine in dec 97 because a couple of guys were hanging on my rig for counter balance. I'm happy you got your van in a big magazine. How cool is that? Maybe publicity like that will help drive interest and the aftermarket for more products for our rigs. Good Job!

 

[oka boy]

oz made awning

Check out this batwing type awning
www.rhinorack.com.au

 

[T.Low]

Reminds me of this song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ux3-a9RE1Q
I got a lucky shot in JP magazine in dec 97 because a couple of guys were hanging on my rig for counter balance. I'm happy you got your van in a big magazine. How cool is that? Maybe publicity like that will help drive interest and the aftermarket for more products for our rigs. Good Job!

Thanks. I was a little skeptical that it was legit, at first, but yeah, it turned out kinda cool. He even put my name in the by-line for photography credit as its my own photo.