Replacing the awning

Padgett · 02-08-2015, 03:44 PM

My awning was extensively damaged in a windstorm and I am replacing it with a Fiamma F45s. It is the same size as the original F45i but mounts a little differently.

The factory used 1/6 aluminim L brackets on each end and a lot of #8 scres. I am replacing with 1/8 aluminum L, 16" long on each end, a foot in the middle and using 3/4" #12 screws (more).

The three screws on each bracket are tapped to the "L" as well as the skin. The new awning hangs in a channel on the bracket and has a scew inthe bottom to hold in place. Remove the three screws and the awning can be flipped on the roof.

There is a rounded cap on the top of each side that extends abut an inch and a half on the top and side.. My question is what is this cap made of (aluminum ?) and how do the top and side panels butt up to each other. I would like to be sure all of the screws are not just in a cap that could tear loose.

In the picture, the awning is on top of the TM so I could align things.

Opinions ?

scrubjaysnest · 02-13-2015, 08:51 AM

Where you are attaching to the TM skin use pop rivets, the screws will pull out. Ours is already showing signs of this. Fill the gap with silicone as the gap is a dirt trap. Then run the angle the full length of the awning. Ours has to much movement with factory set up. Oh! if you don't want the extra crank handle ours broke the day before yesterday.

Padgett · 02-13-2015, 08:33 PM

Pop rivets eh ? Factory used #6 or #8s (much smaller). Seems very strong.

ps Fiamma instructions say to line the brackets up to where it says "support" If you do that both hold down bolt holes will be blocked by the mechanism. Need to offset the brackets about an inch and a half toward the nearest end. Then you can install one hold down bolt on each.

gjmaker95 · 07-10-2015, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padgett

My awning was extensively damaged in a windstorm and I am replacing it with a Fiamma F45s. It is the same size as the original F45i but mounts a little differently.

T

I had the same thing happen a couple of weeks ago while camping at Moab, UT. Is the Fiamma the only awning that fits the TM? Has anyone used another manufacturer of awnings with success?

oldstick · 07-11-2015, 05:57 AM

All I know is I had to replace a couple parts and they were available only from Fiamma. Cost me $75 just for the two plastic swivel joints at the top of the legs and a new round plastic eyelet for the winch.

$15 of that was what they charged just for shipping the small box of 3 parts weighing a few ounces at most.

Padgett · 07-11-2015, 07:48 AM

You can mount almost any awning, self powered would be more difficult but I just use the same battery dril as for the levelling jacks but cannot use lag bolt for this.

Looked at a lot but in the end I could pick up the Fiamma locally (plant is on the other side of Orlando and without freight the price (just under a grand) was a wash.

Factory people were a big help where it was a little different. Angle aluminum came from either Lowes or HD and I tend to overdesign. Is rock solid.

Only hard part was it is a bit awkward for one person to manage but got it done.

gjmaker95 · 07-11-2015, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the replies, Old Stick and Padgett. I was looking carefully at a lot of awnings on other campers during the remainder of our trip. It looked like most of them wouldn't fit on the short vertical run that is on the forward shell. Mine was pretty much totally trashed with all support bars mangled, the fabric torn and the mounting frame twisted, particularly on the forward end. I disassembled it and threw it in the trash. The aluminum "L" mounting brackets on the leading and trailing edges were not twisted at all however, so I think I can just get a new awning and mount it without much trouble. Found some vendors with the 10 foot version availble for about $880 plus freight of $250 or so, hopefully cheaper since I just live in Atlanta.

oldstick · 07-13-2015, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjmaker95

Thanks for the replies, Old Stick and Padgett. I was looking carefully at a lot of awnings on other campers during the remainder of our trip. It looked like most of them wouldn't fit on the short vertical run that is on the forward shell. Mine was pretty much totally trashed with all support bars mangled, the fabric torn and the mounting frame twisted, particularly on the forward end. I disassembled it and threw it in the trash. The aluminum "L" mounting brackets on the leading and trailing edges were not twisted at all however, so I think I can just get a new awning and mount it without much trouble. Found some vendors with the 10 foot version availble for about $880 plus freight of $250 or so, hopefully cheaper since I just live in Atlanta.

If you have room for storage, I would keep all the salvageable parts for spares. As I discovered they want car dealer type prices for everything.

MamaJBee · 08-11-2015, 11:35 PM

Both arms are twisted and broke off, and the fabric ripped. We rolled it back, but the awning won't close completely. How much damage will occur to my trailer driving it on the highway for 2 hours with the front still extended out 2.5 inches?!?

oldstick · 08-12-2015, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaJBee

Both arms are twisted and broke off, and the fabric ripped. We rolled it back, but the awning won't close completely. How much damage will occur to my trailer driving it on the highway for 2 hours with the front still extended out 2.5 inches?!?

I'm guessing probably OK. I doubt it will cause any other issues with the rest of the camper at the least. I think we drove once with it maybe an inch short of being closed completely.