Best wind out awning for T6.1 SWB

[jorich]

Hi there,

Pretty decided on adding a wind out awning to our van to give some rain/sun protection, think this is a better option for us than an awning rail.

Can’t decide between the Thule 4200 or Fiamma F43s van? The F43s seems like a big step forward closer to the Thule from the F45s, but can’t get away from the fact that VW spec Thule on the California and had great experience with Thule kit in the past.

As I will be using pop top supporting brackets (don’t have a pop top yet but plan to add in future), I will need to drill rivnuts and bond brackets to the van rather than use the roof bar fixing points so will need something that can last hence the overthinking on awning brand (assuming the two awnings do not fit on each others pop top brackets?) and happy to pay slightly more if it’s worth it.

Appreciate any feedback from anyone who’s used/seen both awnings and has any recommendations.

Thanks.

 

[JumpShip]

Do you mean the F40van ?
I'm considering one of these .
Do you have a poptop?

 

[Sasquatch]

Very happy with my F43van.

It's a big improvement over the 45 - its designed for campers and not motorhomes, composite end caps wont corrode, the magnetic attachment for the crank handle is delightful to use compared to the horrible hook arrangement on the 45.

That said, while the canopy, support arms and legs themselves seem fine the casing seems a little lightweight and flimsy compared to that on the 45. On the other hand, the bits in question aren't load bearing and serve only to hide the gubbins inside and keep it looking tidy when retracted, so I would contend it is not an issue beyond they impression it gives if you poke and prod it.

 

[chimpusmaximus]

Very happy with my F43van.

It's a big improvement over the 45 - its designed for campers and not motorhomes, composite end caps wont corrode, the magnetic attachment for the crank handle is delightful to use compared to the horrible hook arrangement on the 45.

That said, while the canopy, support arms and legs themselves seem fine the casing seems a little lightweight and flimsy compared to that on the 45. On the other hand, the bits in question aren't load bearing and serve only to hide the gubbins inside and keep it looking tidy when retracted, so I would contend it is not an issue beyond they impression it gives if you poke and prod it.

I would agree, having used mine now in anger I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[JumpShip]

I hadn't even heard of the f43van but now having googled it sits vertical unlike the f40van which sits more on top rather than along side

 

[Sasquatch]

The F43 van does sit vertically, but how close in it sits depends on the mounting arrangements. There are two different bracket options, and (I think) a rail mounting option too.

The F40 van does have a fairly snug mounting option which looks neat, but is not compatible with pop tops or roof bars. Also it has the frankly horrible hook attachment for the crank handle, which isn't very nice to use.

 

[jorich]

Very happy with my F43van.

It's a big improvement over the 45 - its designed for campers and not motorhomes, composite end caps wont corrode, the magnetic attachment for the crank handle is delightful to use compared to the horrible hook arrangement on the 45.

That said, while the canopy, support arms and legs themselves seem fine the casing seems a little lightweight and flimsy compared to that on the 45. On the other hand, the bits in question aren't load bearing and serve only to hide the gubbins inside and keep it looking tidy when retracted, so I would contend it is not an issue beyond they impression it gives if you poke and prod it.

Thanks for the feedback, great to hear you’ve been getting on well with the F43s van, it’s very reassuring! Can I ask what made you go for the Fiamma over the Thule?

 

[Sasquatch]

Can I ask what made you go for the Fiamma over the Thule?

My local trusted converter was doing the work, and they're a Fiamma agent.

 

[jorich]

My local trusted converter was doing the work, and they're a Fiamma agent.

Thanks that makes sense. They all seem to be team Fiamma or Thule so hard to get a view of professionals fitting both, but sure there is very little between them - especially now Fiamma have the F43!

Appreciate the feedback, hope you have some great trips with your van this year. We are off to Ireland next month and I know if we don’t have an awning it’ll rain all the time but if we do hopefully we won’t even need it other than to maybe keep the Irish sun off!

 

[Sasquatch]

Thankyou my friend. I'm not long back from Norfolk, off to Cheshire in a few days.