Fiamma 45 tie down?

David and Sally

David and Sally

Joined
Apr 9, 2018
Posts
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Worcestershire
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53,271
MH
Bailey Adamo 75-4t
Exp
March 2018
Seems that even a slight breeze gets me rolling in my Fiamma 45 awning as the fabric starts to flap. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

I always peg down the legs at the bottom and take a couple of lines from the leg tops to pegs too.

Does anyone use the awning tie down kits that caravaners use to go over the fabric end to end to help stop the fabric flapping around?

Does it help? (I know strong winds are a no-no) and any disadvantages like wear on the fabric?

Thanks
 
I have used one I bought once but the flapping got on my nerves so never used again. I wind the awning in if its windy. I inherited a set when we changed vans as well hence I will be taking 2 sets to the bring and buy rally :-)
 
I would put the awning strap over the fabric, it could rip the fabric. I use to put mine under the fabric over the arms but now I have a couple if cheap racket straps with ‘S’ hooks on each end and hook them over the top of the leg swivel and I have springs on the pegs.
Still put it away if it gets windy.
 
I tie down my Fiamma using the dedicated tie down straps with two large pegs included in the kit. I sometimes also peg the poles but have little confidence in glorified nails pegged vertically trying to stop the wind pulling them out vertically.
Having, over the years, seen many awnings broken in windy gusts, I would rather wind the awning in if I am not sure of the weather.
Tip: Always check the wind direction before putting out the awning and try to avoid the wind getting under it.
 
i use tie downs that slide into the Keder strip groove in the front of the awning, and always peg it down , feet and straps no matter what.

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Phill D said:
i use tie downs that slide into the Keder strip groove in the front of the awning, and always peg it down , feet and straps no matter what.
Click to expand...
I almost the same but I am trying to reduce the fabric flapping a bit more.. I do have a central support bar from van to outer casing but the fabric just slaps up and down anyway.

Not very useful these awnings in more than a gentle breeze are they?
 
Choosing the direction the van faces is important. I have found that with about half the awning extended and lowering the two legs, allows most of the wind to pass over it. If you are lucky enough to have a 'Windblocker', it seems to divert almost all of the wind over the awning.
 
We use a Fiamma curved tensioning rafter, pegged in foot plates and tie downs.

http://www.rainbow-conversions.co.uk/awning-accessories/fiamma-curved-rafter-pro.html

upload_2019-4-17_23-6-39.png
 
I found that one of the problems is the spring arms push in when the wind gets stronger. A single tensioning rafter is an improvement, but the awning bar tends to swivel about the rafter end.

I use three straight tensioning rafters, one in the centre and one at each edge. You have to buy the brackets to fix on the awning box and the awning bar, but it was quite easy to do.

I tried the full webbing strap over the fabric, like they do with caravan awnings. It puts stress on the edge, and it started to tear along the sewing line. Luckily I noticed after only a few millimetres of tear. Now I thread it over the spring arm end, right next to the awning bar, so it doesn't touch the fabric at all.

Also it helps if you drive the pins through the leg plates into the ground at an angle. Two in opposite directions, so there's some resistance to vertical pull

But if the wind gets strong, I just wind it in.
 
careful using curved rafters in very hot weather it will stretch the fabric in the center of the awning. i do use a straight rafter always.

i did try the side clip on end supports from a Fiamma room. but i found them more hassle than they were worth.

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David and Sally said:
Seems that even a slight breeze gets me rolling in my Fiamma 45 awning as the fabric starts to flap. Maybe I'm being too cautious.

I always peg down the legs at the bottom and take a couple of lines from the leg tops to pegs too.

Does anyone use the awning tie down kits that caravaners use to go over the fabric end to end to help stop the fabric flapping around?

Does it help? (I know strong winds are a no-no) and any disadvantages like wear on the fabric?

Thanks
Click to expand...
Hi, I have just joined the form. I have a Fiamma F45s 4mtr canopy. I have got a keder 4mtr rail 6mm-6mm bead i feed in the rail. I have put 3 eyelets in, 1 each end and 1 in the middle and guy down from them. The keder bead takes more strain throughout the length of the canopy. I also find when winding the canopy leave a full wind of the canopy material on the spool, so when you put your middle rafter in and take up the loose with the winder it tightens a lot better. Worth a shot.
 
We have the middle tension bar but to be honest it still takes off when someone as much as farts under it :giggler:

Have the storm tie down kit but not been brave enough to leave it on yet so never had the chance to use it.
 
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I’ve never used a tie down kit, but aren’t they just pegged in to the ground too? :unsure:
 
RogerThat said:
I’ve never used a tie down kit, but aren’t they just pegged in to the ground too? :unsure:
Click to expand...
2 Things. Dont fart!
Get the Fiamma plate kit for pegging at the base of the legs, they are not just a gimmick they save the leg base plates fitted to the canopy getting bent and they give more strength for pegging. And yes you still have to peg down when using guy lines. Another tip, I got webbing straps, quick release buckles and clips off ebay and made my own tie down guy straps. Similar to tie down kits but customised to fit better. Works wonders.
 
I used the storm straps with the slide in metal brackets. I also used the middle tension bar and a slide in wind/sun blocker sheet that also slid into the groove between the storm straps with an additional 3 pegging points. This seemed quite secure in the wind. To stop the flapping we also put a strap across the canvas. Great we thought, and it held in windy conditions but when the wind got a bit stronger it targets the next weak points which is the swivel brackets on the legs so these start to go. We've now gone for one of these which when in stock can be obtained for under £200 , still overpriced. https://www.outwell.com/en-gb/ecommerce/motorhome-and-drive-away-awnings/touring-canopy-xl

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Have been using this for years, no flapping keeps awning tight. fully adjustable to any size awning



1566030760365.png
 
I have been pricing them, about £96 is the going price, unless anyone else knows better! or selling 1
 
According to my link above £79.96

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Phill D said:
i use tie downs that slide into the Keder strip groove in the front of the awning, and always peg it down , feet and straps no matter what.
Click to expand...

Phill D May I ask where you obtained the parts that slide into the awning strip. I saw some whilst on holiday earlier this year but couldn't find a supplier.
 
Why is it when I get mine out- awning! It seems to give it rootytoot within 5 mins so I get all hysterical then and wind it back in, I look at all the others out “not even a twitch!”
 
[QUthe problem with the hook in brackets is the only hold firm when taught as soon as the legs compress a little they fall out

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Caggsie1 said:
Why is it when I get mine out- awning! It seems to give it rootytoot within 5 mins so I get all hysterical then and wind it back in, I look at all the others out “not even a twitch!”
Click to expand...
Try and keep it quite low.
 
We bought a couple of slide in tie down thingies off a German couple in Portimao a few years back which go into the slot in the front rail. I then use cargo ratchet straps and a couple of meaty 12" t section pegs. Also use a rafter in the centre and wind it back in nice and tight.
We've had the awning out on some quite windy days, it flaps a bit but is solidly planted in this setup, so no danger of it joining the roof rack. :)
Picture below shows it set up in a nice spot in Portugal.

20190315_120053.jpg
 

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