Removing a Fiamma F45 awning

[dochiley]

We have one of the above which winds out on the side of our 7m Chausson on a Ducato base, but we have only ever used it 3 or 4 times in the 10years we have had the MH. On top of which the leading end has sustained 'contact damage'!
I am tempted to remove it completely, in so doing we would save the weight of it and increase the payload. There seem to be brackets on the bodywork and the awning is riveted into them, so the problem is removing rivets and doing something with the holes where the brackets are mounted onto the top of the side panel.
Has anybody got any experience of doing this?

 

[tonyidle]

If the rivets are through the lower edge of the brackets they'll simply drill out with a 3mm drill. Two people can then lift the complete awning enough to clear the bottom of the bracket. Tilt the lower edge of the awning outward from the bracket and lower it to the ground. It will be very heavy.

The bolts holding the brackets to the van are stainless steel coach bolts. I'd be tempted to remove them, remove the brackets, then replace them with some sealant. Although they're then still visible it is obvious to a future buyer what they are and said buyer (or you in the future) can re-fit an awning.

If the above doesn't make any sense please reply with a photo of the fixings - there are alternatives used on some vehicles. Have to say I'm surprised you want it gone - I use mine on every trip .

 

[TheBig1]

as Tony says above, very easy with 2 fairly strong people to drill the rivets (usually stainless self tapping screws used) then lift off the canopy. Remove the brackets and reuse the bolts to fill the holes, but paint the heads so they blend in with the bodywork. Seal the bolts with non setting mastic

 

[obanvanman]

Exactly as Tony said but be careful as it is bloody heavy. We took ours off as it was damaged when we bought the van.
I filled the holes with sealant. You can see them but it's not too bad.

 

[dochiley]

Thanks for the comprehensive solution. At least I know what I am in for.

The other option is to replace the cap on the leading edge that got smashed. perhaps you guys know a supplier?

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[pagey]

fiamma sell all the parts use google

 

[TheBig1]

Johns_Cross_Motorhomes stocks the parts and you get a fun discount

 

[Jev88]

Johns_Cross_Motorhomes stocks the parts and you get a fun discount

Best me to it. Got the rear cover from them. Mine was hooked up by a tree and split in two. They just stretch and clip on.

 

[dochiley]

Thanks guys, I am in cotact with John Cross and they have the part and are being very helpful.

 

[dochiley]

Just to conclude this thread ..... New end arrived and fitted ..... looks like new!!

Thanks everyone for your input, it makes life so much easier

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[Brian3357]

Hi followed this thread.I have sprung a leak just above end of awning could it come from the awning bolt? Is it easy to seal

 

[autorouter]

It's relatively easy to remove the awning, then remove, reseal and replace the bracket that is leaking. The bracket is the red bit in the picture. Remove the bolts/screws at the bottom of the awning. The awning is heavy, and will take two people to handle it, especially as you will probably be working up stepladders. Rotate the bottom of the awning out from the bracket, and lift it to unhook it from the top of the bracket.

The brackets are secured by bolts, and on the inside the load spreader plate and nuts are covered by a plastic capping that clips onto the spreader plate. The bracket and bolts can be removed and resealed with mastic.

Obviously the awning forms a channel above the bracket, which can fill with water. Fiamma do a rubber sealing strip (Rain Guard) to cover this channel, to make future leaks less likely.