Fiamma Awning Problems

Hi,

We recently took delivery of our 2 year old Sussex.
On our first couple of outings in it we have found problems with the Fiamma F65s awning, which appear to be getting worse...
1) The awning sags a lot more than we found with our previous van conversion (new Fiamma F65s on a Ducato based Tribby 650). The sagging of the awning is so bad that it catches the factory fitted awning light over the sliding door, and on winding it in, it actually rides up the curve of the roof!
2) The winding gear grinds and squeaks during winding, a lot more than you would expect.
My suspicion is that the awning has been overstressed, causing the brackets to dip, and the winding gear to lose some synchronicity.
The obvious action would be to return to the dealer we bought the van from, but having experienced jaw droppingly incompetent work on our previous van by their workshop, we feel safer keeping the van well away. I have spoken to Marquis and other awning specialists and have adjusted the shock absorber bolts with no improvement.
Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Wetfoot001
I seem to have the same problem with my Omnistor awning, when winding it in, one of the arms drops about an inch, catching the frame as it folds away.
When its rolled out, its creased in the centre of the fabric.
I'm booked into A/S Willersey in two weeks so hopefully they will fix the problem. (fingers crossed)
I'm not sure how far away you are from Bournemouth,there are two mobile awning installers from that area, one is [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] .
Both appear to deal with Omnistor, however I have puchased several Fiamma items from Hillview in the past, for my last van.
Rhinoinstalls have had good reviews from forum members and they have a mobile fitting unit [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Boaby

Hi Boaby,

Thanks for the advice.

I have been in contact with the Fiamma Store and they have requested a video of the behaviour of the awning when winding it in and out. Hopefully they will throw some light on the cause. I'll post the outcome.

-Phil

Hi Phil
The fault with our awning was, the hinge locating pin had dropped down from the top half of the hinge, causing the arm to drop down lower than it should , this has been rectified and all is working Fine.
Hope yours is now fixed.
Boaby

Hi Boaby,

Thanks for your update.

Work commitments have so far prevented me from taking the van into our local dealership, and I am awaiting a response from Fiamma after their Summer break.

I have received useful advice from Agent Fiamma suggesting that the shock absorber tension maybe excessive - the tensioners are adjusted by the upper nuts on each end, clockwise to lower the awning arm, anti clockwise to raise it. Unfortunately in my case, even with the nuts loose the awning outer frame drags over the roof and awning light when opening and closing.

I'll post the outcome...!

-Phil

burlingtonboaby wrote:Hi Wetfoot001
I seem to have the same problem with my Omnistor awning, when winding it in, one of the arms drops about an inch, catching the frame as it folds away.
When its rolled out, its creased in the centre of the fabric.
I'm booked into A/S Willersey in two weeks so hopefully they will fix the problem. (fingers crossed)
I'm not sure how far away you are from Bournemouth,there are two mobile awning installers from that area, one is [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] .
Both appear to deal with Omnistor, however I have puchased several Fiamma items from Hillview in the past, for my last van.
Rhinoinstalls have had good reviews from forum members and they have a mobile fitting unit [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Boaby

Further to my last regarding our squeaky sagging F65s awning...

We're just back from a couple of weeks on the continent and regular use has cured much of the squeaking in the awning.
Whilst away, Craig at Agent Fiamma advised replacement components were being supplied by Fiamma. They were waiting for us when we got home and I fitted them this afternoon - sagging solved!
The new parts are replacement Dual Shock Absorbers (Part No.s 98655-864 (LH) and -865 (RH) and are coloured grey (originals are white). The new shock absorbers have a 'D' shaped bolt hole, unlike the originals which have an oval bolt hole.
Craig was of great assistance and went above and beyond in helping with this problem. Fiamma also helped in identifying the problem and resolving it.

Regards,
Wetfoot001

Hi Wetfoot001
Pleased to read you have your awning working 100% again, don't think theres much need for one at the moment.
My awning still has a crease in it, we used it nearly everyday during our 5 weeks in Cornwall/Devon, sometimes as a rain canopy or as a sun shade.
Thanks for the adjustment info, will try it when it gets warmer and drier, nice spring
Boaby