Van awning

Virgil Jones · Dec 13, 2016

I'm looking into putting an awning on my van build. I have a chevy express extended with a 2 foot topper on it. I'm looking at 10' long awnings. Does anyone have experience with one of these.
Things like durability, wind drag for noise and mpg's, etc.

http://www.fiammausa.com/products/awnings.asp?Fam=F03

http://www.rvawningsrus.com/Classic-Bag-Awning_p_8.html

http://www.argorv.com/product/SHMBAG10SUP/Supreme-Bag---Self-Contained-Awning-10-Foot/

The fiammausa one looks the best, is a hardcase awning, but is twice as much.

The other two seem about the same and are bag awnings and a lot cheaper.

Thanks

Almost There · Dec 13, 2016

I have no practical experience with any of those awnings but am planning on putting in a Fiamma.

The GMC Savana has no door post between the front passenger door and the cargo doors so putting in an awning that requires a connector for the vertical rail is not possible. Fiamma is the only one I've found where the arms fold up in to the top rather than slide up and down vertically.

I looked at the bag awnings and while cheaper by far, at my height and the intended height of the awning, I'd have to carry and use a step ladder to set it up each time. Since I'm unstable on the ground, climbing up and down several times each set up and tear down would just be a total PITA.

Optimistic Paranoid · Dec 13, 2016

Take a look at the awnings ARB sells. Better prices than the Fiamma, and they have optional screen rooms and actual tent rooms that attach to it and are very reasonable.

http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Awnings-Accessories-C54.aspx

Almost There · Dec 13, 2016

As far as I can tell from their website all their awnings are bag awnings and are meant to attach to roof racks not the sides of fiberglass high tops.

I looked at them previously and rejected them for my use for those reasons.

Optimistic Paranoid · Dec 14, 2016

It's true they were designed for a roof rack, but I figure I can adapt it. But then, I've got access to a full shop, woodworking and machine, both . . .

cortttt · Dec 15, 2016

Optimistic Paranoid said:
It's true they were designed for a roof rack, but I figure I can adapt it. But then, I've got access to a full shop, woodworking and machine, both . . .

I'm looking for awnings that will attach to roof racks; if anyone has any experience with them please comment.