Awning size guide: measure once, buy right

What this guide covers

• Wall vs roof mounting and why it matters

• The four measurements that decide size

• How projection and mounting height affect water run-off

• Enclosure compatibility for Privacy Room and side panels

• Typical scenarios for popular vans and conversions

• A printable worksheet and a quick buyer checklist

(Internal link ideas: F45 wall awnings → /collections/fiamma-f45, F80 roof awnings → /collections/fiamma-f80, Adapters → /collections/fiamma-adapters, Privacy Room → /collections/fiamma-privacy-room, Side panels → /collections/fiamma-side-panels)

First decision: wall or roof mount

Before you think about length, choose where the cassette will sit.

• F45 (wall mount) – Fixes to the side wall. Great accessory range and straightforward servicing. Works well on solid panel vans and coachbuilts.

• F80 (roof mount) – Fixes to rails or a shaped roof channel. Keeps the side wall clear and suits pop-tops, roof furniture and low-profile builds.

If the side door or window frames limit a wall mount, a roof mount usually solves it. If you want the widest enclosure options and an easy install path, a wall mount is often the simplest answer.
(Internal link ideas: F45 → /collections/fiamma-f45, F80 → /collections/fiamma-f80)

The four critical measurements

Grab a tape, a helper and a notepad. Park on level ground.

1) Mounting run (straight space for the cassette)

• Wall mount (F45): measure the uninterrupted side wall where the case will sit. Avoid door frames, indicators, badges and seams.

• Roof mount (F80): measure the straight roof run or rail span available, then note the rail type or channel profile for brackets.

Write down the maximum straight length you can safely use.

2) Door and hatch clearances

Open the sliding door fully. Check that the top edge clears where the case would be. On tailgate vans, open the hatch and check potential interference with rafter poles or side panels.

Note any no-go zones that reduce usable length.

3) Mounting height (ground to case centre)

Measure from the ground to the intended mounting point. This affects leg angle and which enclosure sizes will match. Taller vans may need specific enclosure heights so panels sit square and drain properly.

Record height in millimetres for accuracy.

4) Roof furniture map (for F80)

Sketch positions of pop-tops, solar panels, antennas and roof lights. Note distances from the windscreen and B-pillar to help bracket placement.

Record clearances so adapter brackets do not clash.

(Internal link idea: Fitment checklist PDF → /pages/awning-size-guide or /pages/downloads)

How case length and projection work

• Case length is the physical length of the awning cassette. It must fit the straight mounting run you measured.

• Projection is how far the fabric extends from the van when open. A longer projection makes a bigger sheltered area but increases wind load and leg spread.

• Water run-off improves with sensible leg angle. If your mounting height is low, a huge projection may leave the fabric too flat.

Rule of thumb: choose the longest case length that safely fits your straight run, then pick the projection that balances space and stability for how you camp.
(Internal link idea: Awning accessories for stability → /collections/fiamma-storm-straps)

Enclosures: making sure sizes match

Privacy Room sets and side panels must match your awning family, case length and mounting height. The most common sizing issue is choosing a case that works, then buying an enclosure that assumes a different height.

• Check the compatible height range on the enclosure page before purchase.

• Ground sealing matters. Add a draft skirt that matches your van to cut airflow under the body.

• If you camp in shoulder seasons, plan for storm straps and at least one centre rafter to keep fabric tensioned.

(Internal link ideas: Privacy Room → /collections/fiamma-privacy-room, Side panels → /collections/fiamma-side-panels, Draft skirts → /collections/fiamma-draft-skirts, Rafters → /collections/fiamma-rafters)

Step-by-step sizing workflow

1. Pick the mount type first: F45 wall or F80 roof.

2. Measure your straight run and mark any no-go zones.

3. Confirm mounting height from ground to case centre.

4. Choose a case length that fits the run with sensible margins.

5. Pick projection to suit your camping style, site exposure and leg angle.

6. Check enclosure compatibility against both case length and mounting height.

7. Select the adapter kit that matches your vehicle body and roof rails.

8. Add stability: storm straps, a centre rafter and pegs that match your common ground types.

(Internal link ideas: Adapters → /collections/fiamma-adapters, Peg sets → /collections/fiamma-accessories)

Typical scenarios (to validate against your van)

• VW Transporter T5/T6/T6.1
  Wall or roof mounts work. Roof mounts keep the slider area clear and suit pop-tops. Measure carefully around spoilers on tailgate models.
  

• Ford Transit Custom
  Conversions with strong side walls often suit F45. Pop-tops and rail systems lean to F80. Watch spoiler height and rear camera locations.

• Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay
  Long, straight side runs make F45 popular. Low-profile or rail-equipped conversions often choose F80 to keep the profile tidy.

These are patterns, not rules. Always verify against your exact wheelbase, roof type and trim.

Water management and wind behaviour

Awnings are shade devices. In showers and light wind, performance improves if you set one leg lower to encourage run-off, avoid pooling and reduce panel flap. In gusty conditions, use storm straps and consider retracting early. If in doubt, put it away.

(Internal link ideas: Storm straps → /collections/fiamma-storm-straps, Care & cleaning → /collections/fiamma-care-cleaning)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing case length before confirming door clearances

• Assuming your friend’s van size will fit yours

• Forgetting mounting height when buying enclosures

• Mixing hardware from different systems or years

• Skipping reinforcement where specified by Fiamma

• Treating the awning as a storm shelter

(Internal link ideas: Install checklist → /pages/install-checklist, Spares & reinforcement → /collections/fiamma-spares)

Measuring worksheet (template to success)

Vehicle: Make / model / year
Wheelbase / roof type: SWB, LWB, H1, H2, pop-top
Mount type chosen: F45 wall or F80 roof
Straight run available: ______ mm
No-go zones noted: yes / no
Mounting height (ground to case centre): ______ mm
Desired projection: short / medium / long
Enclosure planned: Privacy Room / side panel set
Adapter kit needed: yes / no → part family noted
Stability items added: storm straps / centre rafter / pegs
Visibility & access checks passed: doors, hatches, windows clear

Buying checklist (five-minute pre-checkout)

• Mount type selected, straight run measured

• Door and hatch clearances checked with doors fully open

• Mounting height recorded and matched to enclosure

• Case length and projection chosen for space and stability

• Adapter kit, straps, rafter and draft skirt added

(Internal link ideas: F45 → /collections/fiamma-f45, F80 → /collections/fiamma-f80, Adapters → /collections/fiamma-adapters, Privacy Room → /collections/fiamma-privacy-room, Accessories → /collections/fiamma-accessories)

FAQ

Will a longer case always give me more shade?
Usually, but projection and leg angle matter more for usable space. A small increase in projection can feel bigger than a small increase in case length.

Do I need an adapter kit on every van?
Most roof mounts do. Many wall mounts use vehicle-specific brackets. Use the Fiamma kit listed for your body and model year.

Can I fit an enclosure later?
Yes, as long as the enclosure you buy matches your awning family, case length and mounting height.

What if I have a pop-top?
Roof mounts can work well, but check clearances for brackets and hinges. Measure with the roof up and down.

Ready to measure up? Follow the worksheet, choose F45 or F80, then pick the case length and enclosure that match your van and trips. Add the adapter kit and stability accessories so your first pitch is a smooth one.