F45 vs F80: Which Fiamma awning actually fits your van?

The short answer

• Pick F45 if you have a clear, strong side wall on the van for a wall mount, and you want straightforward installation with wide accessory compatibility.
  (Internal link idea: [Link: /collections/fiamma-f45])

• Pick F80 if you prefer a low-profile roof mount to keep side doors clear, or your van’s side wall is not suitable for mounting.
  (Internal link idea: [Link: /collections/fiamma-f80])

If you’re still on the fence, follow the measuring steps in this blog, and check the adapter notes before you buy.

How to choose in 30 seconds

1. Where can you mount?

• Solid side wall with space between door openings → F45

• Roof bars or a dedicated roof channel, or you want the cassette kept off the body side → F80

2. What must stay clear?

• Sliding door, barn doors, side windows, pop-top hinges. If a wall-mounted cassette risks clashing, roof mount is cleaner.

3. How do you camp?

• Touring most weekends and want the widest add-on range → F45

• Low-profile look, minimal side projection above doors → F80

(Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-accessories], [Link: /collections/fiamma-privacy-room])

Where each awning typically mounts

• F45 series: wall-mounted cassette fixed to the side of the vehicle. Common on panel vans and coachbuilts with a suitable side wall.

• F80 series: roof-mounted cassette that sits along roof rails or a shaped channel. Popular on vans with roof bars, pop-tops or when you want a tidy roofline.

Tip: choose the mount type first, then choose the size within that family to suit your vehicle length and door layout.
(Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-f45], [Link: /collections/fiamma-f80])

Measuring the vehicle: simple checks that prevent mistakes

1) Straight run for the cassette

• For F45: measure the uninterrupted length of side wall where the case will sit. Avoid door frames, marker lights and seams.

• For F80: measure the straight run on the roof, then confirm rail spacing or channel type if using adapters.

2) Door and hatch clearances

• Open the sliding door fully and check where the top edge travels. Make sure the awning case will not foul the door path.

• On tailgate vans, check that the tailgate clears rafter poles or side panels when open.

3) Roof furniture

• Note any pop-top, solar panel, roof light or fan that could clash with F80 brackets or the case position.
  (Internal link idea: [Link: /collections/fiamma-turbo-vent])

4) Height and projection

• Confirm your mounting height suits the chosen leg length and rafter angle so rain sheds away from the van, not toward it.

5) Weight and load path

• Make sure the chosen mounting points are designed to carry the awning and wind loading. Use the correct reinforcement where required.
  (Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-adapters], [Link: /collections/fiamma-spares])

Adapter basics: what they do and when you need them

Adapters bridge the gap between the awning case and your van’s mounting surface.

• F45 adapters follow side-wall contours or pick up existing hard points.

• F80 adapters interface with roof rails, channels or bar feet.
  Always choose vehicle-specific kits when available, and never mix hardware from different systems.
  (Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-adapters], [Link: /pages/vehicle-fit-check])

Model pointers by platform

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

• VW Transporter (T5/T6/T6.1): both F45 and F80 are common. F80 keeps the side wall clean on slider-heavy layouts.

• Ford Transit Custom: F45 is frequent on conversions with strong side walls. Pop-tops often steer owners to F80.

• Ducato/Boxer/Relay: panel vans and coachbuilts often favour F45 for accessory range, though F80 suits low-profile builds.
  (Internal link idea: [Link: /pages/fitment-by-vehicle])

Accessory compatibility: Privacy Room, side panels and stability

• Privacy Room & side panels: Both F45 and F80 support enclosure options, but sizes match to case length and height from ground, so measure carefully.
  (Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-privacy-room], [Link: /collections/fiamma-side-panels])

• Storm protection: Add proper tie-down straps and a rafter or centre rafter to reduce fabric pooling and improve wind behaviour.
  (Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-storm-straps], [Link: /collections/fiamma-rafters])

• Ground sealing: A draft skirt and wheel cover help cut airflow under the van and make enclosures more comfortable in shoulder seasons.
  (Internal link idea: [Link: /collections/fiamma-draft-skirts])

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Guessing size from a friend’s van: case lengths vary by model year and wheelbase. Measure your van.

• Wrong adapter kit: “close enough” fittings can twist the cassette or load weak points. Use the right kit for your body style.

• Door clash: a few millimetres at rest can turn into contact when the body flexes or the door is on a slope. Test with doors open on level and uneven ground.

• Wind complacency: awnings are shade devices, not storm shelters. If in doubt, retract.
  (Internal link ideas: [Link: /pages/install-checklist], [Link: /collections/fiamma-care-cleaning])

Quick checklist before you buy

• Choose mount type first: F45 wall or F80 roof

• Confirm clear mounting run and door clearances

• Verify roof furniture and bracket positions

• Match case length to vehicle and enclosure options

• Add the correct adapter kit and reinforcement

• Plan stability accessories if you camp in variable weather

(Internal link ideas: [Link: /collections/fiamma-f45], [Link: /collections/fiamma-f80], [Link: /collections/fiamma-adapters], [Link: /collections/fiamma-accessories])

What to add to your order

• Adapter kit for your exact vehicle

• Tie-down kit and at least one rafter

• Draft skirt if you’ll use side panels or a Privacy Room

• Care kit for fabric and case maintenance

Ready to choose? Check your measurements, pick F45 or F80, then add the adapter kit and stability accessories for a trouble-free first pitch.