Awning Fabric Replacement October 14, 2022, 11:32:10 am It's time to replace the original Fiamma awning fabric on my 2003 MB.Anyone have any suggestions, particularly for an aftermarket (not Fiamma) company?Rich 1 Likes
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #1 – October 14, 2022, 10:50:31 pm I noticed Amazon has a lot of this available and one company seems more predominate but I have not see the product or used it.
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #2 – October 15, 2022, 09:55:42 am Anyone have any suggestions, particularly for an aftermarket (not Fiamma) company?When I ordered my LD, way back in 2004, I asked for the Fiamma awning to be deleted. I then proceeded to have an A&E (now Dometic) installed instead. That awning served well until it was destroyed in a windstorm in Montana. Insurance purchased a new one and it is in use to this day without issue.
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #3 – October 19, 2022, 03:42:55 pm I couldn't find an aftermarket solution that I trusted (many seem to say 'universal' but I couldn't find any documentation that they worked for a Fiamma), so I ordered a replacement from the Fiamma.After sending them pictures of the product number, model number, and serial number, this is the reply they sent me:------------Thank you for your inquiry. We do have the fabric for this awning available. However, the only colors available are Royal Grey, and Royal Blue. All other colors have been discontinued. Part# 06454C01Q CANOPY 400 ROYAL BLUE F45 S $345.00Part# 06454C01R CANOPY 400 ROYAL GREY F45 S $345.00Plus $35 Shipping Whenever you are ready to place your order, please feel free to contact us at (407) 672-0091. Thank You Malik FolkesFiamma USA407-672-0091.--------I ordered Royal Grey. They advised that the fabric is folded when shipped and needs to be installed (or at least completely unfolded) soon after arrival or it will develop creases. I haven't received or installed the new fabric yet, but I hope this video helps:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl0IcpVKoVA&list=WL&index=14&ab_channel=Kampeerdump.nlRich
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #4 – October 19, 2022, 05:36:08 pm Good information, our 2003 Fiamma awning's fabric looks worn after a few thousand hours of sunlight, along with wind and rain. Nice to see that Royal Blue is still available.While you are at it, it's a good time to replace the plastic shock absorbers, they harden with age and eventually break. I just replaced a broken one a few days ago, it only took 15 minutes.Assuming you have the same awning, an F45 Plus, the Fiamma part numbers for the shock absorbers are as follows.98655-123 Left side98655-124 Right sideLarry 1 Likes
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #5 – October 25, 2022, 04:45:57 pm Notes from the install:(1) My 2003 model is not like the one in the video (I expected this based on my experience replacing the crank attachment and the shock absorbers a few years ago).(2) It's at least a 2 person job, with 2 ladders. (3) The end caps (front and rear) pop off. Behind the rear cap is the assembly that holds the non-ratchet end of the roller. This is secured with a screw and a pop rivet. You will need to drill out the rivet and install a new one before the job is done. (4) Unlike the video, the roller cover does not flip up for easy removal. You have to slide the roller bar (and fabric) out the end where you removed the assembly in #3. (5) The fabric is secured by set screws on the top (towards the front of the RV) and bottom (towards the rear of the RV). These might be rusted and hard to remove. I was able to remove one, but had to drill out the second and find a replacement screw. (6) Because of #4, I found it necessary to remove bar holding the far end of the awning fabric from the extending arms. Mark the location of the extending arms so you can reinstall them in the correct location.(7) There is a top (close to the camper, in the roller) and a bottom (away from the camper, in the bar from #6). The replacement fabric must be installed as designed and can't be reversed as the beads that slide into the respective tracks are different sizes. (8 ) My awning now works like new (after some cleaning and lubrication) and looks much better. Over the life of the awning, I've replaced the fabric, the crank attachment, and the shock absorbers. I expect that what I have now will last for many years. (9) The nyloc nuts securing the support arms (from the outside edge of the awning back to the wall of the camper) are quite hard to get a tool on. There isn't enough clearance to fit a standard socket, or a closed end wrench on them. (10) The newer models appear to have a much better design.Rich 4 Likes
Re: Awning Fabric Replacement Reply #6 – October 25, 2022, 05:11:05 pm Thanks for the description of the installation, the one video I found made it look simple.Good to know each end of the fabric has a different diameter rope.Our fabric is worn and needs replacement. Previously I have changed two sets of shock absorbers, a support arm hinge, and a complete crank and winch assembly. The newer models do have some adjustments. I'm surprised our awning has lasted so long being so lightweight, it had been used a lot.Larry