Vanagoneers:
I have seen several mentions of the Catalina 2500 (Dometic) and others on the
list... 'thought I'd throw in my .02 on the Fiamma F-45 Awning and Florida
room I just purchased and installed on our 87 Westfalia.
First the F-45 is truly a self contained system. Simply attach the crank,
give it a turn, lower the legs, and your awning is set.  Fiamma produces a
set of brackets specifically for the Vanagon Westfalia and I was quite
impressed with them. The brackets are constructed of a heavy gauge steel, are
three inches wide, and tuck the awning neatly beside the pop-top.  I ordered
the 3m version (8'2")  which reaches from just behind the drivers door to
above the air intakes at the rear of the van.  Cosmetically I prefer the
smooth, clean, lines of the Fiamma to all others I have seen but YMMV...
As for the "Florida Room"  accessory it consists of 3 screened "walls" that
attach with the aid of 2 poles to the awning to provide semi-weather tight
inclosure.  All walls and doors have both screening and privacy flaps for
maximum usefulness.  I was satisfied with the fit and design of the Florida
room with the exception of the vehicle skirting which is used to enclose the
rear wheel well and the area open under the van.   They basically included a
couple pieces of rubberized canvas and the instructions to "attach them to
the bottom of your vehicle"  Thanks alot :-)  I have instead enclosed those
areas with the outdoor carpet I was using for the floor.
I have long lusted after Westfalia and other bus tents, we felt that this
would give us more use in that many times we will use the awning without the
screen room. (Picnics, daytrips, etc.)
I would recommend the system to anyone with the one caveat that the Price is
pretty steep.  $1277.00 "as described."

Camping next weekend!!!
Don Record
York, PA