On 5/17/07, Richard A Jones <jones@colorado.edu> wrote:

>
> Mounting the bracket hardware (gizmos) on the side of the van
> and using them is IMPORTANT. ...  I did not mount/use them for ~10 years--
> staking the poles down.  The awning flapped up and down in the
> wind.  Sometimes I had to get up and roll it back up.

BTDT! :-)

> The side brackets really improve the stability of the awning.
> I don't worry about it now when the wind blows and I'm snug.
> Bob learned this at Syncro Safari '04, when wind took his
> awning down--staked to the ground--and left mine fine--using
> the side brackets, which I had just mounted a while before.
>
> BTW--here is a photo of my awning extended, using the side brackets:
> http://tinyurl.com/2w7gap
> My brackets are mounted lower than the range specified.  Bob's are
> about 6" higher, in the range the awning mfgr specifies.

thanks for the practical tips/advice, I came across those
brackets the other day, while cleaning out the van, sounds like
a weekend project!  Thanks fro the photo also.

 -tim

ps  If I get around to finding another set of Fiamma brackets, I'll
     sell the extra one to anyone who wants it