Neil,
Last fall I installed a 10' Fiamma . We love it. It is deployed in about 3 minutes. The hand crank and center pole is stored  up on the interior of our Westy. Easily  accessible  when needed and out of the way. Fiamma was easily to install. the support arms can be installed on the side of the Westy or secured on the ground. We waited several years to,decide on our purchase. Glad we finally did it. Before that we had the bus depot awning which was great. But we got caught so many times in the rain trying to set it up. Like an upside down umbrella catching all the rain. But it was another great choice. I have pictures if needed just pail me.
Laters,
Dennis J
 

 Dennis Jowell
Scotch Hollow Farm
Newbury, Vermont 

> On Jun 29, 2016, at 7:49 PM, Neil2 <vidublu@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> OK folks,
> 
> I'm considering an awning install for the first time in my Vanagon
> experience.  I've a '90 Westy and nothing atop presently.  Vaguely possible
> I'll install solar panels atop but for now only have plans for a 20x40"
> luggage rack panel.  At this point I like the idea of an awning without
> vertical supports but suspect that isn't practical unless I found one of
> those nice electric ones with automatic retraction for high winds, which I
> don't think exist in 'Vanagon lengths.  At this point I like the idea of
> the longest practical awning, which I suppose would extend to both ends of
> the pop top.  Brand is important since I don't want a piece of crap.
> Price, meh, it's only money!  Domestic?  Yes, unless it's really easy to
> ship.
> 
> So, PLEASE respond with yes/no and a very brief 'why' IF you've personal
> experience with an awning.
> 
> 1. What brand would you buy?
> 2. What length would you choose?
> 3. Which style?
> 4. Why would you NOT install one if applicable?
> 5. Is it practical to install one longer than the pop top itself?
> 
> Please/thanks!
> 
> 
> --
> Neil2
> '82 Diesel Westfalia (Ducky)
> '86 Vanagon (SaVannah)
> '08 170" 2500 Mega Roof Sprinter (Moby)
> '90 Westfalia Subagon
> Fulltiming since August 2008
> Nunquam Pendite Divendium