Date: Thu, 28 May 2015 15:57:52 -0700
Reply-To: John Goubeaux <john@UCSB.EDU>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Goubeaux <john@UCSB.EDU>
Organization: UCSB
Subject: Re: One more shady boy comment
In-Reply-To: <CAGydU8Q4sc2qL3dsh6i58S88Gdb+-AV3PyYoXCuouTEcDiQh4g@mail.gmail.com>
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Guys, sorry if I missed this in earlier posts, but what is the Fiamma
model you are all referring to ? Someone mentioned the "1" but I do not
find it on their product list.
Thanks -john
On 5/28/15 2:06 PM, Jason wrote:
> Any awning can be destroyed or damaged by wind if not setup correctly. The
> Fiamma is just as sturdy in wind if you remember to peg it down! The feet
> both have holes for this.
>
> Love the Fiamma, wouldn't give up it. I would spend the money for a
> replacement if I had to.
>
> Jason
> LT31 Florida (The big westy)
>
> On Thu, May 28, 2015 at 4:52 PM, Rocket J Squirrel <
> camping.elliott@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> And what Bill says below exactly affirms my preference for the Shady Boy.
>>
>> The Fiamma goes up quickly and easily. The Shady Boy requires a bit of
>> setup. But it can be done by one, and for this camper, setting up camp
>> is one of the pleasures of camping.
>>
>> The Fiamma can be quickly destroyed by unexpected gusts or heavy
>> precipitation. Probably smart to crank it back overnight if any weather
>> weirdness is expected. For the Shady Boy, one has to learn the tricks to
>> rig it for the conditions (as Tom Buese also commented on earlier in
>> this thread), but once up, it's nearly bullet-proof.
>>
>> As I've said earlier, I've sat under my Shady Boy -- and a few times had
>> to escape into the van -- during stunningly-heavy hailstorms,
>> thundershower, and great gusts of wind that have knocked camp furniture
>> over . . . and it's weathered it all.
>>
>> But you have to know how to rig it.
>>
>> My feeling is that the Fiamma is good for your weekend camper who
>> desires less fussing with poles and ropes and stakes. But for a fellow
>> like me, who camps in secluded, solitary places for two weeks at a time,
>> something robust is what I like and the Shady Boy does the job.
>>
>> Next time someone says that they've seen Shady Boys being blown about by
>> the wind, just know that what they witnessed is not a properly set-up
>> Shady Boy, and ignore them.
>>
>> --
>> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
>> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
>> Bend, Ore.
>>
>>
>> On 05/28/2015 09:24 AM, William Monk wrote:
>>
>>> I have had my fiamma awning for over ten years. Twice the rear arm was
>>> destroyed. Once when new and a sudden micro burst broke it. The second
>>> time
>>> in North Dakota after a 3am hail storm. I couldn't get out fast enough.
>>> Both time I didn't have a front corner dipped low enough. Simple lever to
>>> adjust. My fault. Parts came quick and priced very reasonable within days
>>> to repair it.
>>> I love the 2 minute set up. It doesn't have any crank or "clock" spring
>>> set
>>> up. Very basic F85 model.
>>> But, Alistair drilling holes in your van..I don't know about you
>>> sometimes?
>>>
>>> Bill M
>>> 87 Westy
>>> Zetec Turbo
>>> On May 28, 2015 11:22 AM, "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
>>>
>>> The recent talk about the pros and cons of the shady boy reminded me of a
>>>> long outstanding fix I wanted to make to mine.
>>>>
>>>> The stock attachment method for the stainless steel minting brackets to
>>>> the van is using stainless sheet metal screws. Leaving aside the
>>>> contentious :-) aspect of drilling holes into your van, I never loved the
>>>> sheet metal screws and I have noticed them loosening.
>>>>
>>>> So the other day I drilled out the holes in the van to accept 1/4-20
>>>> riv-nut inserts. My particular inserts fit tightly in holes drilled with
>>>> letter drill S.
>>>>
>>>> I also cut some neoprene foam gaskets to go between the bracket and the
>>>> van and long enough to wrap around the end of the bracket where it bears
>>>> against the rain gutter.
>>>>
>>>> Now with the insets and 1/4-20 stainless bolts the brackets are securely
>>>> mounted to the van.
>>>>
>>>> One more thing, with the sheet metal screws I had slathered on rtv
>>>> silicone sealant between the bracket and the van. I left that off with
>>>> the
>>>> foam gasket change.
>>>>
>>>> Alistair
>>>>
>>>>
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