The Benefits of a Van Awning: How This Simple Accessory Can Transform Your Road Trip

Van Awnings

One of many questions you may be asking yourself when determining what accessories to add to your van is "Why do I need an awning?". Simply put, awnings can double the size of your living spaces while traveling, boondocking, or camping. A van awning should easily attach to a van’s roof rack in most cases but can also be attached to factory mounting locations if you don’t need the many extra features a roof rack provides. 

One of our roof rack customer's friends recently went on a trip to Yosemite National Park with four others, a dog, and a reliable van. Here is the email he wrote us:

“As we drove North, doubts crept into my mind about joining the adventure. Despite my love for nature, the great outdoors, and indulging in smores each night, the thought of being crammed in a van with 4 other people didn't sound appealing. It was my first time in a camper van, and I didn't know what to expect. However, my experience at Yosemite proved me wrong.

After arriving and hiking to the famous waterfalls, we were mesmerized by the sheer magnificence of El Capitan. Its grandeur can only be appreciated by standing before it, and words cannot express the emotions one feels in person. Though it was the time of my life, a simple accessory saved the trip for me - my friend's van awning.

With five of us packed in one van, we deployed the awning at the campsite to create a shaded area where we could relax and enjoy the woods. When we weren't hiking or participating in activities during the day, we sat under the awning, sipping on cold beers, and reminiscing about childhood memories.

As night fell, and the rain poured, the awning became our savior, allowing us to gather under its shelter and experience the fresh smell of wet earth and the amazing senses that come with being surrounded by nature in the rain. The aroma of the wet foliage heightened our senses, and we basked in the experience for hours without getting wet, something that would have been unbearable without the awning.

Despite the sleeping arrangements being less than ideal, I slept soundly under the van's awning on a sleeping pad, along with two other friends. The other two friends and the puppy slept inside the van. If it weren't for the rack and awning, I would have missed out on one of the greatest camping experiences of my life, and I would have regretted it. It's amazing how something as simple as a van awning can make all the difference.”

The Fiamma F45S Awning

The Fiamma F45S awning is a popular van awning for those who want a high-quality, durable, and convenient way to extend their living space while on the road. It’s designed to fit most campervans, motorhomes, and caravans and provides a quick and easy setup. It is a “wall-mount” awning which means is designed and intended to be mounted to a flat surface like an Orion Van Gear roof rack. Perfect for Ram Promaster, Mercedes Sprinter, and Ford Transit vans. 

One of the standout features of the Fiamma F45S awning is its compact design, which allows it to be easily stored when not in use. It features a sleek, aerodynamic profile that helps reduce wind resistance and noise, making it ideal for use in a variety of weather conditions.

The awning itself is made of high-quality materials that are built to last. It features a UV-resistant fabric canopy that provides excellent protection from the sun, wind, and rain. The aluminum frame is strong and lightweight, making it easy to set up and take down.

One of the best things about the Fiamma F45S is its easy installation and use when paired with an Orion roof rack. The awning can also be opened and closed with one hand, and it has a range of different height settings, so you can find the perfect height for your needs.

Another great thing about the Fiamma F45S is the amount of space it provides. The awning can be extended up to 2.5 meters, giving you plenty of room to relax, dine, or even sleep. 

The Fiamma F45S is a fantastic van awning that provides a convenient and comfortable way to extend your living space while on the road. The story above highlights how a van awning can make all the difference during a road trip. In this case, the van awning saved the road trip for the person telling the story, as they were initially feeling unhappy about being crammed in a van with too many people. But thanks to the awning, they were able to have a great time and make unforgettable memories with their friends. The compact design, easy setup, and durable construction make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-quality awning for their campervan, motorhome, or caravan.