Thank you for answering. Caulk is the necessary evil as you know for sealing is something I hate on a house or a vehicle because it just doesn’t last beyond a few years if that much especially on a hot roof. I have a factory Hi Perf AC on the van roof that I know one day those caulk holes will leak. I guess if that awning caulk is only for protection from the mount, that is the messiet and least effective way vs rubber stripping with 3M double side tape that you can always remove with dilute alcohol without paint damage. I got these roof rails on a factory order hoping I would use them for something one day. The Thule that MB promotes in their accessories looks like a nightmare and needs special crossbars. Thank you again for your experience with this awning. Again, that is a really great video. Fiamma should pay you for it. The instructions are awful.
Hey no problem at all! And I agree… Rubber strips would have been a cleaner option. The caulk does add some security in the event the bolts come loose, but that's probably the only advantage. Good luck in your install and let me know if you need anything else!
Comment: The four (4) #6 sheet metal screws must be drilled to fit. It helps keeps the mounting brackets from sliding fore and aft. Without them, the awning will lever off the bracket when the awning is cranked out.
Hi, great video. If you're still answering questions, please tell me about this caulk on the back side of the mounting bracket. What is the purpose, to hold the rail in place beyond the mounting plates? That aluminum mount just rests on the roof of the van with the caulk in between? What happens if this awning needs to come off for any reason; is that caulk permanently and/or will do finish damage if removed, or a special way to remove it? I have the OEM roof rails, but I was hoping no part of this awning ever actually touched the van surface but it seems there are many places it does or could, i.e. your black tape. That caulk bothers me. Thank you for any insights.
Hey, so the caulk is there to hold the aluminum bracket to the roof. You should be able to remove it without damaging the paint so I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's the same stuff that's on top of every RV. On the other side of that bracket is a piece of tape on the van roof to keep that little metal wedge from having direct contact with the paint. That's the only area that was a little questionable. You could also use some clear adhesive made for covering door edges or headlights, etc. Lots of manufactures of that if you didn't want to use take. There really isn't any place the awning has direct contact with the van if you use caulk on the one side of the bracket and some kind of tape on the other side. Of course the bracket sits on the factory rails, but that's intentional
Thank you. Yes I’m familiar with RV rooftops understanding we’re not actually making a hole in the roof here thankfully. The instructions sent to me by Flatline Van in 20 languages show an icon for a tube of something which I assume is the caulk, but I can’t find anything in writing about applying it. Nonetheless, I guess I’m wondering why caulk is needed at all if the awning is mounted to the roof rail? Maybe it’s to keep the awning from rotating forward as an extra measure if the roof rail itself is not enough. Overall, having had this awning for a while, are you happy with it? Is it holding up?
@@Zil-can oh gotcha! Yeah, the caulk is really there I think as a way to pad the bracket from the roof. I've been really happy with the awning! It hasn't budged an inch after thousands of miles of driving. Works really well! My next step is to put mounting brackets on the van for the legs to attach to so they aren't on the ground/in the way.
Great video! I’m building one myself and noticed the Amp Research side steps. How was that install? A couple shops don’t want to touch them on a Sprinter.
Hey thank you! So the steps…they were a bit of a pain, but not terrible. Mostly just time consuming. I lucked out and got the version that has a module you plug into the OBDII port that knows when any doors are open or closed so I didn’t have to wire the door sensors and tap into the door wiring. However, when I talked to them recently while ordering something else, they mentioned that the version I got is now out of stock due to parts shortages, so I think they are only selling the one that requires all of the door sensor wiring for now. If I were you I would wait until they have the other version in stock. I think the most frustrating part of the whole installation was figuring out exactly where to drill the holes for the step brackets. The instructions should have used photographs, but instead they are line drawings that make it a little hard to figure out where to mount brackets. I need to make a video that shows where mine are installed so that it’s easier for others. When you go to install them, hit me up and I will be sure to get a video out there. There’s a guy with a channel named “out of Ipswitch “ who made a video that walks through a lot of the installation and he covers the door wiring portion if you do go with that version. I’m very glad we went with these steps, though. They work really well! Also, be sure you order them from sprinterstore.com. I think other places may sell them but this place has steps / brackets that are specific to the sprinter van and not just a generic model that you have to figure out how to mount. Good luck to you!
@@nomaddict5279 would you be able to tell me the difference between the inside step of the van and the amp step when deployed? Trying to find a side step that will work for both my wife and I. Considering the Owl, but that one still sits a little too high for her.
@@sergiomaravilla I would be happy to measure that for you! It’ll be later this evening. I’m with you though, the amp power steps seemed to be one of the lower ones that would actually help us, whereas the other ones were not low enough to be worth it. My wife and one of my kids are shorter so they really needed something that would split the difference between the ground and the built-in step and this did that pretty well.
@@sergiomaravilla OK, so the amp step on the passenger side is 10.5” from the ground to the top of the step. Keep in mind we have slightly taller tires than stock, so stock height tires would put the step lower to the ground. From the amp step to the built-in passenger step it is 12”. From the amp step to the sliding door built-in step it is 12.5”. Let me know if you need anything else! I plan to make a video about the power steps so you might subscribe so you’ll know when I get that video published.
It does recommend it, and without something like it, the metal plates might rub the paint off of the roof. It's been a while since I installed it and I can't remember how much space there was between the metal plates and the roof
Hi. I have bought a vw crafter camper with this awning. Do you know if the centre tension support comes with it. I can’t find it anywhere Was hoping to see it in your video.
I don’t believe mine came with one. I don’t know that it is really needed. Ours seems pretty tight without any additional tensioner. It looks like you can buy one to add to it, but I don’t think it comes with one.
Your very last comment about the brackets lining up is what I watched the video for. Thank you!
Awesome! Glad it was useful!
Keep it up, videos like this are super valuable to all of us. Cheers.
Hey thank you so much for the feedback! I’m glad they are useful!
Great video btw. And awesome van. Love the auto side door and step bar
Hey thank you so much! I appreciate the comment!
Super helpful video it’s exactly what I need to replace my old F 65 classic with the new F 80 awning. Thanks for the help!😊
Hey awesome! Glad to hear it! Thanks for the feedback.
That will help me thank you, your van is very nice what size tyres are you on ? I'm looking at changing my tyres yours look nice they fit good
Than you! They are BFG K02 275/70-R17 mounted into Black Rhino Arsenal Wheels.
Thank you for answering. Caulk is the necessary evil as you know for sealing is something I hate on a house or a vehicle because it just doesn’t last beyond a few years if that much especially on a hot roof. I have a factory Hi Perf AC on the van roof that I know one day those caulk holes will leak. I guess if that awning caulk is only for protection from the mount, that is the messiet and least effective way vs rubber stripping with 3M double side tape that you can always remove with dilute alcohol without paint damage. I got these roof rails on a factory order hoping I would use them for something one day. The Thule that MB promotes in their accessories looks like a nightmare and needs special crossbars. Thank you again for your experience with this awning. Again, that is a really great video. Fiamma should pay you for it. The instructions are awful.
Hey no problem at all! And I agree… Rubber strips would have been a cleaner option. The caulk does add some security in the event the bolts come loose, but that's probably the only advantage. Good luck in your install and let me know if you need anything else!
Great point on bolts coming loose with vibration at 70mph. Love caulk!
Please do a video on mounting the foot mounts to van. Thanks!
Really useful video. Just what I’ve been looking for. Cheers 👍
Awesome, thanks for the feedback! Glad it was useful!
Comment: The four (4) #6 sheet metal screws must be drilled to fit. It helps keeps the mounting brackets from sliding fore and aft. Without them, the awning will lever off the bracket when the awning is cranked out.
Thank you for this very useful video!
No problem! Glad you found it useful!
12:47. Make sure to grease those leg pivots. I broke mine one time. Cheap metal.
Hi, great video. If you're still answering questions, please tell me about this caulk on the back side of the mounting bracket. What is the purpose, to hold the rail in place beyond the mounting plates? That aluminum mount just rests on the roof of the van with the caulk in between? What happens if this awning needs to come off for any reason; is that caulk permanently and/or will do finish damage if removed, or a special way to remove it? I have the OEM roof rails, but I was hoping no part of this awning ever actually touched the van surface but it seems there are many places it does or could, i.e. your black tape. That caulk bothers me. Thank you for any insights.
Hey, so the caulk is there to hold the aluminum bracket to the roof. You should be able to remove it without damaging the paint so I wouldn't worry too much about that. It's the same stuff that's on top of every RV. On the other side of that bracket is a piece of tape on the van roof to keep that little metal wedge from having direct contact with the paint. That's the only area that was a little questionable. You could also use some clear adhesive made for covering door edges or headlights, etc. Lots of manufactures of that if you didn't want to use take. There really isn't any place the awning has direct contact with the van if you use caulk on the one side of the bracket and some kind of tape on the other side. Of course the bracket sits on the factory rails, but that's intentional
Thank you. Yes I’m familiar with RV rooftops understanding we’re not actually making a hole in the roof here thankfully. The instructions sent to me by Flatline Van in 20 languages show an icon for a tube of something which I assume is the caulk, but I can’t find anything in writing about applying it. Nonetheless, I guess I’m wondering why caulk is needed at all if the awning is mounted to the roof rail? Maybe it’s to keep the awning from rotating forward as an extra measure if the roof rail itself is not enough. Overall, having had this awning for a while, are you happy with it? Is it holding up?
@@Zil-can oh gotcha! Yeah, the caulk is really there I think as a way to pad the bracket from the roof. I've been really happy with the awning! It hasn't budged an inch after thousands of miles of driving. Works really well! My next step is to put mounting brackets on the van for the legs to attach to so they aren't on the ground/in the way.
Hi is there Fiamma product code for the Mercedes sprinter fitting kit that you used? I have the same rails as you on my MWB 2018 sprinter. thank you
Will buy that one
Hi is there a Fiamma product code for the Mercedes sprinter (with rails) installation kit thank you
What did you end up doing with the "O" screw? Did you drill it through the plate into the awning?
I honestly can't remember… Next time I climb up there I will take a look and see
Don't worry about it. I'll figure it out. Thanks for the video.
Great video! I’m building one myself and noticed the Amp Research side steps. How was that install? A couple shops don’t want to touch them on a Sprinter.
Hey thank you! So the steps…they were a bit of a pain, but not terrible. Mostly just time consuming. I lucked out and got the version that has a module you plug into the OBDII port that knows when any doors are open or closed so I didn’t have to wire the door sensors and tap into the door wiring. However, when I talked to them recently while ordering something else, they mentioned that the version I got is now out of stock due to parts shortages, so I think they are only selling the one that requires all of the door sensor wiring for now. If I were you I would wait until they have the other version in stock. I think the most frustrating part of the whole installation was figuring out exactly where to drill the holes for the step brackets. The instructions should have used photographs, but instead they are line drawings that make it a little hard to figure out where to mount brackets. I need to make a video that shows where mine are installed so that it’s easier for others. When you go to install them, hit me up and I will be sure to get a video out there. There’s a guy with a channel named “out of Ipswitch “ who made a video that walks through a lot of the installation and he covers the door wiring portion if you do go with that version. I’m very glad we went with these steps, though. They work really well! Also, be sure you order them from sprinterstore.com. I think other places may sell them but this place has steps / brackets that are specific to the sprinter van and not just a generic model that you have to figure out how to mount. Good luck to you!
@@nomaddict5279 would you be able to tell me the difference between the inside step of the van and the amp step when deployed? Trying to find a side step that will work for both my wife and I. Considering the Owl, but that one still sits a little too high for her.
@@sergiomaravilla I would be happy to measure that for you! It’ll be later this evening. I’m with you though, the amp power steps seemed to be one of the lower ones that would actually help us, whereas the other ones were not low enough to be worth it. My wife and one of my kids are shorter so they really needed something that would split the difference between the ground and the built-in step and this did that pretty well.
@@sergiomaravilla OK, so the amp step on the passenger side is 10.5” from the ground to the top of the step. Keep in mind we have slightly taller tires than stock, so stock height tires would put the step lower to the ground. From the amp step to the built-in passenger step it is 12”. From the amp step to the sliding door built-in step it is 12.5”. Let me know if you need anything else! I plan to make a video about the power steps so you might subscribe so you’ll know when I get that video published.
@@nomaddict5279 it looks like it splits the difference while maintaining clearance while driving. That’d be greatly appreciated. No rush!!!
Why do you need the Sikaflex adhesive - does it say to use that in the instructions provided by the vendor?
It does recommend it, and without something like it, the metal plates might rub the paint off of the roof. It's been a while since I installed it and I can't remember how much space there was between the metal plates and the roof
So there’s no bolts that are required to drill Into the roof of the van correct? It just uses the channel and sikaflex?
That’s correct! The bolt heads slide into the factory rails.
Hi. I have bought a vw crafter camper with this awning.
Do you know if the centre tension support comes with it. I can’t find it anywhere
Was hoping to see it in your video.
I don’t believe mine came with one. I don’t know that it is really needed. Ours seems pretty tight without any additional tensioner. It looks like you can buy one to add to it, but I don’t think it comes with one.
@@nomaddict5279 ok cheers