Fiamma F45s vs F80s Awning: Full Comparison & Camper Compatibility Guide

If you’re comparing Fiamma F45s vs F80s awnings then you’ve come to the right place. With so many configurations, slight model differences and accessories it can be tricky to tell which are the best campervan awnings for your camper van make and model.

In this guide:

• Differences between Fiamma F45S vs F80S
• Which one is right for your camper
• Sizes, upgrades, and add-on options

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Primary Difference – Fiamma F45S vs F80S

The primary difference between the Fiamma F45S and Fiamma F80S is how they are mounted to your camper.

Fiamma F45S mounts to the side of your camper roof rack, or directly to the side wall of your camper.
Fiamma F80S mounts to your roof.

While a roof mounted awning may be possible for some vans, you want to consider other roof-mounted accessories that may get in the way, such as solar panels, a roof rack, or a vent fan.

RECOMMENDATION: If you are installing the awning yourself, I highly recommend opting for a roof rack mounted model. Nearly all roof rack mounted van awnings can be easily mounted to an existing 80-20 style rack with ease and minimal expense in brackets (because some of the specialty kits can add $500 or more to your project!)

If a roof rack installation is not possible, it’s important to know that the Fiamma F45S includes standard wall mount brackets (will work on any flat surface), whereas Fiamma F80S does not include any mounting hardware, and will need to be added to your purchase (+$200-$600.)

TIP: Fiamma F45S is generally the better awning option for Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and Ram ProMaster van conversions.

Fiamma F45s Awning Review

Fiamma F45s is the newer version of the Fiamma F45 awning. It’s the same awning, but it comes in additional sizes and colors.

The Fiamma F45s awning is perfect for most vans, including Ford Transit, Ram ProMaster and Mercedes Sprinters. It’s also the most affordable, and most DIY friendly option.

F45S comes in 6 different length options (shown below), and two options for fabric colors.

Standard orders include Royal Gray fabric, but several models also have an option for Royal Blue fabric.

Ford Transit Fiamma F45S Compatibility

Mercedes Sprinter Fiamma F45S Compatibility

Ram ProMaster Fiamma F45S Compatibility

Fiamma F80s Awning Review

F80S is the new and improved version of the Fiamma F65S awning. Enhancements to F80S include stronger, wider arms, a streamlined design, and better integration with roof profiles.

Fiamma F80S awning is very similar to the F45S model, except it mounts to your vans existing roof rails. This awning only works if you don’t already have a roof-rack installed along the factory mounting points.

NOTE: Due to the roof drop in the Ford Transit, a specialty bracket is required for the F80S to help support the full length of the awning and adequately cover the length of the sliding door. This also means the awning protrudes forward, overhanging the roof drop.

Keep in mind, Fiamma F80S does not ship with mounting hardware. This is because the awning is installed using the factory mounting locations, which vary based on vehicle make and model.

You will need to pair your order with the appropriate mounting brackets for your specific vehicle (more on this below.)

Ford Transit Fiamma F80S Compatibility

Mercedes Sprinter Fiamma F80S Compatibility

Ram ProMaster Fiamma F80S Compatibility

Fiamma F45S & F80S Upgrades

Both F45S and F80S Fiamma awnings have optional electric motors available. These tap into your existing 12v electrical system and add between $700 – $1,000 to your kit. They can be included with your purchase, or added on later.

➜ F45S Motor Kit | F80S Motor Kit

NOTE: Adding a motor will also add approximately 5 inches to the installed length of your awning.

Fiamma also offers an assortment of add-ons for their awnings. Things like attachable walls (with or without windows) create more privacy and offer a wind break.

Fiamma Rain Guard – a flexible piece of rubber that bridges the gap between your van and awning to prevent rain from dripping into your van.

➜ F45S Rain Guard | F80S Rain Guard

Fiamma Wall Bracket For Awning Legs – you can permanently install these brackets on the outside wall of your van. Instead of staking awning legs into the ground, they can clip into these brackets for more stability, and to keep the area clear of tripping hazards.

Fiamma LED Light Strips – a thin strip of LED lights that tap into your existing 12v electrical system. They’re highly energy efficient, but a bit pricy… if you’re at all DIY inclined, there are more affordable kits available on Amazon (perk! they come with a remote) that require a small amount of customization (pair your DIY with the Fiamma installation instructions for a quicker job.)

➜ F45S Light Strips | F80S Light Strips

Is Fiamma F45S Or F80S Better?

In most cases, the Fiamma F45S awning is better than the F80S model for camper vans.

Fiamma F45S can be easily mounted to your campers roof rack, making DIY installation easy and affordable.

However, if your camper does not have a roof rack, then the F80S awning may be a better option as it mounts to your vehicles existing roof rails or roof mounting system.

Still not sold on Fiamma F45S or F80S? Check out these other best camper van awning options!