Fiamma vs Dometic Awning

[Brian B-P]

I generally agree with Jim on this: there might not be much point in exploring the alternatives which Reace has presumably already considered.

If this is of interest, a next step might be to understand what product is being considered. Fiamma has a much narrower range of awning products than Dometic, but they do have one (F45eagle) which is essentially the same as the Dometic 9500 chosen by Escape - I see no point in considering that, as it would have the same concerns (and advantages) over other types as the Dometic equivalent.

All of the description and technical information needed (including the height of the mounting space required) is available from the Fiamma Wall Winch Awnings site (ignoring the F45eagle and VW-specific products).

Having read through the manual for one of these Fiamma awnings, it appears to be essentially the same as the Dometic 9500, but with arms which are not strong enough to hold the awning up while extended, so support legs must be used every time. I don't see an advantage over the Dometic with the optional legs (except that the feet of the Fiamma legs can sit in brackets on the RV or on the ground, while the Dometic ones only go to the ground), and I would certainly prefer the option of not having to deal with legs.

[NW Cat Owner]

No I don't, but what's wrong with wondering about things and asking questions. Or are we not allowed to do that on this forum? Especially if it goes against any decisions made by ETI?

And I'm really curious why the person that asked about it earlier really wanted it.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

No I don't, but what's wrong with wondering about things and asking questions. Or are we not allowed to do that on this forum? Especially if it goes against any decisions made by ETI?

And I'm really curious why the person that asked about it earlier really wanted it.

Questions are fine. Here's mine.

Why do you wish to rehash something that has already been discussed?

Even though my opinion differs from yours, does it make it less valid?

I really don't understand why you (and a few others) do not wish to accept decisions made by Escape, yet seem interested in buying their product.

[Tin]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Questions are fine. Here's mine.

Why do you wish to rehash something that has already been discussed?
Because as customers it is very helpful to ask questions. I for one have learned much from others question and highly value them.
Even though my opinion differs from yours, does it make it less valid?
Yes and No but that is my opinion. But I think it is best to let each individual form their own opinion.
I really don't understand why you (and a few others) do not wish to accept decisions made by Escape, yet seem interested in buying their product.

Because we all have are own way of living and camping and spending are hard earned dollors, whats right for you may not be right for me.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I really don't understand why you (and a few others) do not wish to accept decisions made by Escape, yet seem interested in buying their product.

I didn't say I'm NOT accepting their decisions. I'm just questioning why the other person (who has since responded, if it's the person I'm thinking of) wanted to know about using that brand. It's easier to ask in a separate thread instead of buried within the thread on the 19 or 17 trailer (forget where it was). That type of awning does apply to other size trailers, I would assume.

I like the fact it's used by those hauling their rigs all over the world and rough country. Gotta check up on that link - thanks for that. I've seen some of the rigs those folks use (via web pages) - awesome rigs! Gotta admire that type of person that does all that. What an adventure!

It's also nice to know about other brands - not necessarily to replace what's on there when I pick it up from the factory. But for later on if/when the Dometic needs replacing.

Thanks Nathan for posting about your experiences with that brand.

And yeah, everyone uses their trailers differently. I will not be ashamed to say that I'm going out glamping with mine. I seriously doubt I'll be sitting in the desert for months on end, digging a hole for my poo and emptying my portable poo-mobile in that hole. But, if you wanna do that, fine by me. I'll just wave at you from my sewer hookup when you drive by. And toast you with my big glass of cold water.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

...I really don't understand why you (and a few others) do not wish to accept decisions made by Escape, yet seem interested in buying their product.

Escape does make a great product and their designs are based on some basic assumptions as to what options and features will satisfy a majority of potential owners. But those decisions do not in all cases satisfy the wants and needs of every owner. Every modification made to an Escape trailer by an owner is evidence that ETI is not satisfying the needs of that owner to some extent. On this forum we have seen a broad range of modifications from oversized exterior hatches, to custom interiors, to telescoping table pedestals, and more. Obviously, those owners felt that the decisions made by ETI did not meet their own requirements and they chose to change things up. I see nothing wrong with owners and potential owners questioning whether there are options available for alternative awnings, whether those alternatives may be installed by Escape or by someone else. Everyone has their own wants and needs and they are not always aligned with everyone else.

[NW Cat Owner]

Thanks to everyone for their replies to my original questions, whether they tackled them or not. Now for some follow up comments/questions of mine, regarding some of those posts (which have been snipped).

Originally Posted by nathanj04011

I know I may be stating what other people already have, but I wonder what benefit there is to the "I'm sure Escape thought it out, so it's good enough for all of us" sentiment.

I guess those of us wondering about the new stuff (or even older stuff) in the trailers haven't drank enough kool-aid.

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Why do you wish to rehash something that has already been discussed?

I really don't understand why you (and a few others) do not wish to accept decisions made by Escape, yet seem interested in buying their product.

I was recently reminded that you, yourself Jim B, recently started a thread where you acknowledged that it had been covered many times but you were still starting it as you wanted opinions on your decision or questions. I don't remember what it was for (u-shaped dinette maybe??) but nobody posted the dead horse icon or said that you shouldn't be asking those questions since they'd already been asked, answered and covered quite a bit.

As to accepting ETI's decisions - as someone else posted (and I reference in this reply), anyone who does modifications is not accepting ETI's decisions to some point. Aren't you making modifications to your new 2017 5.0TA? I guess that means you're not 100% accepting of their decisions.

Originally Posted by PGDriver

Cheers
Doug

Doug, do you also post this dead horse when the subject of beer or poutine or where to stay near ETI after getting your trailer shows up in threads? (There are plenty of other topics - those are just the 3 that came to mind readily.) All of those have been brought up over and over again, and yet those comments/questions are addressed respectfully. Why is a fairly new thread on the electric awning any different?

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Well put, it is great to hear a bit of common sense being used in regards to this matter.

Well, good to know I'm not common! As my husband says "don't stop asking questions" and I don't plan to.

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Obviously, those owners felt that the decisions made by ETI did not meet their own requirements and they chose to change things up. I see nothing wrong with owners and potential owners questioning whether there are options available for alternative awnings, whether those alternatives may be installed by Escape or by someone else. Everyone has their own wants and needs and they are not always aligned with everyone else.

[freespirit]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Well, good to know I'm not common! As my husband says "don't stop asking questions" and I don't plan to.

good advice and always good to be curious with an open mind...

[gocamp]

"Seems to us Reace would have done an astronomical amount of research before adjusting the very expensive trailer moulds"

X2