Fiamma F35 Pro Awning Mounting Brackets

Mounting brackets for Fiamma F35 Pro awnings provide the essential hardware to install this lightweight manual awning onto campervans, small motorhomes, MPVs and 4x4s. Unlike the F45 range, F35 Pro awnings don't ship with brackets included, so you'll need to purchase the correct vehicle-specific kit separately. This collection covers dedicated brackets for VW Transporter T3/T4/T5/T6 models (multiple variants for standard roof, California, lift roof and Multivan configurations), Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito/Metris/Marco Polo, Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro, Nissan NV200, Mazda Bongo, and Fiat Ducato-based panel vans. There's also the Standard Kit (98655-142) for roof bar mounting, the Auto Kit (98655-310) for crossbar installations, and specialist brackets for aftermarket Reimo and Brandrup multirails.

Which brackets do I need for my F35 Pro awning?

Check your vehicle type and existing roof setup first. VW Californias use the factory roof channel without drilling (98655-748). Standard VW Transporters need either the roof attachment point brackets for models without roof rails (98655-Z005 for RHD, 98655-648 for LHD) or the Multivan roof rail brackets if factory rails are fitted (98655-747). Ford Transit Custom requires the dedicated kit, whilst Mercedes Vito/Metris owners need the vehicle-specific bracket (98655-887) that uses factory roof mounting points. If you already have roof bars or crossbars installed, the Standard Kit (98655-142) or Auto Kit (98655-310) mounts to those bars rather than directly to the vehicle.

The F35 Pro differs fundamentally from the F45 in both operation and mounting. It's a manual roll-out awning where you extend and retract the fabric by hand using the integrated roller tube, making it lighter (typically 8-10kg depending on length) and more economical than crank-operated F45 models. The telescopic support legs store inside the roller tube rather than folding from the lead bar. This simpler mechanism means lower weight but requires more physical effort to operate, particularly when rolling the awning back in against fabric tension. Brackets reflect this lighter construction, they're generally shorter and less substantial than F45 brackets because the awning generates less mechanical stress during manual operation compared to wind-out mechanisms.

VW Transporter brackets come in multiple configurations because of the platform's diversity. The California-specific brackets (98655-748) attach to the factory-fitted roof channels without body drilling, making installation reversible. Standard Transporter brackets for models without factory rails (98655-Z005 for right-hand drive, 98655-648 for left-hand drive) mount using the factory roof attachment points originally designed for roof bars, avoiding new holes in the bodywork. If your Transporter already has Multivan-style roof rails fitted, you'll need the longer brackets (98655-747) designed specifically for that profile. VW T3 and T4 models, including those with lift roofs, use dedicated shorter brackets (98655-111 for T4, 98655-035 for T3) that account for different roof curvatures and mounting point spacing.

Pop-top roofs create specific clearance challenges with F35 Pro installations. The rear mounting bracket frequently clashes with elevating roof hinge mechanisms, particularly on Mercedes Metris/Vito conversions and VW Transporters with aftermarket pop-tops. Standard Fiamma brackets for these vehicles assume a solid roof profile, the rear bracket sits exactly where many pop-top hinges pivot. Solutions include using alternative brackets like those from Shadyboy that mount differently, fabricating custom brackets, or accepting that the Fiamma bracket profile won't allow the pop-top to close flush. Always test-fit brackets with the pop-top fully raised before drilling any mounting holes. Some installers solve this by repositioning the rear bracket slightly forward, though this may affect awning coverage or require longer awning lengths to maintain proper support.

The biggest mistake is ordering Standard Kit brackets (98655-142) when you don't have roof bars, these brackets slide onto crossbars and won't work without them. Similarly, ordering vehicle-specific brackets when you already have roof bars installed creates incompatibility, as most vehicle brackets assume direct roof mounting. Check whether your factory roof attachment points are accessible, vans with pop-tops or certain aftermarket conversions may have blocked the standard mounting holes. Don't skip the Sikaflex 252 adhesive recommended by Fiamma, whilst through-bolts carry the structural load, the adhesive prevents water ingress and adds vibration damping. The F35 Pro's manual operation means you'll be applying lateral force when rolling the awning in and out, so secure bracket bonding matters more than with motor-operated awnings where mechanical advantage reduces installation stress.