There's nothing quite like pulling up to a campsite, popping your awning, and settling into the shade with a cold drink in hand. But the awning that gets you there fastest — and looks the best doing it — is a cassette awning. Everything folds away into a protective housing, keeping the fabric clean and undamaged while you travel. No straps, no covers, no fuss.
The Fiamma F45 S is one of the most popular cassette awnings in Australia, and it's easy to see why. It's robust, reliable, quiet on the road, and built to suit the Australian outdoor lifestyle. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy — sizing, features, comparisons, and installation — so you can make the right call the first time.
What Is the Fiamma F45 S?
The Fiamma F45 S Cassette Awning is a wall-mounted, manually operated shade awning designed for caravans, motorhomes, campervans, horse trailers, and toy haulers. The "cassette" refers to the extruded aluminium housing that fully encloses the rolled-up fabric when the awning is retracted.
Fiamma is an Italian manufacturer with decades of experience supplying the global RV and caravan market. The F45 S is their workhorse model — refined over many generations, trusted by hundreds of thousands of caravan owners around the world.
In Australia, where UV exposure is intense and roads can be rough, the cassette design makes particular sense. The fabric stays protected in its housing at all times, so you arrive at your destination with a clean, undamaged awning every time — not one that's collected dust, insects, and grime from the road.
At Wilfords, we've been supplying quality caravan awnings to Western Australian travellers since 1979. As an authorised Fiamma stockist, we stock the F45 S across its full size range and can help you find the perfect fit for your setup.
Key Features of the Fiamma F45 S
Extruded Aluminium Cassette Housing
The defining feature of the F45 S is its full cassette design. When retracted, the fabric rolls completely into a robust aluminium case. This protects the canvas from UV degradation, moisture, dirt, and road debris. It also gives the awning a clean, integrated appearance on the side of your van.
UV-Resistant, Waterproof Multi-Layer Vinyl Canvas
The fabric is a high-quality multi-layer vinyl canvas — waterproof, UV-resistant, and washable. Colour is applied to both sides of the canvas, so it looks just as good from below as it does from the outside. Available in Royal Blue and Royal Grey, with hardware in either black or white to suit your van's exterior.
Dual-Track Lead Bar
The lead bar — the front edge of the awning — features a dual-track channel. This allows you to add optional accessories directly to the awning itself, including a shade wall for side privacy and LED lighting strips. No additional mounting required.
Silent Travel and Auto Lock
A common frustration with older or lower-quality awnings is road noise — rattling, flapping, vibration. The F45 S is engineered for silent travel. The reinforced arms include a twin-cable system, dual shock absorbers, and an auto-lock mechanism that keeps everything firmly in place while you're on the move. You won't hear it, and you won't feel it.
Folding Crank Handle
Operation is manual, using a folding crank handle that stows neatly when not in use. Extending and retracting the awning is quick and smooth — a few turns of the crank and you're done. No electric motors to fail at an inconvenient moment, and no batteries to worry about.
Fitting Brackets and Instructions Included
The F45 S comes with all fitting brackets and installation instructions included. It's designed for DIY installation, though professional fitting is also available for those who prefer it.
Fiamma F45 S Sizing Guide for Australian Caravans
Choosing the right size is the most important decision you'll make. Too short and you'll lose usable shade; too long and the awning may not fit your van's wall properly. Here's a practical guide for Australian caravans:
|
Awning Length |
Best Suited To |
|
190–260 cm |
Smaller caravans, campervans, pop-tops |
|
300–350 cm |
Mid-size caravans and motorhomes |
|
400–450 cm |
Larger caravans and fifth-wheelers |
How to measure: Measure the usable wall length on the side of your van — the flat section between the front and rear corners where you want the awning to sit. This is your maximum awning length. It's generally better to size slightly shorter than the wall to allow clearance at both ends.
As a rule of thumb, the awning should be no longer than the side wall it's mounted to. If you're between sizes, go down rather than up.
Not sure which size is right for your van? Our team at Wilfords in Maddington is happy to help you work it out. Give us a call or drop into the workshop.
F45 S vs F45 L: Which Should You Choose?
If you've been shopping the Fiamma range, you may have noticed two wall-mounted cassette models: the F45 S and the F45 L. The difference comes down to one thing — projection depth.
F45 S — Standard Projection
The F45 S extends to a standard depth from the side of the van. For most caravan applications, this is more than sufficient to create a comfortable shaded area alongside your vehicle.
F45 L — Longer Projection
The F45 L is designed for situations where you need greater reach — particularly for larger motorhomes or custom setups where you want to cover a wider area away from the van.
For the majority of Australian caravanners, the F45 S is the right choice. It offers excellent shade coverage, handles Australian conditions reliably, and is more compact and lightweight than the L variant. Unless you have a specific need for extended reach, the F45 S will serve you well.
Cassette Awning vs Roll-Out Awning: What's the Difference?
If you're new to caravan awnings, it's worth understanding the distinction between these two main types. Our full range of caravan awnings includes both styles.
Roll-Out Awnings
Roll-out awnings attach to a rail or track along the roof or wall of the van. The fabric rolls up around a tube when not in use, but remains exposed — usually protected by a fabric bag or cover. They're generally more affordable and popular in Australia.
Cassette Awnings
Cassette awnings like the F45 S house the fabric in a fully enclosed aluminium case. The fabric is never exposed to the elements when retracted, which significantly extends its lifespan. The cassette housing also doubles as a protective case during travel — no additional cover required.
Who suits a cassette awning?
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Travellers who want a premium, integrated look
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Those who cover long distances on rough or dusty roads
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Anyone who wants low-maintenance, set-and-forget convenience
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Caravanners who camp frequently and value quick deployment
Who suits a roll-out awning?
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Budget-conscious buyers who want solid shade at a lower entry price
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Those who camp close to home and don't travel extensive distances
The F45 S starts at a price point of $1,244.99 — a genuine investment, but one that pays dividends in longevity and hassle-free operation.
Customising Your Fiamma F45 S
One of the strengths of the F45 S is its compatibility with Fiamma's accessory ecosystem.
Shade Wall
Using the dual-track channel in the lead bar, you can attach a Fiamma shade wall (sold separately) to create a sheltered, private outdoor space alongside your van. Ideal for blocking afternoon sun or creating a windbreak.
LED Lighting
The same dual-track channel accepts Fiamma's LED light strip — a great addition for evening meals, reading, or just creating ambience around the campsite.
Anti-Flap Kit and Curved Roof Rafters
The F45 S does not include an Anti-Flap Kit. However, adding an Anti-Flap Kit and Curved Roof Rafter is strongly recommended for anyone using their awning in areas with gusty or variable winds. The kit significantly reduces fabric movement in the breeze, protecting the canvas and extending awning life.
Colour Options
The F45 S canvas is available in Royal Blue and Royal Grey. Hardware (the cassette housing and arms) can be specified in black or white. Choosing the right combination to complement your van's exterior makes a meaningful difference to the overall look.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
What's Involved
The Fiamma F45 S is designed for wall mounting on the side of your caravan, motorhome, or campervan. It comes with fitting brackets, hardware, and instructions. For a competent DIYer, installation is achievable over a few hours with basic tools.
The process involves:
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Determining the correct mounting position on the van wall
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Drilling and fastening the mounting brackets
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Attaching the cassette housing to the brackets
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Adjusting pitch and arm tension
The biggest variable is the construction of your van's wall — particularly around whether there's adequate structural backing at the mounting points. This is where professional fitting pays for itself.
Compatible Vehicles
The F45 S suits a wide range of vehicles, including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, horse trailers, and toy haulers. If you're unsure whether it's compatible with your setup, get in touch and our team can advise.
Professional Fitting at Maddington
Wilfords offers professional fitting services at our Maddington workshop in Perth. Our experienced technicians install awnings every day, and we know the common pitfalls — especially around securing into van walls correctly. If you want the job done right the first time, bring your van in and we'll take care of it.
Professional fitting also gives you confidence that the awning is mounted at the correct pitch and tension, which affects both performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fiamma F45 S suitable for Australian conditions?
Yes. The multi-layer vinyl canvas is UV-resistant and waterproof — both critical for Australian conditions. The cassette housing protects the fabric from the intense Australian sun when the awning is not in use, which is just as important as performance when deployed. The reinforced arm system also handles wind better than many comparable awnings.
Does the F45 S come with an Anti-Flap Kit?
No. The Anti-Flap Kit is sold separately. We recommend adding it, particularly for travellers in coastal areas or open country where wind is a factor. It clips onto the lead bar and greatly reduces fabric flutter in breezy conditions.
Can I add a shade wall to the F45 S?
Yes. The dual-track lead bar is specifically designed to accept Fiamma shade walls and other accessories. The shade wall attaches using the existing track without any additional drilling or hardware.
What size Fiamma F45 S do I need for my caravan?
The right size depends on the length of your van's side wall. Measure the flat mounting surface between the front and rear corners, then choose the nearest size down. For smaller vans and campervans, the 190–260 cm range suits well. Mid-size caravans typically need 300–350 cm, while larger rigs are better suited to the 400–450 cm options. If in doubt, contact our team at Wilfords for personalised advice.
Can I fit the Fiamma F45 S myself?
Yes, with the right tools and some patience. The kit includes all brackets and instructions. However, correct wall preparation and bracket placement is critical — particularly making sure you're securing into adequate structure within your van's wall. Professional fitting is available at our Maddington workshop for peace of mind.
Buy the Fiamma F45 S from Wilfords
The Fiamma F45 S Cassette Awning is one of the most capable and reliable awnings available for Australian caravans. It's a premium product that combines elegant engineering, durable materials, and genuine practical convenience.
Wilfords has been Western Australia's trusted caravan accessories specialist since 1979. As an authorised Fiamma stockist, we carry the full F45 S range and can help you choose the right size, colour, and configuration for your van.
Shop the Fiamma F45 S Cassette Awning online, or visit our Maddington workshop to see it in person. Our team is also happy to answer questions and provide sizing advice before you order.
Ready to talk? Contact the Wilfords team — we're here to help you get the most out of every adventure.
