Exterior Anti Flap Kits (AFK) - which model and what should I look for?

M

Macca_75

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Aug 3, 2016
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Hey all,

So the new 20.64.1 OB has been on 3 trips and we are slowly learning what we need.

Next on the shopping list is a AFK.

We have a 17' awning so after advice on which AFK would be suitable. I'm not sure what I want, need or to look for.

I am convinced I want the actual bars and not just the little clips. I want to future proof the purchase as we aren't sure what we want in terms on an annexe, etc (We have a shade sail which is working great - not sure if we will just end up with another privacy screen for the back or end up with a full annex) so I am looking for a kit that includes a sail track - I remember seeing a kit that actually had 2 sail tracks. What would I need that for?

So......

After recommended brands, personal feedback and hints of what to lookout for when looking/assessing different brands. Any options I could/should consider? All advice appreciated.

Also are they a pretty easy DIY or is it recommended to get a specialist to fit them?

Also, if you have pics of yours setup that would be great.

Cheers
 
Bellbirdweb

Bellbirdweb

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Jan 24, 2014
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I havent made the purchase as yet, but have done quite a bit of research, and the Aussie Traveler is the one on the top of my list, mainly because of their connection system on the side of the awning fabric.
 
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Doc

Doc

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May 2, 2016
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Hobart, Australia
There are "anti-flap kits" and there are "little clamp on things" :)

Then there are rafters...

Personally, I use Aussie Traveller gear - in my opinion the best available. It works - simple as that. For an awning your size, you would likely require the AFK, plus 2 awning rafter. I use the Aussie Traveller rafters as they are more robust than other cheaper options, but only fractionally more expensive.

@Macca_75 - looks like auswide annexes use the Aussie Traveller AFK (which isn't unusual - several annexe manufacturers use the Aussie Traveller AFK).

A good quality anti flap kit and rafters will not only make the awning quieter, it will stabilise it massively. Your chances of suffering awning damage (or loss) - in my opinion - are vastly reduced when you use one of these systems.
 
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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Aussie Traveller and other annex outlets sell virtually the same AFK kits. ....all of them being the Fiamma type AFK which consists of two bars with three handles to make attachment to the awning easy. They need a few specialised fittings which I believe are easy to fit yourself. You just need good measurements and nerve. Bigger vans would need three bars or rafters.

I don't as I can't get up the courage to drill into a new van so we have ours fitted.

The alternatives are the small clips...useful in lighter breezes....the wider clips ...a bit better...but neither is as effective as the full bar.

And the bars all come with double sail track now! Loads of options.

The only alternative to the bars with handles are the Grasshopper brand sold by Sunbusters which are the same long bars, same fittings to van and to awning but consist of a series of yellow clips you ease over the awning and they're very very effective.

We've ordered a new AFK for our new van but have now opted for the Fiamma type rather than the Grasshopper, purely because of ease of fitting. We have used all of the above mentioned at times but sorry, no photos....no van as yet.

We've spent the waiting time doing loads of research.

Google Fiamma AFK.
 
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Doc

Doc

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Hey @Dobbie - I'm pretty sure you will find that the Aussie Traveller Anti Flap kit is their design, patented by them, and they probably wouldn't like their design being credited to someone like Fiamma :)

http://aussietraveller.com.au/products/awnings/afk-awning-accessories/anti-flap-kit

Quote from the page: "Aussie Traveller has designed the Anti-Flap Kit (Patented) to help overcome two of the major problems faced by owners of all brands of roll-out awnings"
 
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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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In that case I'm surprised.....we were specifically looking for Fiamma and were directed to Aussie traveller site.

And ordered the Fiamma which was exactly the same as Aussie Traveller.

If I'm wrong, I stand corrected but that's what happened.
 
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Doc

Doc

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May 2, 2016
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I just reckon its important that Australian companies that come up with innovative solutions are credited appropriately. Many awning (and particularly annexe) companies use and recommend the Aussie Traveller AFK. But Aussie Traveller designed it and manufacture it.
 
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Dobbie

Dobbie

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Jun 18, 2014
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Ok. I've since checked as I'd hate to provide misinformation despite my best intentions.

Under 'Australia Wide Annexes' website, the information I posted was sourced from their 'Fiamma anti flap' information.

It seems the AFK ...Fiamma.. Is sold by Australia wide annexes for awning which are Fiamma type....wind out awnings ...which is what I was researching for our needs. European style, European brands, European patents but for wind out awnings.

AWA ...Their variation for rollout awnings is patented by them and is almost identical in function to the Fiamma.

Hence, their 'patented ' design.....but based on what the industry refer to as Fiamma type awnings.

I'm not after an argument.....again...but I do give credit where credit is due and that is to both Fiamma and AWA.
 
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M

Macca_75

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The guys at Bayswater Jayco have come through again - the AFK's from there are the same price as anywhere online (when you factor in delivery).

All things being equal I do like supporting local business with a shop front where possible.

Just need to get the time to get out there and grab them.
 
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Rockape

Rockape

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Nov 20, 2012
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I've got a he Aussie Traveler AFK and 2 curved roof bars. Vert happy with them and in my opinion well worth the money. They have a track for sliding in either an annex wall shade
Cheers
Nick
 
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