OK got to hook the awning up properly this weekend.
The good news
1. I was able to hook up the fiamma to the Z brackets with confidence. Two bolts at each bracket, and a stock fiamma aluminum mounting plate behind the middle bracket. The zs and the fiamma are one.
2. The CCV short pop top, specifically the latches can be made to fit not only with a awning but a 13' awning. I had to modify and relocate the hold down brackets though.
3. My fears of the awning tipping over the van are completely unjustified. No way are the Zs strong enough to resist that force. Plus it's pretty obvious that the extending arms of the Fiamma will clearly break/bend with more than about 500lbs of force IMO (that's in my opinion, not tested, I know nothing, don't sue me)
4. The fiamma rep that talked me out of paying for an F45eagle was doing me a favor. He was right no way the brackets could handle the torque of the extended awning +motor.
The bad news
1. Each Z brackets can withstand about 100lbs or so of force at a 45 degree angle towards the ground or all three about 150lbs straight down (+the 60 for the awning itself 210lbs total). At that point the clamping force can no longer hold the gutter and the little Z slips it's mount point. I tested this by gently opening the awning all the way and slowly letting it sag to the ground without legs. at 45 degrees 'pop' two brackets came loose.
2. Because the working load is only about 150 or so while I don't think the awning will come off under normal parkway conditions... but... snow, ice, accidents, evasive maneuvers or offroading will end badly, eventually.
Now please nobody should think this is a blame game. So many ways this van is unique. I am running a 13'1" awning (the length of the van roof) and the brackets had to be bent out slightly (on the bench vise) to clear the weatherstripping when the poptop goes up and down. It's solid but I worry I could kill a motorcyclist one day when the awning falls off. Just sharing info.
I have ordered a nut rivet install kit. I've already decided I MUST pop a nut rivet and drill a hole in the the Z inside the door. I may just leave it like that for a while. That will keep the awning dragging next to the van even if the Zs come loose at 70 mph. The awning will be ruined but nobody will be dead. The door *might* hold the bracket in without it but it's sheet metal and could bend and set the whole thing free if it's violent enough.
Similar process.
The tool I ordered.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TODXQW
I also expect that to add a full 100lbs to the 45 degree test. (I will try the test again.) Keeping everything intact should young but foolish family member extend the awning without feet or should they kicked out while camped.
BTW, I replaced the stainless hardware with grade 8 bolts. Don't want the stainless to seize up since the bracket instructions sensibly say to tighten them periodically.
Pics will come soon enough.