I'm a graduate of the "we don't need no stinkin instructions" school of thought. I read them afterward.
I'm not either, But with my junky manual Carefree of Colo I have a checklist just for the thing. To expensive to miss a step. I printed out pic and had office depot plastic coat them.
One side for set up and other side for take down.
I can't believe the whole thing is held together by a metal clip little bit bigger than a paper clip, atleast on mine
I'm really disappointed by the awning. Old RV was A&E awning, much better IMO. But I'm going to get as much use out of it as I can.
(edit part) OK found check list for awning here on this forum and here is link if you have same type. I did have to add one step.
"make sure clip is engaged and insert golf tee as chock block at clip"
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27211361/gotomsg/27211606.cfm#27211606P.S. not following directions if 1/2 the fun sometimes, But not for the $$$ Rv dealers get for these things.