Electric awning questions

I've had a couple rv's with electric awnings and would never have an rv without one. So simple; push a button to go in or out, runs off the battery and if it ever failed, I would just use my cordless drill to retract it. However mine have never failed in the 7 years that I've had electric ones.

Thanks for your responses.

There is a way to roll it up, might need some tools but it can be done. We like ours, have had them into our 4th year now. Does it's job.

Most electric awnings have a manual retract procedure found in the owner's manual. I have an electric awning on our new trailer because that's what it came with and it works fine. I actually prefer the manual awing though.

Nvr*lost wrote:
Can an electric awning ever be manipulated manually? Will it run just off of the trailer battery? What if you are boon-docking and do not have access to electricity, can you open and close the awning? Something I am considering for a new trailer with the option of an electric awning.

Our electric awning runs off the battery. We use it a lot when we go day camping at the local lake or at the beach with no hook-ups. Every awning operates differently, so check the manual or tell us what brand and model you have for a more appropriate answer.

Ours came with some cables and clips to bypass the switch in the event it could not be retracted with the switch. However, it still needs 12v from a battery to operate.

-Michael

I have the electric and would not have another, based on this one. It flops around in a light breeze that you wouldn't even notice with a manual. Yes, it goes in and out with the push of a button, but who wants to be running their awning in and out frequently. Just one more thing to mess with, IMO anyway.

You put forth an interesting point though, and I have no idea how to get our awning in if the power went out. I'm going to have to do some checking to see if it's even possible.

Bumpyroad wrote:
IMHO they present more problems/issues than a manual one. wouldn't order one myself.
bumpy

My thoughts exactly, however now that I have one I wouldn't be without it.
Have to be a bit more careful of the winds, but it sure is nice if a wind & rain squall comes up, and all you have to do is push a button and your awning is out of harms way! And you didn't even get wet!:C

One was installed on my current TT when I purchased it. I would not have ordered it, I would have gone with the old manual one if I had a choice.

They run on 12 Volts

IMHO they present more problems/issues than a manual one. wouldn't order one myself.
bumpy