Upgrade Awning

Just this weekend replaced my carefree one touch awning arms with new carefree travel'r arms on my 2002 Holiday Rambler. Wasn't to difficult, had my wife help hold things. So far I like the new arms (and yes the not running into the arms is great). If you do it take your time and measure twice. I wired the motor wires into the wires from the old awning and the old switch works, I'm in contact with carefree to see if this is ok or I need to install the new switch. Good luck.

JimboBillyBob - I highly recommend this kit. For less than $20, it has made camping in the wind much nicer. We camp seasonal across from a farm. We have wind constantly. 150 feet down the camp road where the farm ends, no wind. Where we are, it is always windy.

We also have a Carefree electric awning. I have found that if the arms aren't in the same position (ours has 6 pitch settings), it can be very slow to retract. If they are more than 1 position apart, forget it. It sounds like there might be something wrong with yours. Ours is 7 years old and has been through serious winds (80 mph gusts) while using the above linked Tie Down kit and our awning still functions like it did when we first brought the motorhome home.

BTW - The springs from the above linked kit did not survive the storm, but the awning did. The springs were stretched so far, they could not compress any longer. Without the springs, I am certain the anchors would have pulled right out of the ground. I replaced the springs for about $10.

-Michael

Some folks have had success with power awnings. My Carefree power awning has been nothing but a headache. The arms stick, and extending and retracting is an exercise in frustration. Even the slightest breeze makes fit sound like its ripping the side of the camper off. Can't count the times I've wished I had the manual version. On a positive note, it dumps water real well.

I almost replaced my manual awning with a electric one but the arms are much shorter and would have left holes in the side of my camper. you would also need to run power which could be challenging.

Michael,
We camp in Texas and once a year in Galveston. Always have some wind. Electric sounds good but it is good to hear your comparison and that the manual is stronger.
Thanks,
James

Our previous camper had a manual awning, our current one has an electric awning. The manual awning is stronger than the electric. We use awning tie downs to secure our electric awning when it gets windy. Without it, the awning moves with a slight breeze. The only time we use the awning tie down is at our seasonal site since we camp across from a farm and it is always windy.

If where you camp it isn't usually windy, the electric awning will probably be fine and the convenience of an electric is great. Just make sure if it doesn't have the ability to be pitched, that it automatically sheds water. That's important.

-Michael

Pool noodles are great ideas. Any thoughts on the electric awnings?

I run into my awning arm also! Bought 2 pool noodles with the large hole (the hole is big enough to put a small one in it) much softer a bump.

the bear II,
Sounds like you replaced arms and everything. Right? My wife and I have run into the arm that goes back to the bottom of the camper. I was wondering if the scissor type is good and strong.
JP

Similar issue for mine. Bought the replacement and replaced myself. Cheap enough you can replace when needed.

Quick search: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfpM-op0dkU