Extending/Retracting rear awning?

Do you have a release/retract rod? You shouldn't have to "tip-toe" across the bumper. The rod allows you to switch the release mechanism from the ground.

Super_Dave wrote:
Do you have a release/retract rod? You shouldn't have to "tip-toe" across the bumper. The rod allows you to switch the release mechanism from the ground.

No release/retract rod. Just a piece of canvas hanging down that you pull down on. Then extend the arms on the right and left side with a push button to extend. Will try and get pics!

Is this a factory awning? Sounds like our Carefree Truckin' Awn awning.

As I cant reach the arms to adjust, does require utilizing bumper. If it is, on the site linked there are links to the install/ usage instructions pdf files.

Edit link was to one of the pdf files

I'm pretty convinced that you are missing the metal rod with a hook on the end to both grab the pull and switch the release/retract switch.

We usually just pull out enough to provide some shade or rain relief on the back door. However, the canopy could be fully deployed and legs dropped to the ground like a porch.

You should pull it all the way out, then slide the arms outward to the very end where they click into place. In order to slide them out, the tightening knobs have to be loose. Once you have them out to the end and clicked into place, then you can extend the adjustment holes to raise or lower the outside edge of the awning.

Once you have it set to where you want the awning to be, then tighten the adjustment knobs. The tightening of the knobs is important for when it's windy.

If you just want a little shelter over the door, you can pull it part way out and lock it with the slide lock.

To retract the awning, hang onto the pull cord, and pull down a little, then the slide lock is easier to slide into the retract position. If you don't pull down on the cord you are trying to release the retract spring while it is under tension. Pulling the cord just a little puts it into "neutral" and then the lock/retract slide lock is easy to move.

To put it away, loosen adjustment knobs, move the adjustment lock positions to the shortest pin hole, then release the slide bars from the end with the release tabs on both sides of the spring roll, and slide them back to the camper. Pull the cord and release the lock, then let the spring retract it. I am able to run up my steps and take the pull strap right to the top, but most people need the rod hook to let it go all the way back. Put the silde/lock into lock and then retighten the knobs.

I think I have it.. they are a bit tricky until you get the hang of it.

It is a Carefree awning. Once I pull it down, it snaps into place. The next problem is extending it all the way out with the extenders. They are extremely tight. Push the button in and try to extend and they kinda bind up. I can extend it, but it is a PITA. And retracting can be just as frustrating.

These are what carefree has online.

Owners manual:

http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/docs/tech/052876-201r2%20Patio%20Awning%20Owner%20Manual.pdf

Service manual:

http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/docs/tech/052876-301r2%20Patio%20Awning%20Service%20Manual.pdf

Paste them into your browser address line.

Sounds like you may have a bent awning arm or a lot of dirt in them.

When you talk about pushing a button, the only thing I can think of is the spring loaded locking pin on each arm which is operated when you lift up on the handle.

Put in a picture so everyone can tell which part you are having a problem with.

???
We just push a button :)

You probably have the same type awning as I do. Spray some silicon in the channels to make them slide easier, alternate sides while extending one notch at a time. Also pulling some on the strap while extending takes some pressure off. You are right, it is a pain to operate.

Awning closed with little black strap in middle that we pull to open.

1st pull opens to snap in place. Then we need to push on these sliver buttons to extend all the way. This is when the binding occurs!


Awning extended.