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Horizons28's avatar
Horizons28
Explorer
Mar 09, 2015

Crank handle vs spring arm awnings

We have a 10-year-old awning that is ready for replacement. We do know we want acrylic fabric, but are debating the type of awning mechanism. Does anyone have the type of awning that goes up-and-down using a crank handle? We currently have the type with springs in the arms and are wondering if the crank handle types are superior.
  • I have the crank type. I'm not sure if it is considered superior, but it is very simple to use. You snug it up tight when putting it away, and it stays that way.
    I have had both types and much prefer the crank.
  • Howdy!

    After dealing with the spring type for years I would go with the crank type to replacement.

    "Happy Trails"
    Chiefneon
  • I believe you are referring to the Care-Free awnings as crank handle type. I think these are preferable to the spring arms found on most Class Cs for at least one reason.

    The crank handle type form a box to protect the fabric when fully withdrawn. The spring arms leave exposed fabric.

    My house has a speed sign on the telephone pole in front that is just the height to scrape the awning fabric when I park for loading/unloading. Twice I have done this with the result that I need to replace the fabric. The crank-type would not have permitted the sign to scrape the fabric this way. (Of course, the sign might have caused other damage instead to the box system.) It is also possible that limbs or other objects could damage exposed fabric while entering campsites.