New Awning needed.

[spd522]

It is getting time to do a bit of refurbishing on our 2003 Carriage Cameo. It is getting the old stripes removed and new ones painted on. While we are at it, we want to replace the original awning that is also showing it's age.

We are considering a power awning this time. The current awning is a 16 ft Carefree. The dealer doing the exterior refresh is a Dometic dealer.

I know there are pros and cons to power vs manual awnings. I am wondering if there is a big difference between the Carefree and Dometic in quality or durability. From the sites I have researched, it appears the Dometic is more expensive. But is it better? Or is there a different brand I should consider?

Any suggestions help. Thanks.

Craig

[arnko37]

I may be wrong but I seem to remember that on electric awnings one side at the bottom is spring loaded so if rain accumulates that side will drop down a few inches to dump the water.

[kennethwooster]

had an electric in 03. It was a real pain. The auto sensors did not work. bought a 2011 Cameo that came with electric without all the sensors. Just an in our out button. I love it.

[Dutch___Di]

We had the Carefree on our 1996 from 1997 to 2010 and loved it. When we did our "ReDo" we had to change the awnings. I would just suggest you really check out the weight of the awning fabric no matter who you decide to go with. We didn't do that with our replacement awnings and within 2 years had to replace them again as they were flimsy and thin. My fault for not checking them out more thoroughly. Lesson learned. When we replaced them 2 years ago, we actually held a sample of the fabric. It was durable and heavy. No flapping in the wind and look just like they did 2 years ago.
Let us know how you make out and what you go with. Hugs, Di.

spd522 wrote:
It is getting time to do a bit of refurbishing on our 2003 Carriage Cameo. It is getting the old stripes removed and new ones painted on. While we are at it, we want to replace the original awning that is also showing it's age.

We are considering a power awning this time. The current awning is a 16 ft Carefree. The dealer doing the exterior refresh is a Dometic dealer.

I know there are pros and cons to power vs manual awnings. I am wondering if there is a big difference between the Carefree and Dometic in quality or durability. From the sites I have researched, it appears the Dometic is more expensive. But is it better? Or is there a different brand I should consider?

Any suggestions help. Thanks.

Craig

[RollandB]

Since I was an airhead last July and didn't tip one end of my Manual awning before going to bed I had quite a rain load on my 20' awning in the morning. I debated at the time to change to an electric but kept the manual. It was the most cost effective and I've never minded to little work of a manual one. And yes, I have changed the way we use the awning due to the School of Hardknocks.

[MPI_Mallard]

Neat topic,,my fiver came with the A@E power awning, I'm naturally sceptical when it comes to powered things that I can see failing at the worse possible time and my awning has worked reasonably well over the years HOWEVER,,,LOL, last winter the motor would not work, I'd try over and over again and I can hear the motor click but no retract then after about an hour Frau Blücher would walk over and it would work! This intermittent problem hasn't happened this winter yet but last summer I bought a replacement motor just in case and I now sit patiently waiting for the other shoe to drop!!!

Red Green:
A friend will bail you out of jail, but a good
friend will be sitting beside you saying "Man,
that was fun!

[cpaulsen]

I have an electric and would never go back to a manual one again. Mine came without the adjustable arm but since they were free from a dealer...I got one and put it on....(15 minutes of time). I made adjustable pvc awning poles and very rarely bring the awning in.

[oldbeek]

From fabric replace ($170.00) to new awning, contact Shadepro.net. They are good folks

[Turn_Key]

Just purchased a new rig (2014)) and it came with a power awning. Would have preferred "manual" for a couple of reasons but it has gotten to the point that that really isn't an option. Seems like all (or near all) come with "power". I figure I can go with what's on it until it fails and then have a "manual" installed. Got a real good price on the trailer so decided to let that go for the time being.

Happy Camping!

[RoadXYZ]

We changed ours out and have been very, very happy with it .. our unit is 10 years old, and at our age it is decidedly easier to push a button, than to handle a manual awning. We had purchased a small unit for weekend events, and it came with an electric awning, and found out how much we enjoyed it.

The mobile RV Repairman asked us to looked at three in the rv park which he had replaced with electric and talk to the people then call him, and let him know what we decided on and he would order accordingly. We did, and opted for the Dometic electric awning.

But as was already cited .. just ensure the manual rods cover the holes sufficiently .. after deciding on type of awning, the fabric, color, etc. was almost like going carpet shopping.

[laknox]

I'd love to have the option of an electric awning delete, but nobody's offering it, even as a "hidden" option.

Lyle

[mbrower]

When I was replacing my awning fabric I was asking the same questions. I really wanted the automatic awning but realized the mounting arms were shorter and I would be left with holes I would have to deal with. In the end, I didn't want plugged holes so I kept my manual awning.

[Justaguy]

Solera Adjustable...

[greende]

I've had both manual and electric awnings. There is no doubt that the convenience of an electric on a 5er is superb given that it is so high in the air. However, I wish I had a manual most times. They are very temperamental in even a small amount of wind such that I have to put it up at night often to prevent damage. Can't say which electric is better though.

[Dandy_Dan]

Craig, I have an electric awning and sometimes wish I had a manual.My rig is a 2009 and it came with electric but did not have the arms that are adjustable so you could drop one end for rain. I haven't really checked in on changing the arm out. If you decide not to change out the whole thing, you could just get new fabric and keep using the arms you have.If you do go with the electric make sure it has the arms you can drop for rain. Good luck whichever way you decide to go and Happy Camping.
Also the manual awning can be lowered to put on lights etc. I have to get a ladder to do anything to mine.