Recommendations for a new awning SYSTEM, not just the fabric, please…

[Mikeylikesit-WO]

Sudden gust of wind off the ocean just ruined our awning frame. It’s an electric 20’ on a Winnebago Intent, 2018. It’s gonna need replaced. I thought the frame on this thing was a bit flimsy anyway, so I doesn’t break my heart to replace It…but, with what?

Heck the aluminum manual awning on my old ‘96 Pace Arrow was bulletproof compared to this thing.
The RV techs at this park (Ocean Lakes, Myrtle Beach) are gonna help me get able to stow for the trip home, so I’ll have till next February to figure it out.

Anyway, any recommendations appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Kirk]

I always had the manual type awnings so can't advise on the power ones.

 

[John From Detroit]

I had power awnings. replaced one arm. Was not an easy job.

Best suggestion is an RV Bone yard to get a used one.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

I've had two awnings blown off. Both times my insurance (AAA) paid to have them replaced.

 

[SpencerPJ]

I've always had manual ones, it saddens me the thought of getting new TT and possibly getting the electric type. You liked the manual one on your Pace. Cough, if it was me, I'd go oldschool manual if it is possible.

 

[gwinger]

I always had the manual type awnings so can't advise on the power ones.

I wish mine would have come with a manual awning. Doesn't take any more time to open one manually than it takes the motor to extend one.
Plus, they are stronger and more forgiving in the wind.

 

[whiteva]

I also like the manual type.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

There are pros & cons of electric vs manual, mostly convenience vs function. That has to be your first decision.

The major brands are Dometic (was A&E), Carefree, and Sunpro. Girard (Lippert) also designs and builds unique awnings for the high end coach market.
Dometic still markets what used to be the A&E 9000 manual awning. It was a darn good piece of equipment and probably still is, though Dometic engineers have tinkered with a lot of products when they re-branded them.

The suggestion to buy a used one from an RV salvage yard is a decent one if the price is OK. Buy the used hardware and put new fabric on and you can have a good solution.

 

[ButchW1]

I wish mine would have come with a manual awning. Doesn't take any more time to open one manually than it takes the motor to extend one.
Plus, they are stronger and more forgiving in the wind.

That’s not quite right.. Push a button and the auto goes in or out.. Manual, you gotta get the release and pull out thing, then do it.. Not a big deal but on a taller RV you might need a ladder too.. I’m lazy and am much more likely to bring it in or put it out on a whim or change of the wind with the auto, than I did with a manual… Auto for us lazy guys…
Butch

 

[Jimmike77]

I personally much prefer the manual style. They can be set low for maximum shade and can be tilted to either side for rain water run off, plus, very rarely do they break down. The powered ones that come with most rv's are so high off the ground they don't provide much shade unless the sun is near directly overhead.

 

[gwinger]

I personally much prefer the manual style. They can be set low for maximum shade and can be tilted to either side for rain water run off, plus, very rarely do they break down. The powered ones that come with most rv's are so high off the ground they don't provide much shade unless the sun is near directly overhead.

Plus they don't tilt down much and hold water even if tilted to one side.
Also, impossible to clean properly.
That and the fact that the framework is flimsy.
Manual awnings are much stronger.

 

[Mikeylikesit-WO]

thanks folks, we got it handled. Had a new set of dometic arms installed on site, recommended by "the awning man" mobile service. Worked fine for the couple of days left on the trip and return home. Since this awning hung lower, I didn't want or need the ShadePro awning screen, so I went to remove the short panel on the awning tube. Could not get it out, as the slots for the spline did not align on the tube and the end cap. So, being the idiot that I am sometimes, I got out the short ladder, took the screws off the end cap, pulled it slightly apart and had the wifey pull the shade piece out. Cool. Tried to put the end cap back in and it would not go. Great. Finally got it part way in and landed 1 screw. Long story shortened, I broke the end cap trying to force it back in. Just glad I was doing this at home.


Called my local mobil guy who came over and got it figured out, Dometic Arms (and endcap) is not compatible with a Carefree Tube. Ugh.

So, we're going back to the Carefree arms, but upgrading to the "Travel'r" model, which is stronger and adjustable.

Moral of the Story: ALWAYS anchor your awning!

 

[Larry N.]

Moral of the Story: ALWAYS anchor your awning!

Unless it's an electric model that has auto-retract via a wind sensor (other headaches)- of course disabling that takes away my objection.

 

[Mikeylikesit-WO]

Unless it's an electric model that has auto-retract via a wind sensor

Agreed! I was considering adding that option, but looking back at what got me into this situation, it would not have helped...as it was just one, strong, "out of nowhere" gust. We were sitting under it and watched it happen!

 

[Kirk]

as it was just one, strong, "out of nowhere" gust.

Our son had a similar experience with a manual awning while at a state park in Kentucky. His went up and over the top of the RV, ending up laying on the roof.