Awning Poll and discussion - Page 2

Denise · 02-15-2012, 07:56 PM

We are unhappy with the "flat pitch" electric awning that came installed in our model tt only because it is not adjustable! I love the ease of extending and retracting it, but because it is non-adjustable, it often times does little to shade from the sun, and must be retracted when even a slight breeze picks up (don't ask me how I know! LOL).

If our tt had the 'adjustable' electric awning, I would be delighted.

Murphie · 02-16-2012, 03:44 AM

It's too bad that the electric awning didn't have a manual override other than hooking up another motor.

**norty1** · 02-16-2012, 06:39 AM

That was my evil un-named twin. I like them both. Both have good points. That was not a option on the poll.

+ My wife likes the ease of opening and closing.
- makes no difference.( read line above)

drfife · 02-16-2012, 06:42 AM

How do you clean the top side of an electric power awning?

On my manual awning I can release the legs from the camper and slide them under the RV. The fabric is then vertical against the side of the camper. It allows me to scrub the surface to remove debris, stain and sap.

**norty1** · 02-16-2012, 06:47 AM

Here is how I do it now. Spray the cleaner on the extended awning. Roll it up for a few minutes to allow the cleaner to loosen the grime. Roll it out and scrub the awning with a scrub brush, rinse and let dry.

I have only done this twice, but it seems to work satisfactorily.

dalenoel · 02-16-2012, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

How do you clean the top side of an electric power awning?

On my manual awning I can release the legs from the camper and slide them under the RV. The fabric is then vertical against the side of the camper. It allows me to scrub the surface to remove debris, stain and sap.

I've been asked this and will paste my method.

I have been told that this method does not work yet I have done it many times. I respect the opinion that this does not work but have found that for me it does.

My opinion on how to clean a power awning. I have the Carefree power awning on a 322FKS Jayco Eagle. If the awning material is pushed on, either from the top or bottom, with enough force the arms will start to fold up and make the washing very hard.

To clean my awning I start with the awning rolled up. Then I first tie a rope around one end of the roller and pass it over the trailer and attach to some fixed point to prevent it from moving away from the trailer wall. I will then repeat this action at the other end of the roller tube.

My next step is to unroll the entire awning using the button on the inside with the fabric being over or under the roller tube. The fabric will have half of the length exposed and be lying alongside the trailer wall, top or bottom exposed depending on whether the fabric is over (top) or under (bottom) the roller.

The exposed fabric can be washed/rubbed/scrubbed/cleaned with as much vigor as desired. Repairs can also be made while in this position.

The next step is to into the trailer and roll up ½ of the fabric and then return outside and clean the new ¼ of the fabric. The rolling up of ½ of the exposed fabric each time will eventually provide access to all of the fabric.
After the first side of the fabric is cleaned the awning is then unrolled with the fabric on the opposite side, above or below, from the first unrolling. Repeating the process then has the other side of the awning cleaned.

When done and the awning is rolled up the ropes are removed and ready to use.

One main problem involved with this method I find is getting wet each time I need to go into the trailer to activate the awning mechanism.

3'senough · 02-16-2012, 11:10 AM

I've had both manual Dometic and this current Carefree power awning. For ease of use it's the power awning for me. Heavy rain or winds I can pull it right in woithout having to go outside. My unit does tilt down on it's own by about 2.5ft from the roller mount. Some I have seen go straight out 90deg to the trailer.

Now for the slight things I miss. Being able to tilt the awning slightly down on one corner or lower if the sun is right there in your eyes.

As far as claening goes I have a 10ft a frame and painters extension pole that I use to clean it. I could also access from the roof should I desire with the pole.

One thing that helps is if when rolling up you sweep all the leaves and debris up as it rolls up. This helps reduce staining if you can't get to it for a couple of days or weeks. For this I use a simple broom as I retract it and sweep the roller as DW pushes the button. The remote this process also helps if on my own.

**Crabman** · 02-16-2012, 02:18 PM

This new math is a killer, not adding up right. 78 votes, 43 power awning, 26 manual, O with NO awning. 43+26+0= 69. Well, two voters did ask to be left alone, bringing the total to 71. That leaves 7 lost votes. Better get nambarc on the case to try and figure this one out!

**Crabman** · 02-20-2012, 07:46 PM

Is official. JOF now has more awnings then trucks . More of that new twisted math I alluded to earlier.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=5344

etep571190 · 02-20-2012, 08:40 PM

I really like my power awning. It is adjustable, which is nice. I love the auto dump feature. The manual awning on my old TT was destroyed in a rain storm.

Tyreguy · 02-21-2012, 08:18 AM

Out little pup has a 'manual' awning...as in like...if-you-want-it-set-up-you-gotta-do-it-all-yourself kinda awning. No buttons, no switches, no crank handles.
Blood, sweat, tears, and foul language kinda stuff.

Albertaguy · 02-21-2012, 08:44 AM

I have the manual awning and am a real expert in taking it down and putting it up, especially in the middle of the night here in Yuma. I also have one of those (Arizona rooms?), but it was a pain in the neck trying to slide it on the track as it is really a two person job and I am here alone and have not used it over a month.

**Crabman** · 03-01-2012, 09:55 AM

Anyone else? This poll may close shortly.

SecretCoveDave · 03-01-2012, 03:29 PM

Have a manual. Would rather not have any awning.
Dave

**Crabman** · 10-07-2012, 05:44 PM

reenergize

OKHybrid · 10-07-2012, 11:52 PM

We have a power awning on our brand new 2013 26bh and have only been out 3 times but it seems very user friendly and adjustable so no issues for us. so much easier set up from our 2001 kiwi with a manual. Although to be fair never had an issue with the manual in 4 yrs.

Jayco 228 · 02-23-2013, 09:15 AM

Electric on our 228. Love it.

jmilner · 02-23-2013, 06:32 PM

I like the auto awning but wish Jayco would have added a couple of extra wires in the power cable
to ease the installation of the auto-retract kit.

Boubou · 03-31-2013, 07:12 PM

All last summer, I was a little disappointed with eh electric awning not being adjustable. Well, thinking around the 5th wheel today, I was looking at the awning and noticed these holes and push button I could not find for some strange reason last summer. Turns out, I can adjust the pitch! There are 6 holes to adjust

made my day!

kjohn73 · 03-31-2013, 11:33 PM

Had a 197 with a manual awning. Never again! The one and only time I put it out was more than enough to convince me. Last year we traded for a new 197, and it had a power awning. Awesome! Push a button - out it comes. Push another button - back up it goes! I know the gizmo gurus will be poo-pooing the idea of a power awning, but they can poo all they want.

Our new 197 also has a pull-out (or whatever the politically correct term is). Huge, huge difference in the internal layout as well.

Did i say I like our power awning?

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