Awning Noise

Mart38655 · 03-18-2016, 02:51 PM

Just purchased a new 212 qbw. Awning makes a terrible noise coming from the left arm when opening or closing. Sounds like it's binding somewhere on the track or the air prop is not operating smoothly. Also is very jerky on that side. Took it to the dealer and they said they called the company (Carefree) and everyone things it's just because it new and tight and will stop when it loosens up. I'm not convinced. Anyone have a similar experience?

**JFlightRisk** · 03-18-2016, 03:06 PM

We don't have a power awning, but am familiar with the gas props they use, and it sounds like, what I like to call "sticktion". A combination of sticky, and friction. The dealer should be willing to check the shock for you, and maybe the alignment of the arms and pivot points under warranty. I'm surprised they didn't catch it during the PDI. That's the only idea I can give, not having owned one yet.

nunyadamn · 03-18-2016, 03:48 PM

Mine is the same. I figured out that the front most arm is catching on the very bottom corner. When I send it out, that corner catches and then finally lets loose and the arm springs out. It is usually just a few seconds after I start moving it out. I am headed to the dealer on Monday so I will see what they say.

ODH · 03-18-2016, 11:39 PM

Mine Carefree awning initially made noise from the back arm. I found a slightly rough area in the channel. Used some rubbing compound to smooth it out and use a dry lubricant once or twice a year and have not had any more problems with noise.

Seann45 · 03-19-2016, 09:02 AM

Crappy of Colorado will find any excuse to not fix something...(been there done that)
With the awning open spray a little silicon lube on the rails then run the awing up and down a few times .. that helped mine a lot.

Lil TEA · 03-22-2016, 03:00 PM

Mine does the same thing ....I put a little 3-1 oil on the strut and it helped for a short time but the noise and sticking came back. Mine is loud and it is the unpowered back arm

**norty1** · 03-22-2016, 05:27 PM

In addition to lubing with silicon, I take a small piece of cotton rope and loop it over the gas piston arm and saw it back and forth the length of the strut with the awning open. This will clean and polish it. Then spray it with silicon too!

Mart38655 · 03-23-2016, 03:31 PM

Thanks. The more I play with it the more I do think its coming from the gas strut. I'll try the above and see what helps.

Jack in Alaska · 03-23-2016, 09:33 PM

Can a manual Carefree awning be converted to electrical.?
I am tired of the 3AM underwear dance when the wind comes up.

Edd505 · 03-23-2016, 09:37 PM

Roll up ar lights out - no 3am dance

**norty1** · 03-24-2016, 04:41 AM

I have not seen a conversion kit for a manual one.

joe in calif · 03-25-2016, 07:05 PM

My 2012 just started doing that, just a second or two when I open it. I will have to check out the track and the shock arm

Texas 707 · 06-06-2016, 07:01 AM

I have a new pinnacle with an electric awning. And it's doing exactly that. It's sounds like it's hanging up. I will start with siliconing the strut piston. Any updates since March on y'all's?

cosmo · 06-06-2016, 10:28 AM

I miss my old manual awning, as it took the wind quite well.

donellen30 · 06-06-2016, 11:08 AM

Bug your dealer until they get it fixed. Ours did that new and dealer insisted it was fine. We listened. Of course, a couple years down the road and it got hung up one too many times and required a new arm and motor.

Mart38655 · 06-06-2016, 11:35 AM

So, we're into about 6 months and we've used the RV on several long trips and several short weekends.

Awning still making the same noise - I tried silicon, oil, trying some different adjustments. Nothing helped. Silicon made it a little quieter, but didn't last long. Of course you get the noise and rough operating when opening or closing the awning - but the really annoying thing is when the awning is open and you get any kind of breeze, you get the same creaking-groaning noise as the arm moves with the wind. I'm also getting a little of the same noise from the other arm, just not as bad.

At this point I think it's just a really bad design or just a cheap product. I really like the awning we had on our last RV (Starcraft) better. I also don't believe it's going to stop as it "loosens up" as the dealer stated.

I am going to push them on doing something again when I have the RV in the shop for other work or maintenance. I just don't want to make a special trip just for the awning. I do have the 2 year warranty, so I have time.

I'll keep you up to date - thanks for the comments.

Texas 707 · 06-07-2016, 07:21 AM

Yes sir thanks for updating us. I bought the silicone and did that nylon rope trick someone was saying then sprayed silicone on the piston and That did the trick for now. I could barely hear it inside the trailer.