Carefree Awning

[Karen]

Having the Carefree awning is nice but -

seems too high to me. We have lowered the arm to maximum drop but still very high. Can't seem to figure out how to use a deflapper strap either.

also seems to have way too much play as the wind, although not bothering anyone else's awning, is flopping ours around.

I'm worried it is not very sturdy. Any ideas?

[TravelinAndersons]

We thought the awning was high compared to our old trailer but we're used to it now. We keep it on the lowest setting and when the wind picks up we retract it enough to keep it from sailing. If the wind is too strong we retract it all the way. Sadly, Carefree doesn't have an auto retract feature for when the wind is strong so be sure to check the weather before leaving for the day. We usually retract the awning if we're going to be away from the trailer for the day.

[Karen]

Thanks. We can't leave a sun screen attached without every time we leave having to takie it down. It's a pain and I am very unhappy with this awning. Would almost rather go back to the manual one that I could tie down and leave all season. Wish there was a better option - not acceptable for full time living (in my opinion.)

[TravelinAndersons]

We use a screen with ours but use bungee cords to tie it down. That way it still has some give and doesn't completely restrict the hydraulic mechanism when the winds picks up.

[Enroute]

I admit I too was a little surprised that my new Redwood is coming with an awning that does not offer the auto retract feature. At this price point, I was expecting that to be a standard feature. The anxiety of waiting for my new Redwood is killing me...

[dalemac]

If you have the auto-retract feature you can't tie the awning down. Since mine doesn't have that feature I tie it down all the time. Use springs on the tie-downs for a little give. Have been in some pretty good winds with no problems.

[cobia13]

Originally Posted by TravelinAndersons

We thought the awning was high compared to our old trailer but we're used to it now. We keep it on the lowest setting and when the wind picks up we retract it enough to keep it from sailing. If the wind is too strong we retract it all the way. Sadly, Carefree doesn't have an auto retract feature for when the wind is strong so be sure to check the weather before leaving for the day. We usually retract the awning if we're going to be away from the trailer for the day.

I learned the hard way about retracting the awning. We were in NC last week when it started to rain . 5 minutes the awning collapsed . No pooling . From now on if it starts to rain up goes the awning . The supports are not the strongest in the world . $325.00 for arm and 1 1/2 hours for labor. A lesson learned . Thor ACE 29.3

[Laco]

The carefree doesn't have the 'traditional' auto retract with a wind sensor, but if it flaps in the wind, there is a switch that will close it. I tested mine, by raising the awning with a broom, and in it went.

[2016vegas]

Originally Posted by cobia13

I learned the hard way about retracting the awning. We were in NC last week when it started to rain . 5 minutes the awning collapsed . No pooling . From now on if it starts to rain up goes the awning . The supports are not the strongest in the world . $325.00 for arm and 1 1/2 hours for labor. A lesson learned . Thor ACE 29.3

Same here. At bluegrass festival near Burlington. Insurance $200 deductable.

[2016vegas]

Are all 2016 Vegas equipped with Carefree awning?

[Kev]

Originally Posted by TravelinAndersons

We thought the awning was high compared to our old trailer but we're used to it now. We keep it on the lowest setting and when the wind picks up we retract it enough to keep it from sailing. If the wind is too strong we retract it all the way. Sadly, Carefree doesn't have an auto retract feature for when the wind is strong so be sure to check the weather before leaving for the day. We usually retract the awning if we're going to be away from the trailer for the day.

Our Care Free awning has an auto retract feature on our Windsport. In fact I have to be careful cleaning it or it will automatically retract if I put too much pressure while cleaning. That being said I still never leave the awning down when I am not at the RV as a precautionary measure.

[Tearstone]

The carefree awning on the Miramar also auto retracts. We put our awning out the other day, the wind kicked up a bit and it retracted on its own.



Just the nature of the awning seems that it is obviously fragile with the limited amount of structural stability it has. It makes for a good sun shade but we do not use it very often.


I do however, recommend opening it up and inspect it once a week or even more often if it rains. The awning takes on water, mold and destroy the LED light strip.