Power Awning? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-14-2018, 04:14 PM   #1
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Power Awning?

Has anyone converted their 25rq manual awning to a power awning, and if so, could you share your information?
Thanks
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Old 10-30-2018, 06:29 PM   #2
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power awning

Hi

After searching via the advanced option I came across your query and see that no responses have come of it. Have you done anymore research? I have a 25FQ and would like to consider the same. We've downsized and are happy to be back with a Bigfoot but would like to install a few of the features we grew to enjoy on our big rig.

Besides the convenience, it would eliminate all the torsion on those upper and lower mount points with the factory manual unit. We had a 1984 17ft years ago and the awning attach points were beat on it. Not to mention we would have open access to the storage compartments.
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Old 10-30-2018, 06:47 PM   #3
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I have a power Dometic awning on my Escape 21, and would much prefer a manual awning with arms like I had on the previous Escape 17.

While the power awning is easy to deploy & put away, it doesn't tilt. Since I usually use the awning to provide shade, late afternoon or morning sun from low angles slips under it. With the arms, you can tilt the awning to block the sun or wind. The electric awning only goes out or in.

A second problem is rain. With the armed manual awning you can tilt the canvas so water runs off. With the electric awning it pools in the center. I know individuals that use a painter's pole with a ball on the top to protect the awning fabric, but that might be a problem if the wind comes up & the awning automatically stows.

All in all, enough individuals have complained about the electric awning that Escape has gone back to the manual awning with arms, making the electric awning an option.
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Old 10-31-2018, 03:17 AM   #4
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JJ, X10 on Jon's reply. A number of my friends with diesel pushers that have the power awnings wish they still had the manual units. FWIW, do a little checking on how/what it takes to retrack it if something goes haywire with the power.
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Old 10-31-2018, 09:34 AM   #5
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pwr vs manual

For me it little to do with it being powered. We have had one on our Tiffin coach for the past six years. I had to replace the motor that almost caught fire. With some pressure it was replaced by the manufacturer. The reason I discovered was the gas charged dampers. Once the awning has been out for awhile they become dry or sticky and the motor struggles to overcome them. If you exercise the awing dampers a few times before retracting by pulling the deployment cord..no problem.

That being said, the awning mounts on a fiberglass trailer are leak points and are subjected to wear and tear. The awning also is mounted directly in front of two of the limited external storage compartments. A power awning would be mounted on the side of the unit and eliminate the upper and lower mount point while also clearing the blocked compartments. A manual one accomplishing this would be just fine with me, no wiring or motor headaches.
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Old 10-31-2018, 10:02 AM   #6
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No, I did not hear anything from anyone. But the responses this morning make me think manual is the way to go. The only problem is that the right arm covers the front storage access. So, that said, I wondered why I need a full 18' awning? Maybe have one made that mounts between the entry door and the access as there is just enough room? OTH, I' m not sure I miss having an awning. In fact, using a well built canopy seems to work quite well for a ton less money!
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Old 11-01-2018, 06:58 PM   #7
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It is possible with the manual model to disconnect the lower mount and move the arm out away from the body to access the compartment.When the awning is deployed its easier to access. I saw some pictures of newer units and it appears they moved the awning back enough that the arm doesn't block the compartment(s) depends on model on our 2008 27fb it blocks compartments at both ends.
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