nancyebm
Abilene, Texas
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Joined: 04/18/2007
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When we purchased our fiver in 2007, we had our dealer put the Dometic two step awning on. It is so much better that the regular manual awning we have had in the past. It is not electric, but so easy to operate. You have to take the rod that comes with it and unlock the top. Then you pull the two locks on the arms to the up position. Then you pull on the awning cord. It really should be called the three step, as you can see there is more than two steps. Bringing it back in is a breeze also. Just move the lever to bring the awning in, and hold the cord to ease it back in. Then lock the two arm locks. Not electric, but the next best thing to it.
2005 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax w/Allison
2007 Legends 30CK3-SH5
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laknox
Arizona
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Joined: 01/06/2008
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Thanks to all who have posted. I do appreciate the feedback and now realize that, should I go with a Montana, I may not have any choice in the matter. Just come comments, though. It seems that most electrics I've seen are much smaller than a comparable electric so less footage gets covered. The one comment about not being able to leave them up in a windy rain storm is also something to think about.
Thanks again, all.
Lyle
2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4
Banks Bullet Tuner and Monster Exhaust
B&W Turnover Ball with 5th Wheel Companion
2004 Komfort 25FSG Fifth Wheel
1936 John Deere Model A
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renoman69
Edmonton Alberta
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Joined: 02/09/2009
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I have a Carefree electric and this spring I left it out at night and the rain turned to snow. When it colapsed (dumped) it did on both sides and I could not get out the door. I have worked out a fix to let the rain run off one side without waiting to "dump". I put a 8" 2x2 in the vertical track between the top stationary arm and the movable arm below it. That slacks off the one side enough to let the rain run off steadily. Trying to clean this awning is another story. Basicly you can't clean the top. I would have a manual one in a heartbeat if I could do it again. It is nice though when the wheather is perfect.
2009 Jayco Eagle Superlite RK25.5
2008 Silverado 2500HD Z71 4x4 Duramax/Allison
Reese 15K slider
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Fishn101
Seattle WA
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Joined: 07/17/2004
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Have had both -- much prefer the convience of electric. Very easy to use.... Each has an advantage.
2007-Cameo 30RLS - 2003 Chevy Silverado LT,Lg Bed,2500 HD, xtCab,4x4,DuraMax /w Alison Trans, Cab Controled Ride-Rite Air Bags, Cab Controled Rancho Shocks. BW Hitch 20' Northriver Boat
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bob975
maryland
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Joined: 11/13/2007
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I have a carefree electric also and yes it is easy to take in and out but what if you are like me an my DW that love to hang are lights on it and like to keep thing under it to stay dry if a little rain pops up forget it. And to clean it is a job you have to let a little out at a time and srube it down as it is on the tube till you have it all the way out takes longer to do then wash the hole coach that is why i say give the Manuel one back and the electric should be a option.
2009 31.5BHDS Jayco Eagle Super lite
2002 Chevy 3500 8.1V8
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DW 42 for 22 years
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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Joined: 05/20/2005
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As I stated in my earlier post, I not only hang my lights on our Travl'r 12v, but also hang our sun screen. Unless the weather was really bad, I've left the awning out all night, all day, all week. Guess it depends on how "warm and fuzzy" you feel about leaving it out. I will tell you that they WILL take far more wind and rain than what some give them credit for...
Jim & Kathy
07.5 Chevy K3500DRW/CC/LB/LMM/D/A/6speed/ LTZ,Prodigy,Reese 20K Ht.
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Duramax1
BC, Canada
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Joined: 08/12/2004
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AKF15E
Do you know what caused your retraction problem? Was it the same problem that required you to return the unit the second time?
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD DA LTZ
2009 Sundance 2900MK
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wingrider6
Central Illinois
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Joined: 11/19/2003
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I am one that believes the whole purpose of an electric awning is the ease of use. Just push the button. Seems that if you start hanging lights, etc. on them, pull things under to keep dry then you lose the major purpose of the electric. I for one hang lights, sunscreen, etc. from the awning. I also keep chairs, refer, etc. under to keep out of the weather. I have no need for an electric awning and wouldn't find a purpose for one. I pull mine out, put the arms in the patio position, use stakes and straps to tie down and NEVER put up until ready to break camp, including more than 3 months in Florida for the winter. Been doing in since 1971 so I guess it works--for me! May not for you.
Dave & Dee
2006 40' Open Road
2008 F-350 Dually V-10 4:30
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NC Hauler
Asheville NC
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When I had a manual awning and was in wind so bad that I felt I needed to retract the manual awning, I had to remove my lights from it also. What's the difference in removing lights from an electric awning? Once removed, I push a button and the awning retracts. I only use lights and/or sunshade if I'm going to be camping in one spot for 5 day's or more...manual or electric. I use velcro straps that roll up with the awning. Fastest way I've ever seen to hang lights and shade and take them down quite rapidly. I could Still remove lights or anything else I have hanging from my electric awning and retract it faster than I could the manual awnings I've had throughout the years. Sometimes, depending on how bad the weather was, it might take two of us to "take down" and retract the manual awning..only takes one with the electric...
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wingrider6
Central Illinois
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Joined: 11/19/2003
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NC Hauler I think you missed the point. If I paid all that extra money for electrical convenience then I want convenience. I want to be able to stand inside during the night in my shorts and push the button if I need to. If it's pouring down rain I sure don't want to be out taking down lights and feel foolish standing inside, soaking wet, pushing my button of convenience! If I have to go outside and take everything down I might has well put the awning up while out there. Of course I still have to figure out how to keep my stuff hiding under the awning dry. I have a policy, once down the awning stays down--never yet lost one, don't expect I ever will. Why buy a GPS and follow a road map? Why have cruise control and use your foot always on the gas? Why pay for an item of convenience and not use it? I'm not opposed to electric awnings, lots of people have them and love them but for me I prefer manual. I just don't understand paying for convenience and not using it.
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