Mikesr
Lebanon Pa
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Joined: 10/31/2003
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Our 2009 Flagstaff came with the power awing and at first I was not too thrilled since I was expecting problems also. This is now our 5 season and we have had no problems or complaints. Each type has advantages and if you use them as they are intended you will be fine. First you need to know the manufacture will tell you they are SUN SHADES not RAIN SHIELDS. Yes they can provide protection from rain and with the correct tilt can handle a large amount. The wind is what causes the problems. You need to know the weather of the area you located and that is may change quickly. One rule we have is to never leave for a long duration with the awing out in case the weather changes. The power awning extends and retracts in about 20 seconds with one person. We sometimes operate our 2 or 3 times a day depending on where we are camping. Good luck with whichever one choose.
Mike and Donna
2005 Chevy 2500HD
2009 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
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JRS & B
Florida/Michigan
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Joined: 05/09/2010
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They are both good from what I can see.
Manual awnings can take more wind abuse. But they are just a little more work to retract if the wind really gets strong.
The flip side, electric awnings are very sensitive to wind damage (I know first hand) but they have the convenience of being easy to retract and extend.
If my rig came with a manual I would stay with a manual. You might end up with some extra holes in your rig to make the switch.
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hotpepperkid
Chino Hills CA
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Joined: 03/29/2002
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I have an electric one and I dont know that I like it very much. It goes straight out. I have since found there are two different types of sissors, one pushes it straight out and the other put it out on an angle alowing water run off. I dont know but it may have to do with the brand.
2000 Ford F-350 SRW 4X4 PSD Jayco Super Lite 29.5RKS (31') 5th wheel 50 gal X-ferflow in the bed tank. Banks big exhaust and Stinger kit.
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HappyTrails2U2
Tennessee is home but being held hostage in GA.
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Joined: 11/11/2009
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We have electric and wouldn't even consider a manual. Ours tilts and also automatically dumps rain. You can tie it down to. If you're worried about it getting torn up in the wind buy one with a wind detector that automatically cranks it's self in when the wind gets to high.
2010 Rockwood Signature Ultra Lite 8315BSS
2003 Chevy Silverado 1/2 Ton Extended Cab
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GaryWT
MA
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Joined: 08/28/2002
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We have the electric type, we like it, it has the auto dump which is great, if you are out your don't have to rush back if you forgot to tip your manual one.
As for which one for you, how much work will it to install the electric to where you need it, more install cost for that. Also as someone said, your wife wants the manual...
ME '63, DW 64, (DS 89, DD 92 not so much), DS 95
2013 Premier Bullet 31 BHPR
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nhshep
New Hampshire
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Joined: 03/28/2007
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Thanks for the input. I see there are pro's and con's to each.
If I went with the power model those words from my DW will ring in my ears everytime I put the awning out "I told you so". Given that and the input from everyone I will go with the Dometic 8500 which I am told has improved over the years. cheers for the input -
"Redesigned manual-operation patio awning now offers beautiful, contemporary hardware styling and features usually found on costlier automatic or semi-automatic awnings. New piston-action automatic rain dump drains pooling water before it damages fabric".
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kpratte
Southern NH
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Joined: 03/12/2010
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One other piece of information that wasn't mentioned... Manual awning's don't fail, power ones can. The power ones don't require much power to extend, on the other hand, all of the work happens when you pull it in.
Ours broke and would go clicky clicky and of course, it was extended fully. We had to remove two screws, roll the thing by hand, and then strap it to the camper to get home. Although the manual says you just re-install the screws, they won't line up retracted. Dropped off at dealer and they replaced the motor under warranty, other wise probably a couple hundred dollars.
- Ken
2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7 CrewMax Limited, TRD Swaybar, Timbrens, Bilstein HD shocks
2012 Keystone Sprinter 272BHS
Reese DC Sway, Fastway Flip, Tekonsha P3
Yamaha 2400iSHC Generator
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Terryallan
Foothills NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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Can you carport an electric awning? Meaning, Set the legs on the ground?? So much better than having the arms in the way.
Terry & Shay
Coachman Apex 288BH.
04 F150, 5.4, Lariat SuperCab
Lazy Campers
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obgraham
Eastern WA
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Joined: 08/30/2005
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Had manual.
Now have powered.
Next one will be manual.
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BurbMan
Louisville, KY
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Joined: 09/20/2001
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racer93 wrote:The ONLY thing I like about our power awning is the easy to push button. Everything thing else I hate. Cant tilt to wash, auto dump is annoying(mine dont tilt) everytime you get a slight breeze from the wrong direction it turns into a parachute, but I do tie it down...so far no problems with that. I will not have another power awning.
My sentiments exactly. One of those things that sounds like a good idea but after you live with it a while it isn't...
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