Carefree Awnings

iana · Guru

Carefree Awnings

Yuglamron · Guru

I must have a different model Carefree awning as mine has an alloy slide that slides down to lock the arm in place.

I would think that if your locking parts are plastic a set of Velcro straps would be a good idea. We all know how badly the sun damages plastics here in Australia. It will damage the Velcro but every time you use them you will see if they need replacing.

Peace of mind is better than worry!

iana · Guru

I thought the alloy slide just operates the ratchet in the roller, bearing in mind that there is only one slide and its in the rear strut. While each strut has the plastic clip/cover that one fits back before trave, it is this I thought did the locking.

ballast2 · Guru

G'day. Always velcro ours and also use velcro on the screw pins on the arms. Have not lost one of them since.

Cheers.

erad · Guru

I have a Carefree awning and the rear plastic clip which holds the awning in place whilst travelling actually broke on a VERY windy day. I botched a repair which to this day still works quite well, but I also bought two velcro straps. These straps seem to be fitted to later model caravans (not mine for sure). I have lost/misplaced a few of the straps, so I have now tied them onto the bracket so they don't get lost.

iana · Guru

Thank you for the info, out comes the sewing machine and pop rivet gun.
Would hate to think what could happen if the awning just came out even a little at 90K.

Possum3 · Guru

I use www.bunnings.com.au/grunt-25mm-x-1m-pull-tie-down-strap-2-pack_p4310725 to tie my awning leg in position as I don't have faith in the screw. Three wraps then buckle. I cut off excess length and "fused" strap-ends with cigarette lighter.

Cupie · Guru

About 10 years ago a caravanner came over to me as I set up on our site at Byron Bay CP and went to great lengths to explain to me the risk of the awning swinging out while in transit.

He showed me his velcro straps and so when I got home I made up a couple that I still use to this day. Just double sided velcro hand sewn to a stainless steel ring. I think that I left a bit extend past the ring so that it doesn't rub on the paint of the awning arm.

edit .. can't spell

-- Edited by Cupie on Monday 5th of March 2018 05:31:33 PM

Stephcott · Member

Always Velcro mine.

Dickodownunder · Guru

Even though Jayco said I dont need to velcro my awning, I still do when travelling.

I use the short velcro straps that came with the awning deflappers ( mine came with two straps each clamp) and if I need them for the deflappers it is only when the awning is out so the straps are 'dual purpose' biggrin biggrin

iana · Guru

Crickey, wasn't expecting so many replies, message to carefree is fit straps as standard. Did not get the sewing machine out today, was a bit hot so laid low. Thanks for the replies.

erad · Guru

iana wrote:
Thank you for the info, out comes the sewing machine and pop rivet gun.
Would hate to think what could happen if the awning just came out even a little at 90K.

That is exactly what happened to me - I was doing probably 100 into fierce headwinds. I was running late after a medical appointment and we had to be in Sydney for another later in the day. We were on the Federal Hwy when a car went past furiously waving at me. I checked in the mirror and the awning was hanging well over a metre from the side of the van, rear end only. The front leg was still firmly in place. As said above, broken plastic retaining bracket. I tied the awning up with an ocker strap and subsequently found that later model Jaycos seemed to have the velcro straps. After losing a few straps, I tied them on as well. Naturally no more problems when you have everything all tied down.

-- Edited by erad on Monday 5th of March 2018 10:08:46 PM

Farmhat · Senior Member

Even with the posts velcroed and clipped up, I saw a van once that because the lever was in the roll down position, it allowed the awning to unroll and balloon out a meter or so. Perhaps his internal springs were not tight and some how the wind had gotten under the awning and pulled it undone like a sail.

Joe

Cupie · Guru

Farmhat wrote:
Even with the posts velcroed and clipped up, I saw a van once that because the lever was in the roll down position, it allowed the awning to unroll and balloon out a meter or so. Perhaps his internal springs were not tight and some how the wind had gotten under the awning and pulled it undone like a sail.
Joe

That's a worry. While mucking about a while back I let off the spring tension & had to work out which way to twist it to retension the spring. I didn't tighten it up enough & my rafter is slow to retract. Needs a little assistance.

Hadn't thought of that potential issue.

Might have to revisit it ... or invite my mate 'The Awning Man' over for afternoon tea & get a pro to do the job. Sounds like a plan!

iana · Guru

So by reading above, the integrity of the plastic locks is very important, because it is impossible to have the retract lever in the up position when closing those locks. Just had a quick look at ours, and the are not an easy item to replace being held by two large pop rivets. But I wonder how they resist our hot sum before breaking, and should we carry a spare.

Raha · Veteran Member

I am paranoid about the awning when driving, so we have Velcro and also a small dog collar around the awning arms. Overkill, but at least I feel more relaxed.

Cheers

iana · Guru

All done, easy peassy. Two struts done of course.

denmonkey · Senior Member

2 velcro straps per arm here. One upper and one lower