Does anyone have experience with replacing the manual awning with a powered awning? My objective is to allow more people (elderly, less confident, shorter) to operate it, open and close it more quickly, provide a less intense light option, and gain protection by a wind sensor so it can be left open while unattended.
The convenience of a power awning results in it being used more often, from what I’ve observed.
I expect the issues will be reliability, mounting awning to the coach, mounting switches inside, and routing power to switches and up to the unit.
Does anyone have experience with replacing the manual awning with a powered awning? My objective is to allow more people (elderly, less confident, shorter) to operate it, open and close it more quickly, provide a less intense light option, and gain protection by a wind sensor so it can be left open while unattended.
The convenience of a power awning results in it being used more often, from what I’ve observed.
I expect the issues will be reliability, mounting awning to the coach, mounting switches inside, and routing power to switches and up to the unit.
Personally, unless you have extra cash burning a whole in the LD budget, I wouldn't. That's the economic decider. For peace of mind in windy situations, a wind sensor and power awning would be wonderful. I have lost one awning to a wind gust and replaced it with a newer Fiamma.
Chris
"I have lost one awning to a wind gust and replaced it with a newer Fiamma."
I knew before I placed my order that I would not have a Fiamma awning, they are plug ugly and not sturdy enough. Instead I had a 20' A&E (Dometic) mounted on my 30'IB. It's a manual type and I'm glad to have saved the money as Chris noted.
Currently I'm on the 2nd one of the same type, the 1st one having been a "Custer Casualty" due to a wind squall while camped on Reno Creek at the Custer Battlefield. :(
I knew before I placed my order that I would not have a Fiamma awning, they are plug ugly and not sturdy enough. Instead I had a 20' A&E (Dometic) mounted on my 30'IB. It's a manual type and I'm glad to have saved the money as Chris noted.
So if I understand you correctly the factory awning is a delete option? Or were you able to simply have the other manufacturers awning installed?
"So if I understand you correctly the factory awning is a delete option?"
It was for me! While in discussion with Steve Newton during the placement of my order I asked if I could delete certain items, the awning included. The answer was "yes" and I was given credit for the subtraction. Steve even offered to reinforce (block) the mounting points, for the after market awning, during the build. YMMV!
Thank you Steve - is your awning the same length as the factory one - just a different manufacturer?
For a 27' MB it appears as if the factory awning size was selected so it would not obscure the rear window. Would you agree or would you suggest a longer size is possible?
Fiamma awnings need to have the two support arms manually attached to the motor home.
The awning cannot be completely rolled in with the arms attached, negating most of the motor's advantages.
Manual or electric, there is still physical work to be done .
Consequently, I have never seen an LD with a powered Fiamma awning.
Larry
"... is your awning the same length as the factory one..."
The answer to that would be NO!
Since my rig is a 30'IB I chose a 20' awning which is substantially longer than the factory model, one of the reasons I wanted something else. Twenty feet of awning provides a massive amount of shade, depending on orientation and does a fine job of shading my fridge. 8)
"... is your awning the same length as the factory one..."
The answer to that would be NO!
Since my rig is a 30'IB I chose a 20' awning which is substantially longer than the factory model, one of the reasons I wanted something else. Twenty feet of awning provides a massive amount of shade, depending on orientation and does a fine job of shading my fridge. 8)
Pictures please! I'm a new member of the LD Group with my 1995 Chevy 30 IB. Sounds like an ideal size for this model. Looking for a little intel on accessing information on updates, DIY projects (worried about leaks and how to inspect/repair). Thanks to all for their help.
Stuart
stu132u@aol.com
30 IB in the Orlando, FL area
Pictures please! I'm a new member of the LD Group with my 1995 Chevy 30 IB. Sounds like an ideal size for this model. Looking for a little intel on accessing information on updates, DIY projects (worried about leaks and how to inspect/repair). Thanks to all for their help.
Stuart
stu132u@aol.com
30 IB in the Orlando, FL area
Welcome to the forum, Stu. Feel free to ask as many questions as you wish. Remember there is a "search" function which might take you to previously discussed topics you are interested in, and there is also a link on the home page to The Lazy Daze Companion; however, questions are always welcome if you can't find what you want.
I think Steve (Lazy Bones) was lucky to get the Mothership to block his 30' for a longer awning. He is the only one who has ever reported on this. Normally, the factory likes to stick to what comes off the assembly line.
Chris
Chris
"I think Steve (Lazy Bones) was lucky..."
Perhaps I did catch Steve Newton on one of his better days ;) but he also agreed to delete the coffee maker and the ice maker, both standard items.
When he learned that I intended to install an after market awning he had me show him where the mounting points would be located and it was then he said they would reinforce those areas. I also told him that I intended to mount a handicap grab bar just to the left of the entryway door and he also offered to block that area as well. Starting with the following model year all LD then had a grab bar on one side of the door or the other. ;D
"...he also agreed to delete the coffee maker and the ice maker, both standard items."
----
Neither of these was standard on my 2003 TK; the only items Ed did agree to were to install Bilsteins and omit the magazine rack and the curtain in the overcab that covered the no-longer-there front cab window. As I remember, our conversation was pretty close to the "Who's on first?" routine: "Ed, why is there a curtain over a blank wall?" "There used to be a window in the overcab." "There's no window there now; it's a solid wall, so why put a curtain over a solid wall?" "It's the way we do it." "Ed, it makes no sense to have a curtain over a solid space; please leave the !&$#@(*!! thing out so I don't have to rip it out and patch holes!" He did. (I don't know how long after I took delivery in November, 2003, that LD finally came to the conclusion that putting a curtain over a blank wall really was silly!) ;)
"Ed, why is there a curtain over a blank wall?" "There used to be a window in the overcab." "There's no window there now; it's a solid wall, so why put a curtain over a solid wall?" "It's the way we do it."
Like so many things, LD moves slowly to change things, even when they do not make sense .
I did find a use for a cab curtain, they are now lined with closed cell foam, to make it more comfortable to lay again in hot or cold weather.
Look how long it took them stop painting the fake, overhead cab windows.
Larry
Has anyone had experience with a dometic 8500 power awning? If so, can one person operate? I am interested in how solo travelers provide shade if the awning is a two person job. Any ideas welcome.
Lazy Bones, was that a 8500 manual awning from Dometic? If so , can one person operate and do you think you could remove the( 2005 RK)factory awning and replace with 8500 without damage to coach? Is the coach painted underneath awning? All ideas about shade for a solo traveler unable to operate factory awning appreciated.
Lazy Bones, was that a 8500 manual awning from Dometic? If so , can one person operate and do you think you could remove the( 2005 RK)factory awning and replace with 8500 without damage to coach? Is the coach painted underneath awning? All ideas about shade for a solo traveler unable to operate factory awning appreciated.
"Is the coach painted underneath awning?"When I replaced a damaged awning, there was no paint under the factory awning. Primer only.If you are unable to operate a factory awning, then you probably need to get a powered awning from some manufacturer.
"Lazy Bones, was that a 8500 manual awning from Dometic? If so , can one person operate and do you think you could remove the( 2005 RK)factory awning and replace with 8500 without damage to coach? Is the coach painted underneath awning? All ideas about shade for a solo traveler unable to operate factory awning appreciated."
'Halfmile'... do you have a name?
Yes, an 8500 A&E (Dometic) which measures 20' in length. That was determined by the best and most viable mounting points on my 30'IB. You need to find the most secure mounting locations so that the screws have something solid to support the weight, and so as to not obstruct any doors or windows.
Since there never was a previous (factory) awning mounted on my rig I cannot say yea or nay to the removal of the box type nor do I know about the paint. I can say that my rig was delivered with the standard paint in the area where the awning mounts and that would make me believe that the paint is applied prior to installation of the awning. ;)
As to the question of deploying the Dometic awning alone, yes, it can be done. I do it routinely by myself. It is somewhat awkward but fully within the capability of one person. You must be aware that the roller is spring loaded and it will take some strength to overcome that tension. Deploying it is relatively straight forward by pulling it out by the strap provided. Putting it away is something else again, you must be positioned at the right hand end of the roller in order to release the catch, then you must restrain it's tendency to want to retract by holding the underside of the roller and moving to the left until you are in position approximately mid way of the roller tube before you allow it to roll itself into the stored position, by controlling its progress with the strap. If you fail to do this last step the spring will cause the roller tube to slam into the stowed position, and event you will not soon forget! The final touch is to screw down the locking knobs prior to travel. Hope this answers your questions. ;D
So my awning, an original Fiamma from Lazy Daze, is easily operated by one person. I'm not sure why you would need a motorized one. Ok, it's nice to push a button and have it unroll, and have a wind sensor to roll itself up if you aren't actually there to do it yourself. But that additional complexity does come at a price. Maybe just my opinion... RonB
We put our Fiamma in and out solo, as well. No problem at all.
Recently became the proud owner of 26' lazy daze, rear bath, and I love her. However, an overzealous young man bent the awning arm while trying to straighten it. I fear this is unrepairable, or not worth the cost. Feedback please. And if I should replace, what manufacturers should I shop? thanks
Recently became the proud owner of 26' lazy daze, rear bath, and I love her. However, an overzealous young man bent the awning arm while trying to straighten it. I fear this is unrepairable, or not worth the cost. Feedback please. And if I should replace, what manufacturers should I shop? thanks
Welcome to the forum.
We could use some information such as the year, model, of your LD, and maybe even your name.
You will need to inspect the awning to find its make and model and serial number, usually located inside the awning's cover.
If your LD is less than 20 years old, odds are it's a Fiamma awning.
Spare Parts (https://www.fiamma.it/en/spare-parts)
Fiamma awnings are fragile little things and are easily be broken, so be gentle with it.
Good luck
Larry
Just my opinon here so take it for what it's worth but I can't see the value in a wind sensor awning because I would never trust it enough to leave camp for an extended period so I'd put the awning in anyway. I'm kind of a KISS guy though and others may have a different opinion.
Thanks for the information. I have had horrible experiences with RV awnings and I am not the only one. The problem is not so much strength but long enough arms, long enough legs, and a certain attitude and intelligence. I score highest in attitude-) I think that I need to have more experience before I replace my awning. Does anyone have other shade ideas? Would a clip on umbrella be practical attached to the ladder? How bout those umbrella chairs? Open to suggestions.
Well, this might work! ;)
Amazon.com: Luwint 36'' Diameter Elastic Fishing Gardening Folding Umbrella... (https://www.amazon.com/Luwint-Diameter-Gardening-Umbrella-Headwear/dp/B013QV0MYS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1538588495&sr=8-8&keywords=Umbrella+Hat)
Well, this might work! ;)
Amazon.com: Luwint 36'' Diameter Elastic Fishing Gardening Folding Umbrella... (https://www.amazon.com/Luwint-Diameter-Gardening-Umbrella-Headwear/dp/B013QV0MYS/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1538588495&sr=8-8&keywords=Umbrella+Hat)
You'll be seeing me hiking the trails with this soon.
Jim
Thanks for the information. I have had horrible experiences with RV awnings and I am not the only one. The problem is not so much strength but long enough arms, long enough legs, and a certain attitude and intelligence. I score highest in attitude-) I think that I need to have more experience before I replace my awning. Does anyone have other shade ideas? Would a clip on umbrella be practical attached to the ladder? How bout those umbrella chairs? Open to suggestions.
A handful of us have used the Coolaroo shade sail as a supplemental awning. Here are some links to threads and photos.
BTW, do you have a name other than HalfMile?
Chris
Coolaroo Shade Sails (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=31437.msg184749#msg184749)
Chris Horst has shared 1 photo with you! | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/61167681@N00/shares/8vG75V)
http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?action=media;sa=search
Thanks Chris, I will look those over. My name is Sharon and I come from a little ranching community of which my portion is named HalfMile. I can not tell all the laze day family how excited I am to start my adventure. Do you all remember your "Maiden Voyage"? Planning on Quartzsite..."Katie bar the door", an expression from my Friend, also my favorite"My hands are full and my skirt is up". Kinda like how I feel trying to get prepared.
OMG! Joan, That's just the ticket! Move over Flying Nun! Flying Laze Daze Pilgrim spotted over Quartzsite! Do you think it would make my ---- look smaller-)
Thanks Chris, I will look those over. My name is Sharon and I come from a little ranching community of which my portion is named HalfMile. I can not tell all the laze day family how excited I am to start my adventure. Do you all remember your "Maiden Voyage"? Planning on Quartzsite..."Katie bar the door", an expression from my Friend, also my favorite"My hands are full and my skirt is up". Kinda like how I feel trying to get prepared.
Nice to meet you, Sharon. And thanks for sharing your name, which is always optional. As you can tell from Joan's post, we try to keep a sense of humor going on the LDOF. It makes up for all the serious "please help me" posts.
Regarding operating an awning "solo", unless you have a physical handicap, you really should be able to do it.
Chris
Sharon,
I put my awning up and down solo and I am a 65 year old woman. I never leave it up when I leave the rig since I have seen too many awnings fly up and over and all hell breaks loose. It isn’t worth it to me to come back to my beautiful rig with a busted awning.
Good luck in your travels. Our 30 IB has brought us joy for the last six years and I wouln’t own anything else. Matter of fact, our previous rig was a LD 27RB.
Happy Trails!
"...too many awnings fly up and over and all hell breaks loose."
Picture this_______________
I'm camped on Reno Creek at the Custer Battlefield in the afternoon. It's hot, my coach door is facing west. I have the awning adjusted to protect the fridge which is on that side of the rig. Consequently I cannot exit by way of the coach door, I must go out by way of the drivers door.
The sky turns black off to the west... my first thought is that a squall is headed my way. Before I could get around to secure the awning the wind lifted it up and threw it onto the roof. All I could do was assist nearby RVers with their awnings.
Total loss, detached the remains, checked with the office to see if I could leave it behind and my Insurance Co. wrote me a check for a replacement when I got home. :-( Shit happens! :(
"...
Total loss, detached the remains, checked with the office to see if I could leave it behind and my Insurance Co. wrote me a check for a replacement when I got home. :-(
Shit happens! :(
Yes it does.
And doesn't it make a great story?
Interesting how problems and tragedy make the best tails.
Larry