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04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Yahoo Message Number: 96281
04 Era 40' Allure, built in Sept of 2003. Two drivers slides.

The large awning, I think it's a Carefree model, on the passenger side, seems to be next to useless in the rain. Or, am I missing some adjustment that can be made to control the angle to slope a bit more?

The rain 'pockets' so fast in the middle of the fabric, that the weight really strains the arms. Even closing it in to only say 2-3' open, still allows an excessive amount of water accumulation in the mid section.

I get out with a push broom and 'take a bath' to push the fabric up to get the water to run off. Some to the rear and front of the coaches, needing to 'chase' the puddles down in each direction to get them fully empty.

How about some of you that have had your coaches for long times, any tips on how you can use these awnings in the rain?

Sure, it looks pretty when closed with the painted cover - but we find that too many times this awning is not as efficient or sturdy or flexible as the old arm kinds that can be adjusted and or staked down to handle a bit more wind safely.

Appreciate any pearls of wisdom!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96287
Smitty.


Have you changed the pitch on the awning arms to allow the water to run off and not collect on the flat extended awning. If it a Carefree it should have adjustment on each arm to raise or lower the pitch of the awning.


If you need help let me know.



Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96288
Jock,

I believe you mean those small holes with buttons that push in..Correct? I have one Hell of a time getting one to push in and trying to get the opposite one to go in and not having the first one pop back out into position.
I have been trying to find an easy way of making them work easier.

Dave

07 Country Coach Allure 430 #31495 12 Jeep GC Toad Mountains of So Cal


On Friday, July 11, 2014 1:51 PM, "Jock Vargo jockvargo@... [Country-Coach-Owners]" wrote:

Smitty.


Have you changed the pitch on the awning arms to allow the water to run off and not collect on the flat extended awning. If it a Carefree it should have adjustment on each arm to raise or lower the pitch of the awning.


If you need help let me know.



Jock Vargo

2005 Inspire
51428



Dave & Jodi
2007 CC Allure 40’ Tag #31495
2012 Jeep GC
Big Bear Lake, Ca & Henderson, Nev

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96289
Smitty,


I have found that you have to squeeze both in at the same time. I use one hand to squeeze and the other to move the arm up just a bit to take the pressure of the buttons. You might want to spray a drop of silicone on the buttons.


Hope this helps


Jock vargo

2005 Inspire

51428

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96292
Thank you both. I did not receive a Carefree Mirage Manual in our box of goodies. The box lid says it's under the "A" folder, but it's not, and we've been thru and resorted that box of folders several times. Not the only item missing from the first owner.

I downloaded the manual, and sure enough, it says the 'angle pitch/slope' can be adjusted by up to two feet. Recommend only a qualified Carefree person make this adjustment. And, provides no real specific's on 'how' to adjust.

When it stops raining, I'll extend it the full way, and look over the arms to see if I can spot how to do so.

I assume, if we're talking about Carefree Mirage Awning, with the scissor like arms, that their are some buttons that need to be pushed in and will allow arm movement to adjust.

Fingers crossed, as it would sure be nice to be able to use this in the rain:)!

I admit, I'm a bit embarased that I did not know some adjsutment was possible.

Best,
Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96296
A little more surfing and I found the shop manual too. Losening some set screws, and then turning some hex nuts, will raise or lower the pitch of the awning. Looks like this is done on both ends of the awning. Then, the leading casing of the awning, also needs to be adjusted to allow proper closing.

Multiple sources state best done by a trained individual. One thread I read said the motor 'limit switch' when closing may need adjustment too.

I'll look things over when it is dry outside, but also may just wait and get this done when back home. Would not be good to be having an awning pop free in the 'wilds' of Alaska.

Sure do like the 'kiss' of the awnings with the sliding arms in them:)!

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96298
Smitty,

The push-in buttons are difficult as the arm is under tension, so keep trying. Also I have mine set up so that the arm of the awning near the door is extended to fullest extent, and the other end 2 or 3 holes less. This causes the run off to the rear of the coach rather than right by the entrance door. Useful in somewhat muddy conditions!

Michael

2008 Allure (Sunset Bay) 31683
In th UK
 

Re: 04 Carefree Awnings - Big one passenger side

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 96305
Thanks Michael, and others that have talked about the adjustment of awnings via buttons on the arms, and adjustment of the arms.

Our 04 Allure has the Carefree Mirage Awning. This is awning does not have the arms that go down the left and right side of the awning and attach to the coach body (wish it did), this has horizontal arms that fold out and in as the electric motor runs.

After downloading the manual and then later the shop manual, it does appear that pitch/slope of the awning has the ability to be adjusted by as much as two feet downward, at the very end of full extension and at the extended end. Not a great deal of pitch/slope, but hope enough to let the water run off without pooling.

It has multiple places in the manual where it says adjustment is best left to a Carefree trained tech. I think mostly due to the adjustment of the horizontal running end cap, body paint matched with the coach, that needs to contact with the casing attached to the coach at the proper angle. (These are body of the coach painted fully inclosed casings.)

Damon Rapozo's Model History, shows the 2004 Allure had a running awnning change at 31074. I reflects Carefree Eclipse, vs my coach 31017 has the Mirage by Carefree. I have no idea what the differences are, but perhaps the Eclipse model also has arms with buttons for easier adjustment?

Again appreciate the input and help from all of you, and it go me to at least go out and find the manual where I found minor, but not easy, adjustment is doable on this awning.

Best to all, be safe, have fun,
Smitty
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)