Manual or power canopy

[Akfishman]

We have ordered our 21 and are choosing options. I’d love to hear pros and cons on
Power versus manual canopy. Just read about the power canopy that opened on its own,
and which is superior when it comes to wind etc. I like the clean look of the powered canopy but wonder about the reliability of the motor etc. thanks for your comments.

[Mark B1]

If you do a search of the forum you will find this topic has been discussed extensively.

[Perry Butler]

You can read threads on "awning" by clicking here.

I'm sure you can get lost for hours, so read away!

Not sure how long this link will be valid.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Akfishman

and which is superior when it comes to wind etc.

I guess that depends on your point of view. The power awning retracts when the breeze starts blowing, the manual gives you the choice of when to retract it. Typically we have our flopper stoppers on and our awning stays out long after a power awning would have retracted.

But, as has been pointed out, there has been extensive discussion before. Those who love their power awnings love them and those who have the manual awnings wouldn't have a power awning.

Ron

[gbaglo]

Yup. The auto awning will retract in a wind, so there is no need to tilt it to shed rain.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Yup. The auto awning will retract in a wind, so there is no need to tilt it to shed rain.

Yours does that? I have mine set so doesn't unless it is a severe wind. Not usually much for wind when raining so never a problem shedding the rain.

Then there was the manual awning I had to replace on a previous stick built after it broke the roll bar in a heavy rain.

I've tried both, nothing is perfect. It is just a matter of preferences.

[cityofdestiny]

We have a power awning on our 21. We use it every time we camp--great for shade in the summer. In cooler weather, it provides some shelter and traps a bit of heat from the propane firepit. I am not happy with its performance in the rain, however--even partially retracting it per instructions, it doesn't do a good job shedding rain (sags in the middle).

Wind retraction has not been an issue yet.

Having not had a manual awning for comparison, I can't really give a good side by side. We like the ease of deployment / retraction and probably use it more than we would a manual awning, but it is definitely not perfect.

[UncleTim]

Here's my take. First of all, I agree with Jim Bennett. It is largely a choice as to want you prefer. I am the guy who's auto awning opened in the driveway, while the door was locked. Strange for sure!

My wind sensor goes off after about 30 minutes during most deploys. Once in a while a blast of wind comes thru and it retracts. I like rolling it out about 6 feet. Not near all the way. It does not stay out unless we are under it. I like it. but you have to keep after it.

It is slim and trim. It stays dry during a rain when retracted. It does not get in the way of any windows. Which I like. It goes way out! Way out!

It is more delicate and you want to take great care with it. DO NOT POWER IT UNTIL IT IS TIME TO USE IT. Everyone said it operates at 443.32 hz, including Dometic, and that is a standard garage door frequency! Great (not)!

I would like the simplicity of the manual, but there are drawbacks too. I'll stick with auto for now. Mine goes in for warranty service on the 30th. Once again great!

Maybe others can talk about the shortcomings of the manual as well as the advantages. It's all good!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cityofdestiny

I am not happy with its performance in the rain, however--even partially retracting it per instructions, it doesn't do a good job shedding rain (sags in the middle).

When ours is out about 5' there is never an issue with rain. How far out is yours in this situation? I do use a center support when fully extended in the rain, and that works good too.

[cityofdestiny]

Originally Posted by cityofdestiny

We have a power awning on our 21. We use it every time we camp--great for shade in the summer. In cooler weather, it provides some shelter and traps a bit of heat from the propane firepit. I am not happy with its performance in the rain, however--even partially retracting it per instructions, it doesn't do a good job shedding rain (sags in the middle).

Wind retraction has not been an issue yet.

Having not had a manual awning for comparison, I can't really give a good side by side. We like the ease of deployment / retraction and probably use it more than we would a manual awning, but it is definitely not perfect.

One consideration that I should have mentioned--we really wanted the frameless windows, which required the power awning.

[Rossue]

Boo on frameless windows & power awning. If one really researches you will find many issues for both. Conversely before either were available there were few, if any complaints for framed windows & manual awning.
..

[Mswan]

We have frameless windows and the manual awning.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Boo on frameless windows & power awning. If one really researches you will find many issues for both. Conversely before either were available there were few, if any complaints for framed windows & manual awning.
..

Have you had issues with yours, I certainly haven't? But, I have only had them for four years now.

For the most part, it seems on this and many other opinions on choices, it is based on personal choice and justification of these choices, and not experience. If they work for folks, and they get out camping with their choices, all is good.

Heck, I remember when electric windows in cars first came out and folks scoffing at them too, now......

[J&B Mitt]

Originally Posted by Akfishman

Just read about the power canopy that opened on its own...

One more data point: we're wrapping up the fourth year with our 2017 19'. The power awning hasn't given us any problems.

We were advised at our Escape orientation (remember 'orientations'?) to switch off the awning because of the frequency conflict. My wife always remembers. (I don't.)

I would have preferred the manual awning, but in 2017 it wasn't an option. The power awning IS really easy to operate.

[strawbarry]

During a recent 6 month in one spot trip I may have rolled the manual awning up three times. Once set up and tied down on each end of the roller it is good. Lots of rain, never any strong wind. I hauled dozens of power awnings to the dumpster when the owners either were not around or thought it could take the rain and wind.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by strawbarry

During a recent 6 month in one spot trip I may have rolled the manual awning up three times. Once set up and tied down on each end of the roller it is good. Lots of rain, never any strong wind. I hauled dozens of power awnings to the dumpster when the owners either were not around or thought it could take the rain and wind.

Now that is speaking from experience! Owners may like the electric awnings for convenience and I understand that but let's not try to pretend they are anywhere near as strong as the manual. I too have had our manual awning extended in heavy rain (with a good pitch of course) and moderate winds and never had an issue. I called Carefree once to ask a question and the customer service lady offered that "the Fiesta awnings have very few issues and we are rarely called for parts or replacements. One of our best awnings."

[Ron in BC]

At some point the posts about power versus manual awning will eclipse the ones on the "climb over" over versus "skoot". But both discussions will on and on.

Ron

[cityofdestiny]

Originally Posted by Mswan

We have frameless windows and the manual awning.

I stand corrected—that’s probably the combo I’d go for if I were configuring another trailer. Maybe I have it backwards—power awning required frameless windows? Either way, the frameless windows have been great for the rainy drizzzly climate here. The power awning . . . I’d say the jury’s still out.

While I like the convenience of the power awning, I’d definitely not call it robust. As I mentioned up thread, ours does a poor job of shedding rain and I am forced to periodically push up from underneath to help it dump the accumulated water. It is definitely not a set it and forget arrangement.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cityofdestiny

I stand corrected—that’s probably the combo I’d go for if I were configuring another trailer. Maybe I have it backwards—power awning required frameless windows?

With the power awning you can have either window type without issue. The manual awning arms can interfere with frameless style windows when open as they project out from the trailer. The awning arms do not interfere with framed "slider" windows.

[Fox hunt]

i like my power awning i don't put it all the way out in the rain and if we leave i put it in -easy just press a button works perfectly