Replacing Carefree Manual Awning with Fiamma Awning

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I wouldn't have any other awning but the manual awning so I like to protect the exposed fabric from damaging UV with a simple cover. It's put on between uses. Easy to do and reduces the exposure to UV.

On the 19 it was made from scraps of Sunbrella fabric. For the 21 we had to dig deeper in the scrap bag but managed to lengthen it enough.

It's held on by velcro straps at the ends and a cord going over the roof keeps it from moving sideways off the fabric.

Ron

Hi Ron ! Missed you ! Is that a flexible panel on your roof ? Pat

[Bluedogger]

I’m a wannabe and am close to ordering a 21 ne. I have owned several travel trailers and have never been a big fan of the carefree awning that is on my current starcraft. I also own a Casita for when my wife and I travel with no kids. I much prefer the Fiamma awning on the Casita as it is protected in the aluminum case and does not have the side arms (but does have extendable legs that fold into the roll when stored) giving the trailer a much cleaner look and helps with aerodynamics. The carefree on our StarCraft is always wet and gets moldy from water getting into the roll when in storage. I’m thinking about the power awning option however I’m wondering if getting a 13 foot manual Fiamma would be an option. I figure the manual Fiamma is less likely to break and can withstand wind and rain a bit better than the power awning offered by Escape as it too can be angled down with extendable legs. Has anyone had experience with ordering an Escape with e third party awning or getting an awning “delete”?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Bluedogger

I’m a wannabe and am close to ordering a 21 ne.....

I, too, enjoyed the Fiamma manual awning on my 2005 Casita for 16 years. I accepted the Carefree Fiesta manual on my Escape hoping it'll prove satisfactory, too.

But to your question ... I recall reading some speculation on this forum but don't recall reading of anyone here actually following-through with an awning other than those offered by ETI.

• Be aware that on all current Escape models other than the 5.0, there's a 'niche' molded into the trailer along the top of the passenger side and the awning sets into that 'niche'
• I mention this for two reasons with the Fiamma specifically in mind:
• Take care that access to the 'crank fitting' on the Fiamma is accessible in consideration of the awning-case setting into the 'niche'
• Take care that the length of the case fits within the 'niche'

Based on my recent Escape ordering experience I doubt ETI will agree to install a Fiamma but they may well agree to an "awning delete" with some price deduct. The easy and certain answer is gotten by simply calling Escape and talking to one of their friendly sales specialists - do not hesitate to do that!

Obviously, if you decide to approach this as an after-sale installation (not installed by ETI) there's other considerations such as structural backup for the Fiamma mounting system you choose from among the many available.

Welcome to the forum with your first post, happy shopping, and please remember that while this forum is a great source of info the surest way to get absolutely current answers (things do change over time) to questions about what ETI will or won't do is to call 'em - in my experience they're friendly and forthcoming folks who will welcome any inquiry you have.

Have Fun!

[Bluedogger]

Originally Posted by Centex

I, too, enjoyed the Fiamma manual awning on my 2005 Casita for 16 years. I accepted the Carefree Fiesta manual on my Escape hoping it'll prove satisfactory, too.

But to your question ... I recall reading some speculation on this forum but don't recall reading of anyone here actually following-through with an awning other than those offered by ETI.

• Be aware that on all current Escape models other than the 5.0, there's a 'niche' molded into the trailer along the top of the passenger side and the awning sets into that 'niche'
• I mention this for two reasons with the Fiamma specifically in mind:
• Take care that access to the 'crank fitting' on the Fiamma is accessible in consideration of the awning-case setting into the 'niche'
• Take care that the length of the case fits within the 'niche'

Based on my recent Escape ordering experience I doubt ETI will agree to install a Fiamma but they may well agree to an "awning delete" with some price deduct. The easy and certain answer is gotten by simply calling Escape and talking to one of their friendly sales specialists - do not hesitate to do that!

Obviously, if you decide to approach this as an after-sale installation (not installed by ETI) there's other considerations such as structural backup for the Fiamma mounting system you choose from among the many available.

Welcome to the forum with your first post, happy shopping, and please remember that while this forum is a great source of info the surest way to get absolutely current answers (things do change over time) to questions about what ETI will or won't do is to call 'em - in my experience they're friendly and forthcoming folks who will welcome any inquiry you have.

Have Fun!

Thanks for the reply and good info. Definitely factors I will have to keep in mind.

[dstreight]

2-years ago I removed the Carefree awning shortly after acquiring our 2014 15A and installed a new Fiamma F65S. I've had an F45 Fiamma awning mounted to the roof rack on my '99 LandCruiser for a dozen years or so and another before that mounted to an off-road trailer. I like how quick it is to deploy, retract and how incredibly durable they have proven to be.

The Carefree awning fabric was rotted and I just don't like the support arms being more or less in my path/way...and the absence of a protective "case"...we tend to travel in and over remote terrain with the errant tree branch scraping across the tow vehicle as well as trailers pulled behind.

The F65S is designed to be used with the outer integrated support poles; it is not "freestanding". I used VHB under the 3 Fiamma mounts with the mount surround encased in 3M 5200 sealant; SOP. Granted we don't have tens of thousands of miles and years on it since installation, but so far after 2-years and about 12,000 miles, its solid.

No regrets.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by dstreight

2-years ago I removed the Carefree awning shortly after acquiring our 2014 15A and installed a new Fiamma F65S. .....

I'd not seen your thread describing the Fiamma installation until searching just now. Very cool!

I note that your 2014 Escape pre-dates the current design with the 'awning niche' molded into the shell. I couldn't tell from the pics, is your F65S the 'motorized' version (which obviates the need for manual crank-access)?

[dstreight]

Our F65S is manual crank, not electric. To add: Sometimes during windier conditions than the fully extended awning can take, I'll just fold the outer arms back (quick & easy), then retract the awning to about 1/3 extension and it does great providing some shelter/shade without getting buffeted by bigger wind events. Yes, Nevada, Eastern California, Utah, etc., gets windy more often than not

[Centex]

Thanks, Dan. Though not a candidate myself it's always interesting to see how folks make their Escape their own. I'm glad to learn of your satisfaction with your awning mod.

[Eggscape]

Here is a picture I took of how Escape attaches the manual awning to the slot in the roof made just for the electric awning. Also is a picture of the lower arm mount.

[rbryan4]

To the OP:

RecPro (same company that sells the Houghton quiet AC units a few folks have installed) makes a pvc awning cover. It'll preserve the exposed fabric if the trailer is left out in the elements for a long period of time.

https://www.recpro.com/rv-awning-cov...BoCZx4QAvD_BwE

[cpaharley2008]

I had one of those awning covers, real PIA to install and to just traps the water. It also does not cover the mounting fabric exposed behind...one of the reasons the newer automatic power awning is nice to have......

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I had one of those awning covers, real PIA to install and to just traps the water. It also does not cover the mounting fabric exposed behind...one of the reasons the newer automatic power awning is nice to have......

Or a garage![emoji16]

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I had one of those awning covers, real PIA to install and to just traps the water. It also does not cover the mounting fabric exposed behind...one of the reasons the newer automatic power awning is nice to have......

Jim have had the covers for our awning about 7 years . We have a lot of UV’s here l they had a extension to purchase that goes on and covers the mounting fabric behind . It is flat and works well . We feel they have saved our awning . Not hard to install and easy to remove . Talked to manufacturer and got all the info on use . The material doesn’t degrade either and because of extension no water . Pat