Carefree Elec Awning slow coming back !

[Renden]

A Mobile Tech who came to my Resort in Dunedin, FL - told me the problem of my awning coming back 50% slower than going out was a 'Strut' problem and recommended replacement .....these do not come cheap at over $100 each Any member's experience would be appreciated - It is not a Dometic but a Carefree of Colorado Electric 20 footer, which deploys on the Passenger side . thanks

[Renden]

Let me put this simpler

What is the use of these black struts (cylinders) on an Awning (Carefree of Colorado, electric model- Dutch Star 2006) ?? Do they have any use in the in an out of the mechanics of this Awning ?

Thanks !

["007"]

The struts may be what holds out your awning when main arms are extended.
The wind can not push awing closed.
I think they work in reverse from what maybe on compartment doors.
They may also assist in bringing in the awning also.
You may get more information here as to price.
If the struts have a pin to remove maybe you can see what happens.

[Renden]

Thanks 007

I could not find the price of these gas struts for my Awning - PPL site is very nice but complicated (when you do not know the part number....)

[Tha_Rooster]

The struts push awning out the motor just unwinds the cloth going out. So if it's slow coming in your struts would have to be in a bind or motor going bad.

[Renden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster The struts push awning out the motor just unwinds the cloth going out. So if it's slow coming in your struts would have to be in a bind or motor going bad.

a bind.........?

[Tha_Rooster]

Struts are nothing more than a spring loaded piston. A little rust could cause problems.Does it sound like the motor is straining.

[Tha_Rooster]

There is also rubber pieces that slide up and down the track that could be binding makes kind of a squeaking noise.

[Renden]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster Struts are nothing more than a spring loaded piston. A little rust could cause problems.Does it sound like the motor is straining.

Not when it is bringing the awning out.......when it somes in......slow !!

[Arch Hoagland]

Had the exact same problem. The problem is that you have low voltage at the motor. My low voltage was due to the fact that the after market installer tapped into an interior light for power. I rewired and the awning nows retracts quickly.
You can test for this by running two wires straight from your battery to where they have brought power in to the motor assy.
You could also put a digital voltmeter on the 12 volt power leads and see how far the voltage is dropping.

[Renden]

Thanks guys for the comments Now I will enroll in an electricity course or get tech help from someone able to check the voltage on my line to the motor...as for the struts wwill try to get a price my e-mail from PPL

[Renden]

Thanks-RB

[Renden]

Since my last interventions on this thread - Got the Awning in at Lazydays and Carefree tech told me that the motor was slow !

Since I am in Ft Myers this Winter, my Carefree Eclipse electric awning goes out but does not come in by itself and needs a little push on the arm. I did the silicone treatment on the tracks, had another Tech come in yesterday, who changed the Motor and verified alignement etc......said struts cold ot be changed since they were riveted and verified struts......I understand that the strut does help awning go out...not in as I have a new one from last year that was never installed. So I do not see the struts being the problem ?
By the way, nothing changed with new motor and direct 12 volt applied to it did not change anything.......so now I am stuck......

[BigSkyBob]

I have the same awning and the same problem. Mine finally stopped working so I had to chase down the problem. I finally discovered the problem to be corrosion at the 12 volt connection that plugs into the side of the coach. There are 4 sockets and one ground socket in the center that was badly corroded. I cleaned all the sockets with a paperclip and it worked. The awning now rolls up as it did when new so that was the problem. I hope this helps you fix your problem.