Carefree Fiesta Awning Function

[deandec]

My buddy has a 2002 version of the Carefree awning which he never uses because it will not retract.

I have added tension to the spring on a Zip Dee awning so I know the procedure as outlined by CareFree.

However, the awning brake peg makes a ticking sound on his awning with every roll of the awning tube whether up or down.

My buddy is concerned that the sound is not correct and something is broken inside the tube.

I think he just needs to add tension and ignore the the ticking sound as normal.

What say you Carefree awning users?

[Francesca]

I have a Carefree Fiesta- it ticks going up and down.
I think you're right- that baby needs tensioning.
I've tensioned mine just by "hand rolling" it up, and then opening as usual.
But mine's pretty small- only 9' wide. might be harder to do on a bigger awning.
I also have the owner's manual (somewhere)- if I can find it I'd be happy to post the relevant page if it's any help.

Francesca

[deandec]

Thanks for the offer of the manual. We have the manual and found instructions for tensioning on the internet.

A big Thanks for the confirmation of the ticking sound. That should remove our concerns.

[Francesca]

No problem-

Now you'll have it "Made in the Shade"!
I'll bet you need it under that Sacramento sun

I use mine more for rain protection up here in the Pacific North"wet"

Francesca

[deandec]

Well, the winding of the spring for more tension was a failure.

We unwound the spring (19 turns) to zero tension and then put 15 turns back on the awning to match the Carefree recommendation for the 16' awning.

We still had to roll up the awning manually except for the last 9 " of travel. That tension was at least an improvement, but no over all joy.

My buddy thinks he has a broken spring on the brake side, but has decided to just not use the awning very frequently. So no further experimentation will occur.