Expensive Girard topper awning advantages.

[fixit1957]

Just talked with a dealer about not getting the Girard awning package and ordering the 2 side Nova awnings and stand Manual pull down window awnings. He said the difference is the Girard topper awnings don't sag like the Carefree awnings do. Carefree in wind conditions will make you want to pull in slides. Any input on this would be appreciated. About a 6k difference in price.

[Mr_D]

I have the CareFree Apex awnings on my rig (can't tell them from a Girard from the ground) I like the looks of them but frankly I'd almost rather have manual ones. They are up so high and not adjustable except on ladders with two people on them at each end with a wrench.
My slide awnings and electric window awnings are Girard though and the slide toppers don't sag as you were told. Due to the mounting they have quite a slant to them so the water runs off.

[We_B_Tripn]

Looking at Ventana versus Dutch Stars the one thing I noticed about the Carefree awnings on the Ventana was the slack in the slide toppers. The Girard slide topper design creates much more slant and definitely are more taut.

Bill

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by fixit1957

Just talked with a dealer about not getting the Girard awning package and ordering the 2 side Nova awnings and stand Manual pull down window awnings. He said the difference is the Girard topper awnings don't sag like the Carefree awnings do. Carefree in wind conditions will make you want to pull in slides. Any input on this would be appreciated. About a 6k difference in price.

I have Carefree toppers and a Girard main awning and door awning. They have all been in service 14 years now. I would love to have the Girard toppers. The Carefree toppers pool water and the Girards shed water. They are vastly superior both in workmanship and design. The topper fabric have all been replaced years ago. The Girard main awning will be replaced within the next year.

If you intend to keep the coach for several years, go for the Girard package.

[fixit1957]

That is helpful. Any other?

[zman62]

I have had both and they are well worth the extra money. They stay tight and have a steep slope for water run off. You will never see a sag in them with water pooling in the middle. You will be very happy with them.

[fixit1957]

Man you guys are costing me 5 grand.

[willipaul]

Originally Posted by fixit1957

Man you guys are costing me 5 grand.

yup. i looked close for my order and came to the same conclusions....i went with the full girard package...

they are worth it...

the water pools on my tiffin....really ticks me off....

[Desertboyz]

Originally Posted by fixit1957

Man you guys are costing me 5 grand.

We faced the same decision. However, after living with Carefree toppers with our Tiffin, we spent the extra $$ for Girard. We experienced lots of issues with our Carefree toppers. They are flat, sag, collect water and leaves. We had to have one replaced after it tore.

Don't cheap out with this.

[fixit1957]

Thx