Community Forums

scbwr · 06-17-2021, 06:59 PM

Carefree makes a conversion kit for converting manual awnings to electric:

https://www.shadepro.net/product/car...lispe-upgrade/

Has anyone had experience with converting their manual awning to electric. I've had both manual and electric awnings, and at this point in life, I want either convert our manual awning or replace it with an electric awning.

I'm fully aware of the the advantages and disadvantages of both styles of awnings, so we really don't need to pursue that issue. But I would really like to hear from anyone that has had an awning converted, whether with the Carefree kit, or the Lippert Solara kit other. Does anyone have any idea which job would take less time as I will have this done at a shop. It's not a job that I want to tackle.

Thanks for any info or experiences you can share!

mackwrench · 06-18-2021, 08:47 AM

Yes, I did it, great upgrade. I only replaced the arm assemblies & reused the roller and fabric. Been working flawless and effortless for 4 years now

I used the Carefree kit as that was the brand of awning I had and was a direct fit.
Working by myself it took one full day.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/convert-manual-awning-to-electric-462315.html

paul65k · 06-18-2021, 09:00 AM

We had ShadePro do this conversion for us at Quartzsite almost 3 years ago now. We have had no issues other than the need to clean and lube the channel from time to time.

We used the original material and they changed the arms and tube (we had a steel tube) and the total cost with a very well done installation was about $1800......Very nice Upgrade!!

scbwr · 06-19-2021, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the replies. I'm in the process of getting quotes on the Carefree Eclipse upgrade and I think I will be very pleased once I can get it done.

Teamfoxy · 06-20-2021, 08:30 AM

For $1800, I had our entire awning replaced with a new one. That was parts and labor for a new 18' Dometic electric. A tree took out our old one, fabric, tube, and the rear arm assembly.

scbwr · 06-20-2021, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teamfoxy

For $1800, I had our entire awning replaced with a new one. That was parts and labor for a new 18' Dometic electric. A tree took out our old one, fabric, tube, and the rear arm assembly.

Thanks for the information. Online, the cost of a 17' Carefree Eclipse awning is in the $2,000 range and the electrical work needed will add to the cost. But, I will also be checking to see what some dealers can do pricewise on a new awning.