My New Automatic Awning

One of my commenters, Barbara of Me and My Dog suggested that I include in one of my posts, the information on my new automatic awning.  So, Barbara, this is for you!

                            sitting in the sun   

            old one

As you all know, I spent 4 months this past summer, gate guarding in South Texas near the Mexican border.  Let me tell you.  It was HOT!  Although, most mornings were quite comfortable, I would have spent more time outside if it were easier to use my perfectly good awning.  However, it is so high on the 5th wheel, that it wasn’t easy to get it back up when the wind picked up and that was quite often.  I have seen dust devils as tall 8 to 12 feet high.  So needless to say, I didn’t use it and stayed inside watching movies and sitting on my you know what. 

I was there to make enough money to clear a 2011 tax bill, so I just stay a little longer for enough money to cover the added expense for the automatic awning.  So on Labor Day, I left the oil fields and headed north to Camping World in New Braunsfels, Texas where I had an appointment on September 5th to replace the current awning with one that is automatic and has a wind sensor to the tune of nearly three thousand dollars.  I’m sure that there are places that it wouldn’t cost that much, but to my way of thinking, Camping World is nationwide and that cost also includes a 3 year warranty.

                

                                  new awning from two directions.

I  have a 37’ 5th wheel and the awning is 16‘ long.  Mine was a bit expensive, so if you have a shorter one, it may not be as much.  In talking to others and the guys that installed it, the sensor might not be needed, because, to work, the winds have to be sustained before it brings the awning in and that may be too late.  So, you may not want one.  That could save a few hundred dollars.  One thing to keep in mind is that with an automatic awning, you can’t anchor or tie it down. 

        

                                taken from my door, both directions.

It is so easy to just push a button on the remote.  I have been holding the button down to open and close it and my thumb would relax and it would stop.  I just found out TODAY that I only have to hold it down once for it to open/close completely. DUH!!!!!  Although, I can open it only part way if I want to.  Others that I have spoken to have a button installed on a wall or wherever.  Mine is operated by a remote ( like you might have to open a car door ).  In order for me not to lose it, I keep it inside the control panel door.  I used some tape to make a place for me to slip it into for storage.  It works for me.

                                      

In general numbers, the installation, $312., wind sensor, $260., awning and assembly, approximately,  $1,650, 3 year protection plan, $349., shipping $128., and misc. charges about $15.   Again, mine is long, but hopefully it will give you an idea as to the cost. I’m glad you asked.

I really like it.  I haven’t had to use it much, because the way that I am parked and I have quite a bit of shade.  It is sooooo easy and quick. 

Gotta run, and get to work.

Thanks for visiting

  What?  You have to go to work?   Ohhhhhh no!

Susan and Angel