17' Series Awning options...

[Roadhouse]

Hi all.

We have a carefree fiesta awning on the Expanda and it is getting to the end of its useful life. Will get us through the last 6 weeks of our trip but keen to look at new options when we get home.

Fabric is getting a bit shabby with a couple of tears near the tube and a few small holes up near where it meets the van., The hardware is also showing it's age and has had a hit when with its previous owner so a bit stiff to operate one side.

I can just buy a new complete fiesta awning and hardware kit but are there better awnings out there? I know a new carefree fiesta would be easiest swap as all holes etc should line up, but what have others done if replacing their awnings?

 

[Drover]

Having replaced 2 awnings ove rthe years and checked out various others, I would say the Carefree is the better of the bunch in regards to durability...... if the arms are getting difficult to operate check that they are straight as more than likely the slide is distorted and is can be replaced, in a big storm I managed to damage one of the slides and things were difficult until i replaced it, of course many don't open their awnings correctly and cause damage which might have been the case previously...

Once the vinyl starts to fall apart, replacement of the whole thing is best, vinyls and barrel, internally the barrel is probably very rusty, I told my neighbour that but he just wanted the vinyl done so we did that and what a mongrel job that was, in a matter of months the barrel then shat itself, so wasn't the saving he thought it was ................ I have done a How To on changing the awning and its not hard but you do need at least 2 of you.
Recently changed the awning and barrel on Big Mal and found this mob https://www.outbackequipment.com.au/caravan-rv/awnings-accessories/awnings/ to have the genuine gear and good pricing, (its a real store in Brisbane) I saved a few hundred bucks, freight was quick as well, in addition this time around I fitted one of these for when Big Mal is parked up at home, https://jillaroo.com.au/product/jillaroo-awning-vinyl-cover-protector/ and it is keeping lots of crap off the roll.............

 

[Roadhouse]

I’m thinking replacing like for like would be easiest and no real compelling reason to change brands I guess.

that jillaroo awning cover looks like a good idea too.

 

[Drover]

I’m thinking replacing like for like would be easiest and no real compelling reason to change brands I guess.

that jillaroo awning cover looks like a good idea too.

Heaps cheaper as well, and no extra holes, the Jillaroo is good if you park it up outside, can't be left on whilst driving down the road though for obvious reasons....

The Jillaroo set up on Big Mal .............

https://expandasdownunder.com/attachments/img_20220723_142023_hdr-jpg.68487/

Drovers new Rig - "Big Mal"

Battery light came on and went flat in minutes can’t get anyone to look at it so I went and bought a new alternator as they have a habit of dying and it’s got a couple of hundred k on it, alas no difference so hopefully on Monday I can get it towed somewhere to sort it out. Can’t wait for the...

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