4 Ways To Fix Carefree Electric Awning Problem

Carefree Electric Awning Problem
Carefree Electric Awning Problem

Introduction

An awning has been the quintessential RV tool that has been enjoyed by generations of adventurers. Carefree has produced a state-of-the-art version that utilizes an electric motor that creates an effortless solution to awning extension and storage.

However, like a lot of technological components, they will eventually fail. Although they are not common, some faults have begun to be associated with Carefree awning.

Therefore, this article has been produced to provide you with clear and concise troubleshooting instructions to help you get back on the road. It really put the ‘Carefree’ name to the test.

What is The Carefree Electric Awning

The Carefree awning puts a modern twist on an old, trusted RV companion. An awning is a compact extending outdoor roof that can be retracted quickly.

It is remarkable at providing your RV with the sensation of having additional living space by protecting you from the elements as you spend time outside.

They are designed to shield the RV owner from rain or sunlight, providing an outdoor space that is highly functional. The Carefree takes this to a new level by providing an effortless system that is motor operated.

It can be activated by a push of a button or by using Bluetooth technology in your phone. You can activate or withdraw the weather cover with ease, eliminating the hand-cranked or self erected versions.

Relying on electrical devices is generally very practical until they break down. Therefore, you should read on to discover exactly how to address any issues as soon as they arise.

How To Fix Carefree Electric Awning Problem?

1. Awning Timing Issue

A pervasive problem with the Carefree awning system is its tendency to fall out of time. The most notable symptom of this issue is that one of the sides appears to rise quicker than the other, which causes misalignment.

This may not seem like a serious issue, but you should address it immediately. If you attempt to drive, even at low speeds, with an awning that has not been fully seated, you can easily tear and permanently damage it.

Fortunately, this is a typical issue that can be resolved reasonably easily. It is part of the initial installation process. It requires an alignment of the awning extension arms when it is fully retracted. Review your owner’s manual for detailed instructions and follow them precisely.

Alternatively, this misaligned arms may be due to improperly tightened inner straps. They are located inside each arm’s channel and should be reasonably tight. If either side requires an adjustment, you can extend the awning fully.

Carefree Awning Extend Fully

Remove the end covers and manually manipulate the roller tube after it is disconnected from the drive wheel. Reinstall to check and refine as necessary.

2. Electrical Issue

If you find that both the rocker switch and the Bluetooth control fail to operate the awning, then there may be an electrical fault. As the Carefree Awning is entirely electrically operated, there are only a few crucial components that should be inspected in order.

First and foremost, we must address the obvious and cliched issue. Do you have enough power? Like every RV appliance, the awning is powered by the onboard electrical system.

This 12V or 24V leisure battery system is responsible for multiple systems and can easily be unintentionally drained. Therefore, the most sensible thing to check is your onboard battery to identify if it lacks power.

The reading can typically be observed from your electrical control panel or manually using a multimeter.

The electrical system is exposed to the elements, which puts it at greater risk of developing rust issues and building up debris that will affect function.

Moreover, the vibrations generated from your moving RV prived ideal conditions for the connections to be rattled loose over time. Therefore, it is crucial that you check all of the connections to guarantee they are both clean and secure.

Checking Connection

Tipped fuses are often the cause of electrical failure. First, assess your user manual to identify the location and rating of the fuse which you should replace like for like. If this has no effect, you can use a multimeter to monitor the voltage levels getting to the components.

If there is a voltage reading but it is less 10% or less than your onboard voltage, then it is likely that your onboard batteries are dead. Alternatively, there may have been an issue with the installation process why the wires’ gauge was too low, preventing the appropriate voltage from passing through the motor.

Although the Carefree awning is designed to function using a low voltage (12V and 24V), you should always be very careful when dealing with electrical devices. If you feel uncomfortable dealing with the electronics of your RV, then you should contact an experienced professional.

3. Awning Motor Issue

There are some clear signs that it is not simply a lack of electrical power being provided to the awning. If you complete all of the above checks, then it may be time to consider if the awning motor is beginning to malfunction.

The most obvious symptom of this would be that the awning will move far more slowly than usual. It has also been reported that as the motor begins to degenerate, it will make a high-pitched whining sound when it is in operation.

Before replacing the motor, you should lubricate all the awning’s moving components. While lubricating, you should clean all of the metalwork and clear any apparent blockages which may also be causing non-optimal performance.

4. Functioning Rollers But No Movement

Another vital issue that a number of owners have highlighted is an inability to operate the awning extension even though the motorized rollers are functioning. Sometimes there will be a partial extension, but it will then stop a few inches from the body of the RV.

Keep in mind that the rugged weatherproof material used for the awning it very heavy and requires a lot of power to move.

Some issues can cause this malfunction. Most often, it is due to the RV being leveled incorrectly. If the RV is angled away from the awning, then gravity can prevent the rollers from engaging the sheet material properly.

This problem is often identified directly after initial installation. The Carefree awning tends to function well once installed, but it requires some reasonably precise standards to function correctly.

If the rollers do not move the material, then the rollers may not be adequately aligned. The awning utilizes both rollers to move the material and cannot function on only one. To resolve this, you should ensure the RV is level and reposition the fixture to guarantee even distribution.

ensure the RV is level

The alumguard and tractioner are critical components in the extension process. They guide the material out evenly and prevent debris from being trapped in the material when it is rolled.

These are reasonably delicate metal components that can easily be bent and damaged. They work within a fairly small margin. Therefore, they are often a source of malfunction.

Advisable Maintenance

Cleaning the entire awning relatively regularly is a simple but handy tip. Cleaning will prevent the build-up of grime, moss, and dirt, which can easily penetrate and encumber the system’s inner workings.

During the cleaning process, you should also lubricate all of the moving metal components to ensure they last for as long as possible.

Inspection after heavy winds is imperative to keep the system operating optimally. This is particularly significant due to the hydraulic mechanism involved in the awning’s functions

If there has been damage and misalignments of any of the structural components, it can permanently damage the machine should it be operated.

Conclusion

Although the Carefree brand has generally lived up to its name, there are some consistent issues that owners highlight. Although the brand and its products are renowned for their robust and durable qualities, they are still susceptible to malfunctions and breakdowns.

Fortunately, newer manuals have been produced with troubleshooting sections highlighting exactly how to identify and resolve many issues. This article has illustrated the most common and easily addressed issues that you can easily take on at home.

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