Carefree of Colorado is one of the best brands to offer RV awnings as they have been in the industry since 1971. The awning can be extended from the vehicle’s side, so you can create a shade to sit outside while resting or camping in one spot.
This awning has an easy slide-out system since it is motorized but some people have complained about the retraction issues. So, let’s see how you can fix this issue!
How to Fix Carefree Of Colorado Awning Won’t Retract?
1. Check for Obstructions
This awning is completely motorized, which means it can be retracted and extended with a button. However, if it’s not retracting, you should check for obstructions.
Usually, the awnings have some debris or small cloth stuck around the connection point, which blocks the movement. For this reason, you have to check the awning assembly and clear the obstructions.
Before you press the button, try to retract the manually. If it retracts, you can turn on the button and it will retract smoothly.
2. Broken Motor
If there are no obstructions, it’s likely that the motor is damaged and needs to be repaired.
Since the motor is installed on the exterior side of the vehicle, it is exposed to different weather conditions, which often causes damage to the motor’s internal parts (exposure to rain can cause rust and corrosion in the motor).
For this reason, we recommend that you hire an electrician to get the motor checked.
On the other hand, if you want to check the motor on your own, you’ve to locate the motor’s supply connection terminal and connect it to the battery supply cables. If the motor doesn’t work, it means that the motor is damaged and needs to be replaced.
In fact, when you connect the motor to the battery and if makes it a clicking sound, the motor can be repaired. However, if there is no sound, the motor should be replaced.
3. Arm
The awning moves across the arm and braces. So, if the awning is not retracting, you need to check the arms and braces to make sure they are operating smoothly. In most cases, debris and dirt can cause movement issues.
For this reason, we recommend that you use a hose to wash out the arm and braces’ channels. In case cleaning doesn’t work, we recommend that you spray the pivot points and joints with a silicone lubricant (it helps smoothen the movement).
However, you must dry the arms and braces properly before applying the lubricant.
Secondly, you have to inspect the awning arms for rust. That’s because rust can hinder the movement of arms, resulting in retraction issues. So, if there is rust, you can use WD-40 rust removal spray to clean the arms.
Thirdly, you have to check the location of the arms. That’s because the arms need to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the RV. However, if the arms don’t seem aligned, you have to unscrew them and install them again.
While installing the arms again, make sure the fabric is stretched evenly between the two arms.
4. Sensors
Since the Carefree of Colorado awning is motorized, it is designed with electric sensors that help optimize the awning’s retraction and extension. However, if the electric sensor fails, it will cause retraction issues as the motor won’t get on-time signals.
The sensors are sensitive to voltage fluctuations, which is why we recommend that you check the batteries as they are responsible to power the electric gadgets, including the sensors.
If the battery is low, you have to recharge it, so it can power the sensors. On the other hand, if you have not replaced the battery in a few years, you must invest in a new one because old batteries are usually weak.
If fixing the battery doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s likely that the sensors are already damaged and need to be replaced.
Last but not least, when you get the sensors replaced, ask the electrician to check the RV’s wiring as well to make sure there are no voltage issues that are damaging the sensors.
5. Moisture
Many people don’t pay heed to this factor that the saturated awning is extremely challenging to retract. So, if there has been raining or snowing recently, it’s likely that the awning is not fully dried, hence the retracting issue.
It is recommended that you touch the awning, and if it’s wet, you’ve to let it dry before you start retracting it. In addition, when it starts raining or snowing, you should retract the awning to make sure it doesn’t get too wet.
6. Wiring Supply
Since the awning is already extended, it will be easy to access the wiring connection. When you locate the wiring connection, you have to identify the point where the RV’s wiring connects to the awning’s wiring.
Then, you’ve to disconnect this point and turn on the voltage supply. You can use a voltmeter to check the voltage of the connection point of the RV – if the reading is 12V, the RV’s wiring is working fine and there is something wrong with the awning’s connection.
There can be various issues with the awning’s wiring connection, such as worn-out cables, a cut that’s preventing the flow of electric current, or a bend that’s hindering the supply. So, we recommend that you inspect the wiring and replace the damaged ones.
7. Fabric
The awning’s shade attaches to the rail on top of the RV, and if it’s not retracting, there are chances that the fabric has shifted on one side, which is hindering the retraction. For the awning to retract smoothly, the fabric should be between two arms
So, check the fabric and if it seems uneven or crooked, you’ve to check that the screw in the railing isn’t loose. If it’s loose, you’ve to tighten it after putting the fabric evenly between two arms. Then, retract the awning and it should work fine.
On the other hand, the warped fabric will also interfere with the retraction process. In particular, heavy rain can lead to warping of the fabric, especially when you leave it open as it can collect debris and water
The water and debris on the fabric can increase the load on the fabric, which makes it impossible to retract. So, inspect the fabric and if it’s warped, you have to get it replaced.
8. Awning Chords
The awning chords are responsible for smooth retraction and expansion of the awning. In ideal cases, the chords must remain stationary.
So, inspect the chords and if they are moving, it’s likely that the screws are loose. The simplest solution is to locate the screws on the chord and tighten them up to optimize the movement of the awning.
9. Fuse
If you press the button and there is no sound coming from the motor, it means that the fuse has blown. You can use a multimeter to check the voltage of the fuse. If the voltage is less than 12V, the fuse is damaged and should be replaced.
Another common symptom of a damaged fuse is its blackened appearance. Also, to install the new fuse, you should hire an electrician to make sure the connections are done correctly.
The Bottom Line
If nothing works and the awning is still not retracting, the only solution is to call Carefree of Colorado’s customer support for a warranty claim. Till then, you can retract it manually.
For this purpose, locate the awning motor, take off the cap, and use a drill to rotate the screw. Rotating the screw in a counterclockwise direction will retract the awning.
Last but not least, always keep the awning retracted when not in use to prevent damage to the motor, arms, chords, and fabric.