Hello, I don't currently have an awning on my 2001 Elite trailer but am considering having one installed. My trailer is a two horse, 20' on the floor, and so I was thinking of an awing width of maybe 10' or 12'. I would just appreciate some input on why I would choose one type over the other. I realize the electric type would be more involved to install and therefore more costly, one of my questions is how much more should I expect to pay for the electric as opposed to the manual. Also, can I trust my locat RV dealer to install either type on a horse trailer or should I take it to the trailer conversion company? Conversion company is a half a day's drive away. Thanks for the advice Joan
Posted 2019-03-10 9:31 AM (#172234 - in reply to #172233) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690 Location: missouri
Got a friend/husband/other and some power tools and 2 ladders??? Try this: https://www.amazon.com/ALEKO-RVAW13X8BLKST33-Retractable-Awning-Striped or Camperid/Solera awnings.
Posted 2019-03-10 12:18 PM (#172235 - in reply to #172233) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Regular
Posts: 88 Location: Washington
Having had both, I would not consider a manual again. But that's me. Had a manual come unfurled and then peel off the side of the trailer (operator error) and my gut feeling is that's not an issue with electric. Number one is flat out convenience. Electric is more but you're gonna be more likely to roll it out when you want it and roll it back in when it needs to be instead of chancing it. Cost difference I don't know and only you can decide what it's worth to you.
Posted 2019-03-11 5:50 AM (#172236 - in reply to #172233) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Michigan
We have both, manual on my horse trailer and electric on the travel trailer. I will just say that when the manual one decides not to go back up it is much easier to handle than the electric one. We have a travel trailer that is two years old and have had it back to the dealer four times because the awning would not role back in, have maybe used it eight times. The dealer has replaced the motor 3 of the 4 times it has been in. If they decide not to come in the manual you can just roll by hand and usually after a few turns the spring kicks in and up it goes, the electric requires a drill, ladder and odd adapter to roll back in and even then it takes forever. I hate the electric awning and would much rather have the old fashioned manual one.
Posted 2019-03-12 1:12 PM (#172239 - in reply to #172233) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Veteran
Posts: 149 Location: Harrisburg, OR
Another option would be the new(er) 18V electric awnings. They have a built in battery system and can also be operated manually. They do not require running any wires or accessing the 12V system.
Posted 2019-03-14 10:45 PM (#172240 - in reply to #172233) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
I just bought an awning. I got a manual roll-up … But no springs. It has a gearbox on the end of the roller. The crank attaches to the gear. The mechanism is secure and absolutely positive. It goes up and down as I crank it.
Posted 2019-03-21 4:25 PM (#172271 - in reply to #172235) Subject: RE: Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
Member
Posts: 31
Dbarnes72 - 2019-03-10 12:18 PM
Having had both, I would not consider a manual again. But that's me. Had a manual come unfurled and then peel off the side of the trailer (operator error) and my gut feeling is that's not an issue with electric. Number one is flat out convenience. Electric is more but you're gonna be more likely to roll it out when you want it and roll it back in when it needs to be instead of chancing it. Cost difference I don't know and only you can decide what it's worth to you.
My uncle gone to electric as well. Worth it in the long run.
Manual Awning Verses Electric Awning
