we are going to add an awning to our 2006 Featherlite 3H gooseneck, any tips or things to be aware of ? Looking for any feedback, the good, the bad & the ugly...
Posted 2011-01-24 7:56 PM (#129225 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Regular
Posts: 79 Location: Hopkinsville, Ky
I've had an awning on every trailer I've ever had. They all seem to be a pain, especially when they get some age on them. I think I will not put one on my next trailer. I will buy one of those portable canvas gazebos that fold up into a sack. I see other people do it all the time at rodeos, and ropeings, and they move it to watch. What I have spent to maintain my owning would have bought a few of the gazebos over the years. Just my thoughts.
Posted 2011-01-25 8:37 AM (#129235 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Have the Two Step...it's nice. Besides, you have to have yet another place to store the fold up tent. The awning stores on the trailer....but it ain't real portable.
Posted 2011-01-25 9:12 AM (#129236 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Regular
Posts: 87 Location: Williamsburg VA
We use the portable gazebo. Stored vertically it takes about a square foot of floor space. We can use it where ever we want on the camp site or show grounds. The other advantage is that you can use it for other events such as grand kids ball games and auto races. It breaks, I throw it away and buy a new one for not much money.
Posted 2011-01-25 2:31 PM (#129257 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
We have had both the AE 8500 and the Two Step.. I could not operate the 8500 by myself. The Two Step is wonderful. We also have a stand alone gazebo. When we are camping often the picnic tables are heavy or chained down. We set the gazebo up over the table for eating and use the awning to relax under. IF we can move the picnic table, we put the gazebo up against the end of the awning and put the table under it. If I am traveling by myself to a competition, its easy to roll out the awning by myself for instant shade, etc. So both works for us.
Posted 2011-01-25 3:22 PM (#129258 - in reply to #129257) Subject: RE: Awnings
Regular
Posts: 95 Location: Nashville, TN
I have a channel on my trailer where it appears you could slide a tarp end in it and support it with poles on the ground. I've never used it, wondering if others have this setup and if they use it. I would think it would be a pain to thread something into that channel.
Posted 2011-01-25 3:33 PM (#129259 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Member
Posts: 15
Location: TEA, SD
we have had two trailers with awnings, the first trailer the awning was a pain in the butt and I couldn't use it by myself. My husband had to be there to help with it. Our trailer now has a two step on it and it is great. When I go with just the horse women I can use the awning by myself, no problem. Go with a two step and you won't be sorry.
Posted 2011-01-25 3:47 PM (#129262 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Location: Central Arkansas
Both my current trailers have Weather Pro push button awnings. You can open & shut them from inside or with a remote. They automatically roll up in high winds depending how you program the sensor. They also have auto water dumping features. The arms are shorter on the side of the trailer which gives the horses more clearance when they stand under them.
Posted 2011-01-25 8:25 PM (#129275 - in reply to #129258) Subject: RE: Awnings
Member
Posts: 39 Location: Southwestern, Indiana
We have a stock trailer that has the removable tarp awning with poles. It was the standard type of camper awning before the roll-ups became popular (still popular on pop-ups). Yes it is a pain to setup and take down, plus you have the poles and the tie-down lines to walk around. I can put it up and take it down by myself but it is a lot of work, almost impossible in the cold. We had a Carefree of Colorado awning on our travel trailer, easy to use and not to expensive when we had to replace the awning fabric (15 years old), which survived heavy rains but not a tornado. The aluminum framework was still usable. When we get a newer trailer, it will have a roll-up awning. But I will still carry my two instant-up portable awnings as they have a time and a place when they are the best.
Posted 2011-01-25 10:41 PM (#129282 - in reply to #129221) Subject: RE: Awnings
Elite Veteran
Posts: 714 Location: Minnesota
4-H Dad; Check with Denny's Trailer sales in Wykoff, MN. Last year (and before) they sold awnings installed for $550.00. Joey does a great job with all service. I have bought three trailers from them and had them install an awning on one that I didn't buy from them.
Posted 2011-01-28 9:36 AM (#129390 - in reply to #129262) Subject: RE: Pulling 4 Star vs Bloomer?
Member
Posts: 14
Location: Jarrell, Texas
I see you have both a 4 Star and a Bloomer. How do they compare pulling down the road? I am considering selling my 4 Horse 4 Star (9 Ft. LQ shell) and picking up a Bloomer 3 Horse (11 Ft. LQ finished). I don't want to buy the Bloomer until I know how Bloomer pulls. I had a 4 H (4 Ft. Dressing) Sundowner and it it pulled like I had an anchor behind it. If you can advise, I'd really appreciate it.redhorse
Awnings
