I just noticed my awning that is nearly 6 years old now has seen better days. The poor old thing has had some very strong winds attack it and very hot and dry sun beaming down on it. I just noticed the flap of the outside of the roller is cracking and I have said for a while now the vinyl seems to shrink in it's length (one end to the other). It can be exposed to the elements for weeks and weeks at a time.
I don't think there is much more time left before it 'rides on ahead'.
How is you awning travelling? Have you had to replace it? How old was it if you have replaced it? What cost is involved to replace the Vinyl and roller?
I can't do it so will have to get someone.
Wizardofoz said
02:45 PM Mar 17, 2020
Dougwe wrote:
Afternoon everyone,
I just noticed my awning that is nearly 6 years old now has seen better days. The poor old thing has had some very strong winds attack it and very hot and dry sun beaming down on it. I just noticed the flap of the outside of the roller is cracking and I have said for a while now the vinyl seems to shrink in it's length (one end to the other). It can be exposed to the elements for weeks and weeks at a time.
I don't think there is much more time left before it 'rides on ahead'.
How is you awning travelling? Have you had to replace it? How old was it if you have replaced it? What cost is involved to replace the Vinyl and roller?
I can't do it so will have to get someone.
5years for mine, it was a large one 22' caravan and it cost $1800 fitted at my local caravan service yard.
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Tuesday 17th of March 2020 02:46:46 PM
Cupie said
04:42 PM Mar 17, 2020
I replaced mine a few months ago because the spring in the roller had rusted & broken & one end was coming off.
It seems that replacing the whole assembly was the way to go even though the vinyl was OK if a little bit stretched after about 10 years.
I can't comment on the cost as I got mine at cost + 1/2 the normal mark up charge.
I would expect to pay about $1200 - 1500.
-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 17th of March 2020 04:44:38 PM
Radar said
05:08 PM Mar 17, 2020
Dougwe wrote:
Afternoon everyone,
I just noticed my awning that is nearly 6 years old now has seen better days. The poor old thing has had some very strong winds attack it and very hot and dry sun beaming down on it. I just noticed the flap of the outside of the roller is cracking and I have said for a while now the vinyl seems to shrink in it's length (one end to the other). It can be exposed to the elements for weeks and weeks at a time.
I don't think there is much more time left before it 'rides on ahead'.
How is you awning travelling? Have you had to replace it? How old was it if you have replaced it? What cost is involved to replace the Vinyl and roller?
I can't do it so will have to get someone.
Hi Dougwe.
Our caravan come to us by the secondhand market Dec 2012, for next few years it was mostly stored out in the open, Sept 2016 when we purchased it from the people with health issues said the storage people damaged the awning and was needing replacing, 2 rolls of good cloth tape later in June 2019, I declared awning had served us well, looking a seriously draggie, we had it replaced. Our caravan lives in the sun with the awning facing North capturing the sun, adding to the it's short life expectancy.
We used a place at Clontaff, in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, we had used them on our previous caravan for the replacement of the awning and was more then pleased with their service. Into the factory at 7.30am out by noon.
This time the service was good but this time the material is not as good and we have been back to see them, they have noted it all down and if we are not 100% happy in a couple of months they are going to replace the awning material. Approximate sub $700 for a 4.5metre
We have no links with this company, just spent money there. Aussie Traveller Clontaff QLD.
PS. Sitting here looking at the material it will be getting replaced.
Magnarc said
08:30 AM Mar 18, 2020
Doug, we just had the same problem with cracking in the flap and starting to split at the roller. Got the replacement done at Pinnacle Wholesalers in Wendouree, Ballarat. Got an 20ft awning for $350 and they installed for $200. The new one is thinner than the old one I suspect its not as good a quality but it looks fine and, as an 82 yr old bloke, I figured that it will see me out. They were very easy to deal with if you want to know more call them on 0353429651and speak to Robin.
I have no connection to this company other than previously stated.
Dougwe said
09:05 AM Mar 18, 2020
Thankyou everyone for your replies. It looks like nearly 6 years is a good life span for the use and treatment it gets. I hope it lasts the distance for at least another month. If I head to Townsville still the awning doesn't get used at all until my return to the southern states so will sort something out before or on my return.
Cupie said
09:43 AM Mar 18, 2020
Dougwe wrote:
Thankyou everyone for your replies. It looks like nearly 6 years is a good life span for the use and treatment it gets. I hope it lasts the distance for at least another month. If I head to Townsville still the awning doesn't get used at all until my return to the southern states so will sort something out before or on my return.
If you delay the replacement until your next trip north, 'The Awning Man' runs a mobile service and will do the job as you pass through the Brisbane area. He's good for quality & price. Just mention my name for a good deal.
(You'll have to stop of course LOL. Plenty of parking at my place.)
iana said
10:38 AM Mar 18, 2020
If you get a new awning, make sure you get an "Early Awning Warning" fitted, warns against on coming high winds . Just joking!
Mobi Condo said
10:39 AM Mar 18, 2020
Wow! Just how timely is stuff on this forum!!!!
Thankyou for the thread.
Our Aussie Traveller Coolabah is now 15 years of age! It has been sooooo good and strong, BUT is on it's way out. Well the roof canvas is as well as the poles etc. The walls and skirts are as new, but have had several months of use over the 15 years.
So we are looking at a large Adelaide Annexe mob to replace it with a Carefree Awning to which they can modify our annexe walls etc.
This of course will assist me as well because I too am on my way out and with a new awning will not have to use a ladder to set up and install the Carefree.
Apparently it is made in the USA (but most likely USA design and made some where O/S from there), and of course will fit a tad better than the Coolabah to the van.
SO hopefully this will add info to the thread as well as providing me with other wise experience from contributors.
Cheers Ian
Cupie said
12:00 PM Mar 18, 2020
Mobi Condo wrote:
Wow! Just how timely is stuff on this forum!!!! Thankyou for the thread.
Our Aussie Traveller Coolabah is now 15 years of age! It has been sooooo good and strong, BUT is on it's way out. Well the roof canvas is as well as the poles etc. The walls and skirts are as new, but have had several months of use over the 15 years.
So we are looking at a large Adelaide Annexe mob to replace it with a Carefree Awning to which they can modify our annexe walls etc.
This of course will assist me as well because I too am on my way out and with a new awning will not have to use a ladder to set up and install the Carefree.
Apparently it is made in the USA (but most likely USA design and made some where O/S from there), and of course will fit a tad better than the Coolabah to the van.
SO hopefully this will add info to the thread as well as providing me with other wise experience from contributors.
Cheers Ian
My new Carefree is a dream to put up & down after my last trip with the old one where I had to wind it out & in by hand, with no spring or ratchet, all the time being careful that the end cap didn't pop out. Then I had to fit a couple of zippy ties to hold the cap in place ... & cut them off again before carefully rolling it up. What a PITA.
It's a dream to have it click click clicking, just like new. Which it is.
I also had the centre 'spreader' bracket cut a bit longer this time, so that it doesn't come out of its slide when fully extended like the other one has done for >10years. The last installer cut it about 20mm too short and as the rafter bowed outwards over time the bracket wasn't quite long enough.!
Oh the joys of a new rollout Awning!!!!
Dougwe said
01:07 PM Mar 18, 2020
Have you got a pic of it up and down at all Graham??
Cupie said
03:00 PM Mar 18, 2020
Dougwe wrote:
Have you got a pic of it up and down at all Graham??
Sorry No & the van is parked up ATM, covers on and up on blocks beside the house with walking room only all round. Can't put the awning out.
Wanting to get out for a few days before winter & prior to our next long tour, so when we do I'll contact you to see if you still want a pic.
Dougwe said
03:37 PM Mar 18, 2020
Gee, you mean you wont set it up to take a pic now for me
No problem mate, all good. I might ask my other good mate, Mr Google if he has a pic
Hope you can both get away into the playground at some stage.
wendycarlene said
05:31 AM Mar 19, 2020
Hello Doug, we had an awning replaced in Townsville at Caravan mart. We can recommend his service, prompt and friendly. Or prompt as they can be when it had to come up from Brisbane
Wizardofoz said
12:37 PM Mar 19, 2020
That's no problem Dougwe, just have your fitter order it in advance and have it fitted when you get there. BINGO!
3 years ago while at a roadhouse I went under tree branch and the lower section just clipped and dented my slide out awning and it wouldn't open, my next stop was Alice Springs, I rang a repair guy in 'Alice' he said he could fit it no problem, only problem, he would need to know the van and measure the awning size.
I had already rang the manufacturer and as luck would have it, they had 1 left in stock so I just paid for it and had it delivered to the repair guy. WhenI got to Alice, he fitted the awning whilst the wife and had lunch and went shopping. 'SIMPLES'
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Thursday 19th of March 2020 12:39:03 PM
Dick0 said
12:57 PM Mar 19, 2020
Hey Doug,
Tony (Tony & Bev) and I recently replaced Fay's caravan awning. I think it was 5 years old and the stitching had frayed and torn in the Greens gusts. I got a 14 foot replacement Carefree awning from Kyabram from a supplier/distributor for $200 new. It would have cost $320 with the end tube roller inclusive. The cost is the same for any size awning as I was told by the seller. This is a brand product of high quality 3 layer vinyl. You would have to agree that it is a super bargain. I should think Craig Collins would not charge much to do the labour replacement especially with the tube included. It took Tony and I about 4 hours to remove the old awning and replace with new awning with current frame and tube intact. We certainly did not rush the job. Hope this helps mate.
Tony Bev said
03:17 PM Mar 22, 2020
Hi Doug
As Richard (Dick0), has already said, I assisted him to replace Fays awning, at Greens Lake
Richard is a full bottle, on awning material, replacements
He is, (as far I am concerned), the go to man, for awnings problems
Not sure where Richard is, at the moment, but as I am now back at home base, I am unfortunately unable to assist you
Keep safe out there, and all thing being equal, I shall try to catch up, next year
Dougwe said
05:13 PM Mar 22, 2020
Thanks Tony, no problem. Thankyou too Richard, I will look into that.
Afternoon everyone,
I just noticed my awning that is nearly 6 years old now has seen better days. The poor old thing has had some very strong winds attack it and very hot and dry sun beaming down on it. I just noticed the flap of the outside of the roller is cracking and I have said for a while now the vinyl seems to shrink in it's length (one end to the other). It can be exposed to the elements for weeks and weeks at a time.
I don't think there is much more time left before it 'rides on ahead'.
How is you awning travelling? Have you had to replace it? How old was it if you have replaced it? What cost is involved to replace the Vinyl and roller?
I can't do it so will have to get someone.
5years for mine, it was a large one 22' caravan and it cost $1800 fitted at my local caravan service yard.
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Tuesday 17th of March 2020 02:46:46 PM
I replaced mine a few months ago because the spring in the roller had rusted & broken & one end was coming off.
It seems that replacing the whole assembly was the way to go even though the vinyl was OK if a little bit stretched after about 10 years.
I can't comment on the cost as I got mine at cost + 1/2 the normal mark up charge.
I would expect to pay about $1200 - 1500.
-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 17th of March 2020 04:44:38 PM
Hi Dougwe.
Our caravan come to us by the secondhand market Dec 2012, for next few years it was mostly stored out in the open, Sept 2016 when we purchased it from the people with health issues said the storage people damaged the awning and was needing replacing, 2 rolls of good cloth tape later in June 2019, I declared awning had served us well, looking a seriously draggie, we had it replaced. Our caravan lives in the sun with the awning facing North capturing the sun, adding to the it's short life expectancy.
We used a place at Clontaff, in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, we had used them on our previous caravan for the replacement of the awning and was more then pleased with their service. Into the factory at 7.30am out by noon.
This time the service was good but this time the material is not as good and we have been back to see them, they have noted it all down and if we are not 100% happy in a couple of months they are going to replace the awning material. Approximate sub $700 for a 4.5metre
We have no links with this company, just spent money there. Aussie Traveller Clontaff QLD.
PS. Sitting here looking at the material it will be getting replaced.
Doug, we just had the same problem with cracking in the flap and starting to split at the roller. Got the replacement done at Pinnacle Wholesalers in Wendouree, Ballarat. Got an 20ft awning for $350 and they installed for $200. The new one is thinner than the old one I suspect its not as good a quality but it looks fine and, as an 82 yr old bloke, I figured that it will see me out. They were very easy to deal with if you want to know more call them on 0353429651and speak to Robin.
I have no connection to this company other than previously stated.
If you delay the replacement until your next trip north, 'The Awning Man' runs a mobile service and will do the job as you pass through the Brisbane area. He's good for quality & price. Just mention my name for a good deal.
(You'll have to stop of course LOL. Plenty of parking at my place.)
If you get a new awning, make sure you get an "Early Awning Warning" fitted, warns against on coming high winds
. Just joking!
Thankyou for the thread.
Our Aussie Traveller Coolabah is now 15 years of age! It has been sooooo good and strong, BUT is on it's way out. Well the roof canvas is as well as the poles etc. The walls and skirts are as new, but have had several months of use over the 15 years.
So we are looking at a large Adelaide Annexe mob to replace it with a Carefree Awning to which they can modify our annexe walls etc.
This of course will assist me as well because I too am on my way out and with a new awning will not have to use a ladder to set up and install the Carefree.
Apparently it is made in the USA (but most likely USA design and made some where O/S from there), and of course will fit a tad better than the Coolabah to the van.
SO hopefully this will add info to the thread as well as providing me with other wise experience from contributors.
Cheers Ian
My new Carefree is a dream to put up & down after my last trip with the old one where I had to wind it out & in by hand, with no spring or ratchet, all the time being careful that the end cap didn't pop out. Then I had to fit a couple of zippy ties to hold the cap in place ... & cut them off again before carefully rolling it up. What a PITA.
It's a dream to have it click click clicking, just like new. Which it is.
I also had the centre 'spreader' bracket cut a bit longer this time, so that it doesn't come out of its slide when fully extended like the other one has done for >10years. The last installer cut it about 20mm too short and as the rafter bowed outwards over time the bracket wasn't quite long enough.!
Oh the joys of a new rollout Awning!!!!
Sorry No & the van is parked up ATM, covers on and up on blocks beside the house with walking room only all round. Can't put the awning out.
Wanting to get out for a few days before winter & prior to our next long tour, so when we do I'll contact you to see if you still want a pic.
Gee, you mean you wont set it up to take a pic now for me
No problem mate, all good. I might ask my other good mate, Mr Google if he has a pic
Hope you can both get away into the playground at some stage.
Hello Doug, we had an awning replaced in Townsville at Caravan mart. We can recommend his service, prompt and friendly. Or prompt as they can be when it had to come up from Brisbane
That's no problem Dougwe, just have your fitter order it in advance and have it fitted when you get there. BINGO!
3 years ago while at a roadhouse I went under tree branch and the lower section just clipped and dented my slide out awning and it wouldn't open, my next stop was Alice Springs, I rang a repair guy in 'Alice' he said he could fit it no problem, only problem, he would need to know the van and measure the awning size.
I had already rang the manufacturer and as luck would have it, they had 1 left in stock so I just paid for it and had it delivered to the repair guy. WhenI got to Alice, he fitted the awning whilst the wife and had lunch and went shopping. 'SIMPLES'
-- Edited by Wizardofoz on Thursday 19th of March 2020 12:39:03 PM
As Richard (Dick0), has already said, I assisted him to replace Fays awning, at Greens Lake
Richard is a full bottle, on awning material, replacements
He is, (as far I am concerned), the go to man, for awnings problems
Not sure where Richard is, at the moment, but as I am now back at home base, I am unfortunately unable to assist you
Keep safe out there, and all thing being equal, I shall try to catch up, next year
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.