Awning Life?
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 12:15
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Member - G.T.
The awning on my 2007 caravan is a Dometic Sunchaser has started to de laminate.
Am I being optimistic in expecting to last this long? Even with the worst case scenario of it being erected continuously for the last six years, I would have thought that it would have lasted a lot longer than this. Also it has shrunk width wise, to the extent that the anti - flap bars will not clamp to the awning, even that previous owner(s) have drilled holes, 3 in all, I suspect progressively, as the shrinkage progressed , at each end on the roller assembly so as to get it to reach the awning.
Has any one else had a awning that has had the same problem?
The annex walls are good, as they are canvas , so no
sign of deteriorating.
The awning is 18 ft wide , I am looking to spend $1175.00 for a replacement roller & vinyl roof plus fitting. Is there another brand out there that is as good or better than the Dometic one that is fitted at the moment? Would canvas be better? Any comments/ suggestions welcome.
Regards G.T.
Reply By: Caravan & RV World - Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 13:49
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 13:49
Hey G.T.
Surprisingly 6 years ins't too bad in our climate. If you have a Dometic 8300 Sunchaser you are probably better off with either just replacing the vinyl ($630) or purchasing a new roller an vinyl if you feel it could do with a new one:
http://www.caravanandrvworld.com.au/awnings-and-matting/dometic-8300-awnings/dometic-8300-18ft-roll-out-awning-granite
You shouldn't have to change the arms or hardware. Since you are just replacing the awning a handyman or someone good on the
tools should be able to assist with installation.
Heres a You Tube video that shows how the vinyl installation is done:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpjXXTEjCkg
There is also Carefree awnings which would be $935.45 complete with hardware. They use these on all the Jaycos and Coromals.
Feel free to call us on 1300 259 499 if you have any questions.
Hope this helps!
C&RVW
AnswerID:
521719
Follow Up By: graham B9 - Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 20:58
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 20:58
Sorry but what the above comment by Caravan world is Bull----- and a ripoff.
I used to work for a caravan repairer and still do this knid of work. You can go and have made of much better materials your own "vinyl" roof for no more than $400. It is in fact PVC and not vinyl. You will need around 600GSM PVC and it will need to be at least 2700mm wided. So look for a 3 meter wide materials. See a canvas place or go to Nolans UDA, Shann, or Ricky Richards cash sales desk in any capital city. Look them up in the phone book. Buy the materials and get a canvas guy to sew for you. Better still get it PVC welded.
Taking the old one out is quite tricky as there is 2 very very powerful springs in the rollout awning barrel. If you do some study and make sure you have some assistance, wear gloves, you can do it yourself. I personally would not as I have seen what these things can do.
FollowupID:
802538
Reply By: Member. Rob M (QLD) - Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 17:37
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2013 at 17:37
Hi GT
I replaced the awning on our 2007 van last year as it had shrunk and had started to delaminate, although that was only on the bottom flap.
I had it fitted while the van was having some major water sealing done.
I know that I was quoted more to fit just a new skin than the skin and roller systems,
as they said it took so long to remove and refit the new skin.
Off the top of my head I think it cost closer or $900 than what you were quoted.
As someone who has sold internal roller blinds for many years, I would take the opportunity to renew the roller / spring mechanism, rather than just the skin.
Sitting out in the weather can't be good for any such mechanism which is built to a price rather than quality.
AnswerID:
521725