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I am considering installing an automatic patio awning to my 1992 American Eagle - Any advice and experiences would be appreciated. I am looking at the items that are completely enclosed (no lower strut supports).
Would appreciate any info as to brands - cost to purchase - then to have installed etc etc.
The Mirage with Direct Response Electronics includes easy-to-use controls and a Motion Detection System. The Mirage is the only box awning that has a system to detect canopy motion, the most important element to prevent wind/weather damage. The Mirage automatically retracts when the canopy reaches a certain level of movement - you determine the movement level on the control panel.
Unlike most awnings, the Mirage has no vertical arms to interrupt graphics on the side of your motorhome. The Mirage is totally painted (arms and brackets) for the perfect finished look. Mirage lateral support arms are the strongest available, and are adjustable so the installer can vary the canopy pitch up to 3 ft. for the most suitable application.
Simply push a button to extend the Mirage to its full 10 ft. extension or stop it at any point for shade where you want it. Just push a button to retract the awning to its travel position. It locks automatically -- nothing to latch, tighten or lock. An optional wireless remote is available, and the 110V model has a manual override should power be lost.
The elegant acrylic canopy is housed in a durable aluminum case that blends into the sidewall of most motorhomes.
Direct Response Electronics Motion Detection System Carefree has the only awnings that have a patented system to detect canopy motion. The new Motion Detection System senses canopy movement, the most important element to prevent wind/weather damage. Anemometers (cups) mounted on the top of the RVs ONLY detect wind and may cause the awning to retract EVEN if the wind isn't causing motion of the canopy.
The Mirage automatically retracts when the canopy reaches a certain level of movement - you determine the movement level.
Easy-To-Use Control Panel The Control Panel is located on the inside of your RV for easy access. Simply press the "power-on" button and then press the "extend" button to deploy your awning. You control wind sensitivity with the easy-to-read control panel. To retract the awning, simply push the "retract" button. You can also stop the awning at any point for partial extension.
To activate the Motion Detection System, press the "on" button and then choose from five different settings. The auto-retract movement settings range from High to Low.
You can easily see the sensitivity position of your Direct Response from inside your RV by glancing at the green light on the control panel.
Sleek, aesthetically pleasing look that blends with the coach Adjustable pitch (up to 3') for optimal shade and rain run-off Choice of White or Black Hardware Canopy made from 100% Recacryl solution-dyed acrylic 10' extension for maximum shade Note: Custom striped fabrics are not available for the Mirage.
1 Year Limited Warranty
If your RV does not have an awning rail, you will need to purchase that separately, as our awnings do not include it.
Please Choose: Awning Width center of arm to center of arm Acrylic Color View Acrylics Case Color View Case Colors End Caps Standard Wireless Remote KitNo Yes (+$190.00)
Works with Direct Response Upgrade Kit Delivery To Charges apply to the contiguous 48 states Custom Fabric Number View Custom Colors
I do know how to use Google and with just a bit of effort I was able to work by way through the information to get the final result. I am not sure why it was so difficult to post that information in the first place but I am glad that I was able to give you a valid link. Headed off to a poker tournament at the casino. Wish me luck.
Sorry if I musunderstood the question. I thought it was asking for sources, not personal experience. 'scuse me. (BTW, I figured you knew how to use Google, even I know how to use it, just proves how easy it is)
To respond in another way, the only 3 people I know that have the automatic ones do not like them at all. Something about how slowly they react to wind speed. They leave things in manual and close the awning when not in attendance.
We have an A&E Weatherpro and have had to have the motor replaced once and the way ours is behaving we might need to do it again. I do not recommend WeatherPro's and am not alone. People with the Carefree's are much happier since they use a bounce sensor to decide to retract while A&E (Dometic) uses a wind sensor. I don't trust any of these sensors so our awning is in when we leave.
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Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
We have an automatic awning on our 2009 Montaina 3605RL. It was already on it when we purchased the RV. To us it has pros and cons. Being "old" as we are we always had difficulty with the ones we had to put up and take down manually. So it does relieve a lot of manual work. On the other hand you could tie them down and tilt them so you did not have to worry about the wind. Our automatic one does not have a sensor to bring it in so at night or anytime we leave we have to retract the awning. Having it retract and extend at the push of a button is very nice though. Also there is no tilt feature and you are not supposed to tie them down.
I am not sure which way we would go if we had to do it over again. I like being able to leave it out in the rain like you can the manual ones.
Our awning came with our 2010 Montana and we love it! It takes just a push of a button and it deploys. We have ours staked with racheted straps and a bungie cord between each strap and the awning itself. The bungie cords allow a bit of give in the wind while the stakes keep us firmly rooted! Of course, if the winds are going to be excessive or a nasty storm is approaching, we bring in the awning. It takes a couple of minutes to release the bungie cords and roll 'er up. It is wonderful to have the shade, cover from the rain and a nice patio to sit out on!
Our previous pop-up and bumper-pull both had manual awnings which we rarely used because it was such a hassle to deploy and retract. Love the automation to this one!
Cheers,
Betty
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1 Scotsman, 1 Texan chick, 1 Lhasa Apso/? & 4 bicycles Set Sail in June 2010 2010 Montana 3585SA HE Ford F350 diesel 4x4 SRW Full-timing blog: Phoenix Once Again Check out My Reiki Web Presence
I have a MH with the Weatherpro. It has end attached support arms. I’m going to make an assumption that those carry the weight a bit better when I’m on the road. They may also prevent common banging when there is a strong cross wind. I have never had that issue with it, but have had it with my manual awning on the big slide. When deployed they are high enough that head banging is not an issue. The roof sensor has not worked on a couple occasions when it should have so I no longer trust it. When I leave the rig for any length of time, I just hit the remote control and retract it about 2/3 of the way in. That still provides shade to the side windows and keeps it from being damaged by high winds. Mine came with the rig so I don’t know the cost. Personally, I think the convenience and peace of mind security is worth having an electric awning.
-- Edited by TXRVr on Friday 29th of April 2011 10:05:55 AM
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When it comes to the hereafter, I want to be in the no smoking section.
Has anyone installed a power awning themselves? We now have an A&E TwoStep awning, which is basically the manual version of the WeatherPro. Our old awning arms are bent and the fabric is ripped so we're thinking of upgrading to the WeatherPro. I'm thinking it would be a pretty easy swap as far as the hardware is concerned because it's the same between the 2 awnings. The electric would have to connect to a 12v source with a switch mounted somewhere near the door. Of course everything is easier when you're thinking from your recliner than actually doing the work!
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Ron and Joan 2005 Itasca Sunova 34A 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland