Homebase... Staying awhile

[geotex1]

Homebase doesn't look so bad:



In the reflection of the window I just replaced... Why replace the window you ask? Because the Carefree of Colorado junk retaining clip (on the junk Compass replacement arms for the original Longitudes) that holds the awning roller to the idler arm corroded and broke so there was only a half-moon left!!! Lucky us, discovered the last day of our trip when Nikki went to extend the awning, got halfway, the tube popped free, and the loose end swung and came crashing through the window terrifying Cloverfield who was sitting in my chair right below the window... Thankfully, he was not injured... Carefree's response, if anyone is interested and I am sure to no-one's surprise, was "sorry, not our problem." So, all, take note to add checking the clips:



They were happy to sell me a clip for about $20 shipped, but I bought one off eBay for $5.50 shipped in a First Class envelope with a single stamp... Carefree couldn't even drop one in the mail for our trouble! You don't even want to know what the cost for the window was!! Couldn't just re-glaze because the awning bent the frame too.

Been another rough season plagued with coach issues, but we really enjoyed traveling with good friends and to great places and doing some mods that had been on hold. However, we have decided to cancel all September plans, tend to homebase, dust off my other toys and hit the last couple of cruise nights, finish out the details of some of the repairs and mods to the coach, and resume with our late-October through November travels.

Just a little worn down after big back-to-back problems with the coach and scrambling to repair. It's not been an escape from the daily grind, but adding to it... Scrolling the forums and chatting to some fellow long-timers this year, seems a common theme.

[Redapple63]

Sorry to hear about your troubles Rob, and thanks for the heads up on the carefree, will definitely check mine. And it’s ok sometimes to reboot.

I tip my hat to those who full time.

Bill

[fmartinmn]

Sorry to hear of the problem Rob. I'm sure that was a big expense. As for Carefree, not a big surprise. When I checked with them re: new awning fabric, they were 50% higher than everyone else and offered a shorter warranty. I hope the respite works well for you. Frank.

[dryfly]

@geotex1


Do you know if this clip is common in most awning systems, or just in the particular model you have? Is it visible without removing the plastic housing on the ends of the awning? Noticing your trailer is only a couple of years old, it's surprising we have not heard of more issues similar to yours.

[geotex1]

@geotex1


Do you know if this clip is common in most awning systems, or just in the particular model you have? Is it visible without removing the plastic housing on the ends of the awning? Noticing your trailer is only a couple of years old, it's surprising we have not heard of more issues similar to yours.

Carefree uses this style clip universally. It has some different carriers/retainers (the plastic piece), but that's about it. You do not remove the housing. If you open your awning a bit and get up and look at the housing backside/topside (depending on your perspective) you will either see the carrier end directly or a little door (pops in) that covers it. Be sure to get up and have a good line of site because some of the housings have lock taps built into the housing to hold it directly (Compass model does) that you need to use a small flat screwdriver or pick to release so you can pull the clip out to inspect.

[dryfly]

OK thanks. Not sure I totally get the picture but I'm sure it will make sense once I start looking around the housing. I also may have a parts diagram for my awning that will show it.

[Wicked ace]

I had my fair share of troubles although not nearly what you have experienced. I threw the towel in, enough was enough when each time I went out I started worrying when or if the next shoe would drop.

[Ynot4me2]

Wow, poor Cloverfield must of had a really good scare. And you guys also. Sorry to hear about all your troubles. Certainly not the type of post we like to read but a learning experience for all of us.