Which RV Awning Travel Lock
Fits My Awning?
RV Awning Makes and Models
There are two major manufacturers of awnings used on RVs:
- Carefree of Colorado (Carefree) and
- Dometic A&E (A&E).
Each manufacturer offers two basic types of RV awnings:
- manually operated and
- "automatic" or power operated.
Even though there are only these four basic types, it can still get a bit confusing, mainly because neither manufacturer clearly or easily identifies the model number for the customer. They do put a "nameplate" which includes the model number on the surface of the roller tube, usually several inches in from the forward end of the roller tube. You'll have to extend the awning completely to see it. Even then, you might have to do some interpretation, as I know that some manufacturers use the same roller assembly with both power and manual awnings. I don't know whether or not the model number on the nameplate accurately reflects the actual use on a specific RV.
The information which follows is designed to make it easy for you to determine which model awning you have. Once that is known, it's easy to determine which model RV Awning Travel Lock is required to protect your awning from unfurling while en route and give you peace of mind.
A&E Manually-Operated RV Awnings
This is the Model 8500. It's probably the most common awning on existing RVs. The Model 9000 is mechanically the same, but has an aluminum sheath which covers the fabric when rolled up.
Both of these use the Model A RV Awning Travel Lock. This is the lock I ship if the customer does not specify which model to send.
The A&E Sunchaser is fairly easy to identify because of its U-shaped support arms. The left picture shows the top of the left arm. Because it is much easier to identify it in the picture to the right, I've included that, too. It shows the lower end of the left support arm.
The shape of the support arm on an A&E Power Awning is similar but the "U" is "deeper." Don't confuse the two!
This awning apparently is not very popular on medium or larger RVs. I've never seen it on one in the field. One customer called who possibly had this awning. This picture was taken on a dealer's showroom floor on a Winnebago View. There was another Sunchaser on a relatively small travel trailer or pop-up.
The Model A RV Awning Travel Lock is the one to use on the A&E Sunchaser awning.
The A&E OneStep (left) was made for a short period some years ago. You might have one!
It was replaced by the A&E TwoStep, a model of which I have no picture.
Both the OneStep and the TwoStep use a Model B with TSWP Adapter RV Awning Travel Lock.
Carefree Manually-Operated Awnings
Here's a Carefree manually-operated awning. Some are labeled "Fiesta" on the support arm, some are not. I don't know that there is any mechanical difference.
The Model A RV Awning Travel Lock fits all Carefree manually-operated awnings.
Carefree Power Awning
Travel'r is a new model from Carefree; here's a picture of it. Many new Montanas come with this awning installed.
Carefree's website for this model states, ", , , , , you can rest assured the awning won't billow while your(sic) traveling.
Their statement seems to be true! Therefore, there is not an RV Awning Travel Lock designed to fit this model or any model of electrically-operated Carefree awning.
A&E Power Awnings
The A&E WeatherPro Power Awning has been manufactured for a few years.
The RV AWning Travel Lock Model B with Adapter TSWP is the proper lock for this awning.
Note: RV Awning Travel Locks are supplied in white only. The one shown installed here has been painted black to match the WeatherPro awning. Also, current installations are to be done on the left support arm, not the right support arm shown here.
A&E also offer a more affordable electrically operated awning, called simply A&E Power Awning. There's a picture of it at the left. The picture at the right shows the lower end of the support arm.
The Model B RV Awning Travel Lock fits this model. However, a shim is probably required for spacing but it is relatively easy to make one to fit your Power Awning. Currently, this shim is not supplied with the RV Awning Travel Lock.
Summary showing which model of RV Awning Travel Lock to order
| For This Awning: | Order This Lock: |
|---|---|
| A&E WeatherPro Power Awning | Model B w/Adapter TSWP |
| A&E Power Awning | Model B w/Adapter TSWP + Shim |
| A&E One Step | Model B w/Adapter TSWP |
| A&E Two Step | Model B w/Adapter TSWP |
| A&E 8500, 9000 | Model A |
| A&E Sunchaser | Model A |
| Carefree manual | Model A |
| Carefree power | Not Available |
Business address:
Keith Williams
2760 Tower Drive
Cedar Rapids, IA 52411
Phone number: 1-319-395-7405, or
Toll-free: 1-866-707-7283
E-mail:
kaw@syntheticsaves.com
Skype: keitharden
If you have questions about the RV Awning Travel Lock, please contact me.
From our customers....
Keith,
I am looking forward to receiving the awning lock. It will really put my mind at ease during travel. Thank you very much to take the time to both respond to my email and in speaking with me on the phone.
Brenda D., Bayville, NJ
Copyright 2008 by Keith Williams
Last updated May 1, 2008 20:40