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08-26-2021, 08:33 AM
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#21
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3 Rivet Member 
2021 27' International
Raleigh
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 220
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2021 International here.
Currently, my awning is INSIDE my camper due to excess rain bending the roller tube and eventually bending it in half like a cardboard wrapping paper tube. New roller tube on the way - cost is around $650 ($250 for the tube itself, $400 for shipping). I was able to get the roller tube off and secure the arms to the side in order to get it home.
Would I prefer a manual? Right now, I might. The main reason is because you can get a little more tilt with the manual and its easier to bring both sides down for a more extreme pitch. For me, one of the main uses of our awning is to cover the grill/cooking area outside in the event of rain while we are making dinner. Kind of defeats the purpose to me if I can't keep it out during the rain, short-term. Bring it in at night regardless.
That being said, its nice to be able to sit inside and hit the button to bring it in as opposed to having to deal with it while its pouring out. Pros and cons. I don't think you made a mistake, just know what you're getting into. The International trim is fantastic and we love the clean interior. That to me is probably a bigger factor than the awning.
__________________
-Brad
2021 International 27FBT
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08-26-2021, 09:48 PM
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#22
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Rivet Master 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,415
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3771
Great information! This'll be my first RV, so I really appreciate all the intel. My takeaway thus far is: - ~50-50 split on those who prefer power vs manual (the latter because of simplicity/reliability concerns)
- Correct use of the awning controls is critical (close cycle, don't cut the power)
- Proper lubrication of the awning arms has to be done frequently
- Know-how and tools to manually close the powered awning should be included in my travel plan
Does that sound about right?
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It’s a matter of preference. I see no reason for a powered awning on my size trailer. It’s just another gizmo to break.
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08-26-2021, 10:02 PM
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#23
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Rivet Master 
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
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Last 8,000 mile trip this year, used the big manual awning for only a couple days. Yup, to me, a power awning is just something else to go wonky. Not worth the trouble in my mind.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
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08-26-2021, 10:31 PM
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#24
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3 Rivet Member 
2018 25' International
Columbia
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 124
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jondrew55
It’s a matter of preference. I see no reason for a powered awning on my size trailer. It’s just another gizmo to break.
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THIS! I started with an interstate that had automated awning, automated shades inside, “upgraded” inverter, etc. I learned with that rig that EVERYTHING that can be made manual on an RV should be made manual. It all broke all the time for no good reason. I now have a 25’ international and love that the awnings and window shades are all manual, no alde, no central computerized control center. It all just works and if it doesn’t I or nearly anyone else can fix it.
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08-27-2021, 07:38 AM
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#25
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Rivet Master 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,415
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Was your awning tilted when it filled with water? My Reflex does not seem to tilt much but does seem to shed the water although I have not left it open in a deluge.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BT2513
2021 International here.
Currently, my awning is INSIDE my camper due to excess rain bending the roller tube and eventually bending it in half like a cardboard wrapping paper tube. New roller tube on the way - cost is around $650 ($250 for the tube itself, $400 for shipping). I was able to get the roller tube off and secure the arms to the side in order to get it home.
Would I prefer a manual? Right now, I might. The main reason is because you can get a little more tilt with the manual and its easier to bring both sides down for a more extreme pitch. For me, one of the main uses of our awning is to cover the grill/cooking area outside in the event of rain while we are making dinner. Kind of defeats the purpose to me if I can't keep it out during the rain, short-term. Bring it in at night regardless.
That being said, its nice to be able to sit inside and hit the button to bring it in as opposed to having to deal with it while its pouring out. Pros and cons. I don't think you made a mistake, just know what you're getting into. The International trim is fantastic and we love the clean interior. That to me is probably a bigger factor than the awning.
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08-27-2021, 08:01 AM
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#26
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jondrew55
Was your awning tilted when it filled with water? My Reflex does not seem to tilt much but does seem to shed the water although I have not left it open in a deluge.
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Airstream prefers you call it a 'sunshade' now, it's not meant to be deployed in the rain.
Like the FW water pump we do not deploy at night, unattended or wind over 15 steady.
POI.....It took 17 seasons but I found on our first outing this year we can deploy the manual half way, who'd a thunk it?
Bob
🇺🇸
Notice the 'power handle' on the arm...nice 'old fart' helper, along with a re-useable zip tie to secure the arms when stored.😂
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-27-2021, 08:41 AM
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#27
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Rivet Master 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,415
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I caught the clarification reading the manual that it is a "sunshade". We've used it (tilted of course) in some moderate rain to sit under and cook. No pooling, but you can see the material is not really waterproof. Maybe that will help in keeping it from getting moldy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
Airstream prefers you call it a 'sunshade' now, it's not meant to be deployed in the rain.
Like the FW water pump we do not deploy at night, unattended or wind over 15 steady.
POI.....It took 17 seasons but I found on our first outing this year we can deploy the manual half way, who'd a thunk it?
Bob
🇺🇸
Notice the 'power handle' on the arm...nice 'old fart' helper, along with a re-useable zip tie to secure the arms when stored.😂
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08-27-2021, 10:07 AM
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#28
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,726
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Njg
THIS! I started with an interstate that had automated awning, automated shades inside, “upgraded” inverter, etc. I learned with that rig that EVERYTHING that can be made manual on an RV should be made manual. It all broke all the time for no good reason. I now have a 25’ international and love that the awnings and window shades are all manual, no alde, no central computerized control center. It all just works and if it doesn’t I or nearly anyone else can fix it.
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Hi
Alde hydronic heat is the greatest thing since sliced bread .... No more or less automatic than any other furnace or water heater.
Bob
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08-27-2021, 10:17 AM
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#29
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
Alde hydronic heat is the greatest thing since sliced bread .... No more or less automatic than any other furnace or water heater.
Bob
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You missed a word...."Your" sliced bread. 😂
All things AS are subjective.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-28-2021, 07:16 AM
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#30
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3 Rivet Member 
2018 25' International
Columbia
, Missouri
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 124
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
You missed a word...."Your" sliced bread. [emoji23]
All things AS are subjective.
Bob
[emoji631]
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Indeed. That would explain all of the threads on the alde. Between that and the threads about the centralized control systems it kept me from moving to a classic. For my sliced bread, simple is better.
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08-28-2021, 07:51 AM
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#31
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,726
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Njg
Indeed. That would explain all of the threads on the alde. Between that and the threads about the centralized control systems it kept me from moving to a classic. For my sliced bread, simple is better.
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Hi
Not *all* Classics have the Alde hooked into a central control system. Other than checkin fluid levels ( just like I do it a *my* truck ... ) there's not a lot to it.
Most of the yack is about the hot water I the shower. It's just as great at doing a hot shower as any other setup in an RV .... If you have never taken an RV shower before the process might be a bit of a surprise.
Heat wise in the trailer, It's terrific.
Bob
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08-28-2021, 08:33 AM
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#32
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"Cloudsplitter"

2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,128
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Back in '03 most TV's were still TV's and our Classic still had all the heavy,(DW preferred) woodwork & carpet.
Most ammeties were owner fixable, (with a bit of research), not so much today.
AS went on a diet(kinda), and the fancy, delicate ,unroadworthy gizmo's appeared. Thank you..Glamping, whatever that is.
I can appreciate the diet, because of the owner preference for under size dual use TV's.
Not so much the gizmo's.
As Dad used to say....KISS.
Keep it stupid simple.
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-29-2021, 08:41 AM
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#33
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,726
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
Back in '03 most TV's were still TV's and our Classic still had all the heavy,(DW preferred) woodwork & carpet.
Most ammeties were owner fixable, (with a bit of research), not so much today.
AS went on a diet(kinda), and the fancy, delicate ,unroadworthy gizmo's appeared. Thank you..Glamping, whatever that is.
I can appreciate the diet, because of the owner preference for under size dual use TV's.
Not so much the gizmo's.
As Dad used to say....KISS.
Keep it stupid simple.
Bob
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Hi
Ok, according to the 2003 Brochure:
30' Slide Out came in at 7900 pounds, I'd suggest slide out's make it a whole different category. However if you want to talk about complexity, we can head off into the weeds about slides ...
30' came in at 7180
31' came in at 7150
34' was at 8070
34 slide out was at 9050. Again, a very different animal.
None of them other than the 34 S.O. would do 10K pounds loaded.
Current 2022 30' Classic is at 7900 empty / 10K max
Current 33' is at 8375 empty / 10K max
Sure doesn't seem like any of them went on a diet unless you count eliminating the slides. TV's and the like got a lot lighter over that time so it's not the electronics making them heavier ....
Bob
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08-29-2021, 02:14 PM
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#34
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1 Rivet Member 
1996 34' Limited
Currently Looking...
Aberdeen
, North Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 18
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Have to ask...seeing as I'm a bit underpowered in the manual awning deployment department....just what is a " 'power handle' on the arm"?
Thank you.
__________________
Towing with a 2017 Nissan Titan XD, with the Cummins 5.0L turbo-diesel. Retired the F-150 from towing, being maxed out got too exciting....
Retired C-130 navigator....gosh I miss flying!!!!!!!
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08-29-2021, 02:28 PM
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#35
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Rivet Master 
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,148
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Basically a sliding “lever” with a handlebar grip on it to help you push up on the supports to the fully extended position. I believe there are pictures of them on the Zip Dee website.
I had them on my previous Airstream and I guess they were OK but I haven’t bothered to put them on the new(er) one.
__________________
Sorta new (usually dirty) Nissan Titan XD (hardly paid for)
Middle-aged Safari SE
Young, lovely bride
Dismissive cat
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09-09-2021, 06:09 PM
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#36
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3 Rivet Member 
2019 30' International
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 110
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Power Awning Reliability
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnandDonna
We have the power awning on our 2020 International. Had problems with it fully retracting at first. Then I read a post in the forum here that said once you deploy the awning, do NOT shut it off. So I tried that and it has worked every time. So now we really love it!
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Yes I have learned, that NOT shutting off the Power Button, as well and have had no problems since then.
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