Carefree Awning not opening. HELP

[Teaney Hull 292]

we were caught in a storm and as I was cranking it in and my wife was holding it, The wind popped it out of her hands. We were able to get it in, but it won’t come back out. I called Carefree and got a new crank on the end, put that in, but that did not fix the problem. The crank will turn one way, but the awning will not move. Good news is it’s within an inch of being in.  

Hoping I do not have to buy a new awning. Has anyone had this problem before and figured out a fix?

Thanks

Gary 

Hull 292 The Range Rover

[jd1923]

Not sure, we have the Fiamma awning. Given you have a new crank, it must be the gearing on the awning, that the crank connects to is damaged in some way. Suggest you remove the crank again and inspect inside.

With the crank off, can the awning be pull out manually? Something is keeping it from coming out.

[CRM]

6 hours ago, Teaney Hull 292 said:

 We were able to get it in, but it won’t come back out. I called Carefree and got a new crank on the end, put that in, but that did not fix the problem. The crank will turn one way, but the awning will not move. Good news is it’s within an inch of being in.  

 

Have you tried having someone physically pull out on the awning while you crank it? I Have a Fiamma also but when I had alignment issues it would not come out until I pulled out on it while cranking. Something might have been damaged or knocked out of adjustment when the wind got hold of it. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 10/15/2025 at 12:40 PM, jd1923 said:

Not sure, we have the Fiamma awning. Given you have a new crank, it must be the gearing on the awning, that the crank connects to is damaged in some way. Suggest you remove the crank again and inspect inside.

With the crank off, can the awning be pull out manually? Something is keeping it from coming out.

Will take off both ends and see what I can find out. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 10/15/2025 at 1:30 PM, CRM said:

Have you tried having someone physically pull out on the awning while you crank it? I Have a Fiamma also but when I had alignment issues it would not come out until I pulled out on it while cranking. Something might have been damaged or knocked out of adjustment when the wind got hold of it. 

I gave it my best try while my wife cranked. Did not move. ‘Will try it with 2 of my manly men neighbors and see if that works. 

[Teaney Hull 292]

On 10/15/2025 at 12:40 PM, jd1923 said:

Not sure, we have the Fiamma awning. Given you have a new crank, it must be the gearing on the awning, that the crank connects to is damaged in some way. Suggest you remove the crank again and inspect inside.

With the crank off, can the awning be pull out manually? Something is keeping it from coming out.

Nope, it’s stuck at about 2 inches out. 

[Rivernerd]

We have a Girard awning, so I have no relevant experience.  Looks like it is time to start tearing into the roll-up mechanism.   Now that you have removed "both ends", I would start by studying the owner's manual.  Below is a link to the Carefree of Colorado website through which you can hopefully find the applicable manual by product name for download. 

https://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/product-library/

There is also a toll-free number listed on that website.  I would call seeking a tech support person who might be able to advise you.

Good luck!

[Geronimo John]

On 11/20/2025 at 3:45 AM, Teaney Hull 292 said:

Have you tried having someone physically pull out on the awning while you crank it? I Have a Fiamma also but when I had alignment issues it would not come out until I pulled out on it while cranking. Something might have been damaged or knocked out of adjustment when the wind got hold of it. 

Another possible cause:

If an awning is repeatedly subjected to water weight more on one side than the other, it will streach a little each time.  Basically the rectangular shape of the awning is asmetrically streached into a trapazoid.  The trapazoid will walk towards the streched side.  Ours was 1/4" per revolution.   At some point the awning will be against the edge guide and jamb.  Assisted pull-out as you suggested is necessary.   A bigger guy/lady on the crank without the pullout assist is a bad idea.

In our case, I had a habit of having the awning support pole near the entry door about a foot higher than the back support pole.  My rationale was I wanted the rain to drain towards the back of the trailer vs. up by the entry door end.  Great Idea.  But....  I got to buy a new rectangular shaped awning.  Only good news is that the awning fabric makes a good entry mat.