Xplorer 230 XLW Awning

[MikeG804]

Hi fellow Xplorer owners. I bought a 1998 Xplorer 230XLW in October 2020 after relentlessly scouring craigslist for the last three years. It is definitely my dream RV. I haven’t driven it long distance since I bought it in Kentucky and drove it about 800 miles to Virginia with a detour to Georgia.

I am looking forward to camping season this year.

I do have few questions and I hope you guys can point me in the right direction to resources. The RV didn’t come with an awning and I am searching for a used one or is the an appropriate aftermarket one that I can use? I am in Richmond, VA so if you have a good recommendation for an RV service center or an independent RV service technical that services RV for a reasonable price, please share the information.

Thanks,
Mike

[Jon in AZ]

Here’s an alternative to the usual crank-out awnings that might be worth considering. I like its compact size, mechanical simplicity, and arched poles to shed rain. It’s a bit more hands-on to set up, though.
https://www.shadyboy.com/

[GeorgeRa]

I have Fiamma F65 which is the older version of manual awning. Here is a new one https://www.fiammausa.com/en/fiammas...n/f80s-en.html or this one https://www.fiammausa.com/en/fiammas...832290489.html

Fully automated Fiamma awnings had some issues including recall.

Another brand is this one but I have no experience with them. https://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/

[Jon in AZ]

Mine came with a power Carefree. I had some trouble figuring out how to release the legs from their stowed position. A phone call to the company got me connected immediately to a person who got me going in a few minutes. Can't say enough about their customer service.

The awning itself is okay. Like all roll-out case awnings, it's fairly fragile and you have to stow it in the wind or if you're leaving your campsite for more than a few minutes. The mounting position on my Chevy Roadtrek is low, so it takes some adjustment to keep the arms from interfering with the swing-out side entry door. The front leg mount is on the front passenger door, so it's inaccessible when the awning is set up.

As long as it does the job I will keep it. When replacement time comes, I will probably go with the Shady Boy. Last time I checked (which has been several years ago), it was less than half the price of a basic, manual roll-out case awning.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by MikeG804

Hi fellow Xplorer owners. I bought a 1998 Xplorer 230XLW in October 2020 after relentlessly scouring craigslist for the last three years. It is definitely my dream RV. I haven’t driven it long distance since I bought it in Kentucky and drove it about 800 miles to Virginia with a detour to Georgia.

I am looking forward to camping season this year.

I do have few questions and I hope you guys can point me in the right direction to resources. The RV didn’t come with an awning and I am searching for a used one or is the an appropriate aftermarket one that I can use? I am in Richmond, VA so if you have a good recommendation for an RV service center or an independent RV service technical that services RV for a reasonable price, please share the information.

Thanks,
Mike

Welcome to the forum Mike!

Yet another new member in the seeming endless onslaught of Xplorer owners popping up on the forum.

[billn]

I have a 2004 Xplorer 230XLW that did not have an awning from the factory. I ended up purchasing a moonshade portable awning. Nice thing is it can be setup anywhere on the van but the footprint isn't as big as a full size awning.

[Joe]

We have a 1995 Xplorer 230 on a Dodge 3500 body. It came with a Catalina 2500 by Dometic.it is manual and a pain to open and close. It also blocks two of the small crank out windows in upper area of camper. Would not suggest this one if it is even still available.

[drsdig]

My 2000 came with a Flamma. I have had very little trouble with it. It is manual and the parts that attach to the RV are stowed in it. The crank and leg for a table have places in my side (rear) compartment. Welcome to Xplorer owners. It is good to see you on this forum. I love the Xplorer. It is the third I have owned since 1976. It was sad to see Frank Industry close and sell. The are quality RVs.