Motorized XL

Was really excited to get an awning with a wind sensor. Got a motorized XL Sunsetter and paired it with a wind sensor. It worked great for about ten days, but then it just started behaving very oddly. Sometimes it will come out halfway, and then just retract. I tried reprogramming the remote and the awning several times but with no luck. Customer service said to try replacing the batteries in the remote (but that seems really soon to be replacing batteries). So had to spend a few bucks on new batteries too. New batteries did not solve the problem and Sunsetter does not know what else to recommend so I guess I have to live with it as is. Totally disappointed!

My new awning is the Chinese made Sunsetter motorized retractable XL model. I needed an awning that opened enough to block the late afternoon – early evening sun. The XL is about 16-inches longer when open, which almost covers my patio. The acrylic fabric isn’t as bright as the sample we were shown by the Sunsetter dealer, so it doesn’t match the patio colors as nicely. The representative showed us one fabric and then installed another. The biggest issue is that the fabric leaks water – a lot of water so we can’t even use it in a drizzle. The aluminum frame is enameled beige, not white, which doesn’t go with my white trim and soffits either. The motor opens and closes the awning, but makes a grinding noise when retracting. The lateral arms can be adjusted to change the pitch, but you’ll need help and more time than expected. Not even close to perfect, but we’ll live with it as it’s paid for. I swear I will never buy another product made in China.

Made a call to Sunsetter after having seen their ads on TV and the process was really easy. I have had it installed, and it seems to be working pretty well, although it does look a little skimpy. One gripe is that I never received the cover for the awning. After six weeks now there has been no contact from them as to when I am going to receive the cover. Really, really poor service!

My burning hot Los Angeles patio faces west, and the sun bakes it and the house through the windows. I’d read testimonials about different awnings, and went with Sunsetter’s motorized XL model. Bad decision as it turns out and the frame is already pitting and the acrylic fabric is fading after only 10 months in use. It extends to 11’-8” which covers most of the 12’ deck but not all. The 14’ wide canopy is enough to cover the patio door and deck furniture. I picked the wall mount brackets due to the weight of the canopy and put it up as close to the soffit as I could. The frame which must not be aluminum since it is rusting is beige, which goes with the fabric but not the house trim which is dark grey. Sunsetter does not offer a grey frame – what a pity. The canopy extends and retracts with the remote, but the motor noise and squeaking of the frame are far louder than expected. I don’t suggest adjusting the pitch unless you have a couple of extra hands available; it’s not an easy process. BTW, the customer service manager as Sunsetter was not helpful at all and wanted me to pay for shipping the awning back to Malden, Mass. I have filed a complaint at the Better Business Bureau. Don’t buy Sunsetter – buy elsewhere!

I have a small cabin and was told by the local homeowners association I couldn’t build a roof over my porch, so I ordered a Sunsetter awning. I wanted to cover as much of the porch as possible, so went with the XL model. It almost covers the porch when open. We got the red brick fabric. It attracts lots of attention and makes it easier in the summer to sit on the deck. We even leave it open in light rain and sit outdoors although mist and rain do come through the fabric. We do get wet some depending on where we sit. The remote works if you can find it as it is very small. However, the motor is louder than I expected, and not as quick to open or close the awning as I thought it would be. The fabric also has a sag in it that collects rainwater in, so we will be replacing it with Para Tempotest fabric that I am told will not sag.

My deck was really hot, so I decided I would like an awning to cover the area. Saw the ads for SunSetter awnings, and figured to give it a try. Phone help was not very good but anyway I bought one that was a blue and white striped and that went so so with the colors of my house. I thought it was a bit pricey, but I am not really sure if there are awnings that are any cheaper. Had it installed, and it seemed to go pretty quickly. I have not had the awning for very long, but so far it’s just ok.

We just moved into a new house with a deck but no privacy or shade, so we got an awning from SunSetter. It’s motorized since my wife doesn’t like the manual models. Installation wasn’t easy. We had to add a plank to the wall to secure the mounting brackets to, do some flashing, and install a receptacle. I guess the pros might be able to do it in the advertised 2-1/2 hours. The motor works well, but the arms look frail and are noisy when they open. The cover also began to sag after a week. Sunsetter was of no help when we called. Hopefully, we’ll get a couple of years of use out of it. At this point, I’m not quite sure I can recommend Sunsetter for a purchase.