The Carefree of Colorado R001156 is a direct-fit roller tube support cradle designed to prevent sagging, bowing, and water pooling on SOKIII and Summit series slide-out awnings. A simple addition that extends awning life and keeps fabric taut and wrinkle-free through years of use.
Slide-out awning roller tubes can flex and bow over time -- especially on wider slide rooms -- creating low spots where rainwater pools, fabric tension goes uneven, and stress builds up at the end brackets. The R001156 cradle installs mid-span beneath the roller tube to restore proper support geometry and distribute load evenly across the full tube length.
Designed specifically for Carefree SOKIII and Summit slide-out awning systems, this support cradle is a factory-matched replacement and upgrade part. Mounting hardware (screws) is included -- no separate fastener kit required.
Mid-span cradle support keeps the roller tube straight, eliminating the flex that causes uneven fabric tension and premature wear on tube ends.
Maintaining proper tube geometry ensures the awning fabric sheds water correctly rather than forming a low-point puddle that strains fabric and seams.
Less flex means less fatigue on the roller tube, end caps, and fabric attachment points -- extending the service life of the entire slide-out awning assembly.
Mounting screws are included in the package. No additional fastener purchase needed for a complete installation.
Slide-out awnings span the full width of a slide room and are anchored only at the ends. On longer slide rooms, the unsupported roller tube mid-section is prone to deflection under its own weight and additional load from wind or rain. Over time, this deflection causes:
The R001156 support cradle mounts to the slide room face or associated structure and cups the roller tube at the mid-point, eliminating freespan deflection without interfering with awning operation or retraction.
This support cradle is engineered to fit Carefree of Colorado SOKIII and Summit slide-out awning product lines. These are among Carefree's most widely installed OEM slide-out awning systems and appear on a broad range of Class A, Class C, and fifth-wheel coaches from major manufacturers including Forest River, Keystone, Coachmen, Winnebago, and others.
The R001156 mounts to the slide room sidewall or slide topper mounting surface using the included screws. The cradle positions beneath the roller tube at or near the mid-span point. No special tools beyond a basic screwdriver or drill are typically required. Always verify tube alignment and awning operation after installation before returning the slide to normal use.