Abstract: A system is described which may be used to extend and retract a slide-out compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: The slide-out mechanisms described herein are generally composed of two components. More specifically, the slide-out mechanism includes at least one elongated member, also referred to as a ram, which is coupled to the floor of a movable room. This elongated member moves with the extendable portion of a movable room. Additionally, the slide-out mechanism includes a base that is coupled to the coach floor and contains a motive device for extending and retracting the movable room accessible from the inside of the slide-out room. According to various embodiments disclosed herein, the motive device may be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical motor. Alternatively, the motive force may be a crank that may be manually actuated to extend and retract the slideout room.

Abstract: A slide-out room for mobile living quarters is moved between a retracted position above the main floor of the main living area to an extended position with the auxiliary floor substantially flush with the main floor by engaging an extendable drive connected at one point to the slide-out room and connected at a second point to the main living area structure. The actuating system accommodates up and down movement of the auxiliary floor when the slide-out room is shifted. A cord retractor attachable to said mobile living quarters allows a power cord or other similarly flexible wires or tubing to be extended away from the main living area in conjunction with extension of the slide-out room. When the slide-out room is retracted, the cord retractor urges the cord to a resting position between the auxiliary floor and sub-floor in conjunction with the retraction of the slide-out room and prevents binding or bunching of the cord.

Abstract: A push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly and lifter assembly all powered by hydraulic cylinders to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, and then horizontally as the hydraulic cylinders extend or retract to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The lifter assembly assists in raising and lowering the expandable room so that when the room is extended, the floor of the expandable room will be substantially flush with the floor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.

Abstract: A low-profile sideout drive mechanism includes a movable support rail for the sideout formed of an outer channel and a nested inner channel having a vertical height less than the outer channel. The inner and outer channels define a tubular rail or ram wherein the inner channel is formed with slots therein to define a gear rack wherein the vertical space requirements of the tubular rail and a cooperating drive gear are minimized.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: The travel trailer includes a chassis having wheels and a trailer body attached to the chassis. The trailer body includes sidewalls, a front end wall, a rear end wall, a roof, and a floor. The sidewalls, end walls, roof, and floor form an internal living space of the trailer body. A slide-out area is slidably extendable outward from the trailer body. The slide-out area is extendable from a retracted position received substantially within the trailer body to an extended position extended outward from the trailer body. The slide-out area has a roof, sidewalls, a bottom wall, and a front end wall. The front end wall of the slide-out areas is adapted to seal against the trailer body in the retracted position.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: A mobile accommodation unit in container form for use as mobile hospital or mobile control or command center or the like has a box-shaped main box element and at least one secondary box element. In a transport state, the secondary box element is telescoped into the main box element. For setting up an accommodation unit of increased floor area, the secondary box element can be pulled out of a lateral opening of the main box element. In order to provide a continuous floor surface, after the secondary box element has been pulled out, the main box element has a movable floor element, which can be lifted relative to a basic floor element so as to equalize the floor levels of the main box element and the secondary box element.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include a means for reducing friction.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a retractable roll awning. The support is positioned between two end brackets and provides additional support. The support includes a two support surfaces for supporting the roll awning in two directions. Alternatively, the support may comprise a single curved support surface. The support surface or surfaces include an arrangement for reducing friction.

Abstract: A slideout-bed coupling system for a recreational vehicle that allows the bed to be positioned at desirable locations when the slideout is in retracted and extended configurations. By selectively coupling the slideout to the bed during the movement operation of the slideout, the bed's position relative to its surrounding can be controlled. In one embodiment, the bed's axis is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle, and the bed partially moves when the slideout extends. As such, when the slideout is in the retracted configuration, the bed can be positioned to provide selected access to the one or more side of the bed. When the slideout is in the extended configuration, the coupling system allows the bed to be positioned to provide enhanced accessible clearance to both sides of the bed.

Abstract: A slideout-bed coupling system for a recreational vehicle that allows the bed to be positioned at desirable locations when the slideout is in retracted and extended configurations. By selectively coupling the slideout to the bed during the movement operation of the slideout, the bed's position relative to its surrounding can be controlled. In one embodiment, the bed's axis is oriented to be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recreational vehicle, and the bed partially moves when the slideout extends. As such, when the slideout is in the retracted configuration, the bed can be positioned to provide selected access to the one or more side of the bed. When the slideout is in the extended configuration, the coupling system allows the bed to be positioned to provide enhanced accessible clearance to both sides of the bed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism for a slide-out room including a support rail for mounting under the slide-out room and moving through a guide mounted to the vehicle. The support rail includes a rack which is driven by a pinion gear mounted within the guide. A pair of motors turn the pinion gear to drive the room between the extended and retracted position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism is attached to the vehicle floor and disposed almost entirely within a cavity formed in the room floor. A pair of bevel gears connected to the pinion gear extend from the guide and mate with a corresponding pair of bevel gears driven by the pair of motors. Accordingly, the motors, which cooperate to provide the power needed to move the room, may also be disposed within the room floor.

Abstract: A push-pull drive chain mechanism and scissors linkage assembly powered by a hydraulic cylinder to affect the coordinated, linear movement of an expandable room in a recreational vehicle. The drive chain moves generally vertically along a first structural member, such as a vehicle frame member, as the hydraulic cylinder extends or retracts to move the expandable room relative to the vehicle frame. The drive chain is pivotally connected at the proper place on the scissors-type linkage assembly, the links that form the scissors extending and crossing for pivotal attachment to a structural member of the vehicle body and a structural member of the expandable room. The drive chain is constructed and guided to provide the required force for opening and closing the scissors assembly.

Abstract: A Comprehensive Modular RV Hybrid Electric Drive And Modular Construction System for recreational vehicles, including motorhomes, trailers, amphibious vehicles, and houseboats, and with full-length vehicle widening slide-outs.

Abstract: A space saving system to provide stable and supported movement of an expandable room or other moveable structure relative to a vehicle or other base structure is disclosed. The space saving system provides an inner and outer nested tubular member within a floor of the base structure. Low friction bearings are used to separate and support the nested tubular members relative to one another. The inner member is fixed to the base structure and the outer member is allowed to move telescopically relative to the inner member. The outer member is vertically supported by the base structure through use of a low friction bearing. The expandable room is supported upon the outer member.

Abstract: A slide-out room (12) support system (28) for a recreational vehicle (10) has outer C-shaped rails (34) received at least partially within the thickness of the floor (64) with the slot of the C-shape opening downwardly. A fixed support (30) extends up through the slot and mounts four rollers (38), two on each side, which extend into the space between the top wall (42) of the rail (34) and the flanges (40) so as to support the rail (34) generally horizontal and relieve much of the weight of the slide-out room (12) from being borne by the stationary floor of the recreational vehicle (10). A lead screw (46) that moves longitudinally with the rail (34) drives it in and out, and a rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system synchronizes the movement of the rails (34) when two or more rails (34) are provided. The lead screw (46), or alternatively the rack (60, 70) and pinion (62, 68) system, may be manually or electrically driven.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room, wherein the expandable room may be positioned in either a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands outwardly from the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the overall living space area of the main housing. In the retracted configuration, the room slides inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to reduce the width of the vehicle. The expandable room is equipped with at least one additional door on an outer wall in a manner so as to allow access to other rooms when expandable room is in the retracted configuration. The room may be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly, wherein the deployed slide-out assembly produces a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for use with a recreational vehicle (RV) slide out assembly. The securing mechanism structurally interconnects the slide out assembly to the RV when the slide out assembly is in a retracted position and when it is in an extended position. Specifically, loads in the RV induced from the road, from passengers, from equipment, and other various sources are distributed through the slide out assembly. Advantageously, flexure of the RV walls around the slide out opening is reduced. As a result, walls and their fixtures are less likely to be damaged due to flexure, seals between the RV walls and the slide out are more likely to stay intact, and the size of slide outs can be increased without compromising the structural integrity of the RV.

Abstract: A slide-out support system (28) for a flat floor slide-out room (12) of a recreational vehicle (10) has ways (40) on both sides of telescoping inner rails (34) which present a pair of downwardly facing ramped surfaces (110) on which rollers (70) roll to support the room (12). Ramped surfaces (56) are provided on opposite sides of stationary outer rails (30) on which rollers (50, 52) mounted to the inner end of the inner rails (34) roll to also help support the room. The ramps (110, 56) are in registration with one another so that during extension and retraction the rails (34) are lowered and raised while maintaining them substantially horizontal. A follower (72) has a roller (76) which rolls on the upper surface (36) of the inner rail (34) and a roller (78) which rolls on the lower surface (80) of the slide-out floor (64) to lower or raise the floor (64) as the rail (34) is lowered or raised while maintaining the floor (64) in a substantially constant horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle having an expandable slide-out body is provided. The slide-out body is movable relative to the vehicle by a slide-out apparatus. The slide-out apparatus has first and second rails, and first and second synchronization members. The first rail is attached to the vehicle and defines a first longitudinally-extending compartment. The second rail also has a second longitudinally-extending compartment. The second rail is attached to the slide-out body, and is disposed within and movable relative to the first longitudinally-extending compartment. The first synchronization member is attached to the second rail. The second synchronization member is located inside the second longitudinally-extending compartment and is engagable with the first synchronization member.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for use in a vehicle having a bedroom slide out, the bedroom slide out having a platform which is movable laterally relative to a vehicle having a stationary floor. The operating mechanism laterally moves the movable room section relative to the stationary room section between a retracted position and an extended position, and has a height adjustable frame. The frame includes overlapping side members which are slidably moveable relative to each other and fastenable at two or more discrete heights.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for transportable living quarters having a main living area and a slide-out room includes a plurality of actuators connected between the main living area and the slide-out room to move the room between a retracted position retracted within the main living area and an extended position extended from the main living area, a plurality of position sensors associated with the plurality of actuators, each position sensor outputting a position signal representing a position of its associated actuator, a plurality of valves connected to the plurality of actuators, each valve being adjustable to either enable or inhibit movement of its corresponding actuator, and a controller for adjusting the valves in response to the position signals to synchronize movement of the actuators.

Abstract: A slide out room is a extended from a mobile living quarters to provide auxiliary space and is retracted into the mobile living quarters when the unit is to be moved by a pair of independent actuators. A control is provided which responds to signals generated by position sensors for each actuator to interpret a corresponding actuator whenever the position of one of the actuators exceeds the position of the other actuator by more then a predetermined offset. The actuators are stopped whenever they attain a corresponding “room in” or a “room out” stop limit. The stop limits are set by independently advancing the actuators after they have attained default limit to set the out and in stop limits independently between the actuators.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle is shown having an opening through one of the side walls to access the main room of the recreational vehicle. A slide out room is expandable through the opening, between a retracted and expanded position to increase the living space of the main room when in the expanded position. A ceiling member is positioned between the recreational vehicle and the slide out room to seal the main room when the slide out room is in the fully retracted position. A plurality of mechanisms are disclosed herein which changes the relative position of the ceiling member and a corresponding ceiling surface when the slide out room is in the retracted position.

Abstract: Transportable living quarters includes a main frame supporting a main living area and a slide-out room that slides between an extended and retracted position relative to the main living area. The actuation mechanism for extending and retracting the slide-out room includes a curved slider arm that causes the slide-out room to tilt slightly when moving into the fully extended or retracted positions. Upon extension, the slide-out room tilts outwardly to compress an inner compressible seal between sealing surfaces on the main living area and the slide-out room inner flange. Upon retraction, the slide-out room tilts in the opposite direction to compress an outer compressible seal between sealing surfaces on the outside of the main living area and the outer flange of the slide-out room. This tilting of the room results in a tighter seal at the top of the slide-out room that better isolates the living area from the outside elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slide-out support rail, which is particularly adapted for use as a single set of rails, which may be power operated or manually operated. The slide-out support rail system has an inner telescoping rail with a gear rack mounted on top of the upper wall of the inner rail. The teeth of the gear rack face upwardly and mesh with a pinion gear which is journaled relative to the outer rail above the gear rack.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive mechanism for a slide-out room including a support rail for mounting under the slide-out room and moving through a guide mounted to the vehicle. The support rail includes a rack which is driven by a pinion gear mounted within the guide. A pair of motors turn the pinion gear to drive the room between the extended and retracted position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive mechanism is attached to the vehicle floor and disposed almost entirely within a cavity formed in the room floor. A pair of bevel gears connected to the pinion gear extend from the guide and mate with a corresponding pair of bevel gears driven by the pair of motors. Accordingly, the motors, which cooperate to provide the power needed to move the room, may also be disposed within the room floor.

Abstract: A slide out room is extended from a mobile living quarters to provide auxiliary space and is retracted into the mobile living quarters by a pair of independent actuators. A control is provided which responds to signals generated by position sensors for each actuator to interpret a corresponding actuator whenever the position of one of the actuators exceeds the position of the other actuator by more than a predetermined offset. The actuators are stopped whenever they attain a corresponding IN or an OUT stop limit. The stop limits are set by independently advancing the actuators after they have attained a default limit to set the out and in stop limits independently between the actuators.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism for extending and retracting a slide-out compartment comprising a guide member having two securing flanges separated by a gap that communicates with an interior channel. A slider rail is disposed within the interior channel and has a middle portion adapted with a plurality of holes formed therein. Extending from the middle portion are two securing members that cooperate with the securing flanges of the guide member to maintain slider rail within the interior channel as middle portion extends into the gap. Disposed within the interior channel at one end of the guide element is a gear mechanism. The gear mechanism includes a gear shaft and a gear attached to the gear shaft. The gear mechanism drivingly engages a plurality of teeth on the gear within the plurality of holes in the middle portion of the slider rail to extend or retract the slide-out compartment. A timing assembly is attached to the gear shaft to allow two or more gear shafts to be timed relative to one another.

Abstract: An electric lift camper top is provided for covering a rectangular head clearance opening (31) in a vehicle top structure for camper modification. The camper top consists of a bottom frame (32), including compression springs (38), attached to the vehicle surrounding the opening with a top frame (42) which is in turn attached to the compression springs urging the frames apart. A roof (54) is attached onto the top frame covering the opening in the vehicle. A flexible wall (58) is attached to both the top and bottom frame, securing them together forming a sealed enclosed area, when extended, to allow head room within the vehicle interior. Raising and lowering linkage means, employing front and rear connecting arms (78) and (80) are also jointly attached to the top and bottom frame. Electric drive means, in the form of an electric motor (82) and worm gear (84), are attached to the linkage such that the connecting arms are angularly separated raising or lowering the roof electrically using vehicle electric power.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, dual level trailer has a fixed length, a variable width, a variable height and a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a lower body portion supported on a set of wheels and having a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side wall. An upper body portion is disposed upon the lower body portion and has a fixed lower segment which telescopically fits within a movable upper segment. The lower segment has a front wall, a back wall and a pair of opposite side walls. The upper segment has a front wall, a back wall and opposite side portions in the form of continuous windows along the entire length of the trailer and a roof. A horizontal partition extends along the length of the trailer between the upper body portion and the lower body portion to define an upper level and a lower level.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle having an expandable room wherein the room can be positioned in a retracted or deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the room expands inwardly into the main housing of the vehicle so as to enlarge the area of the room without displacing the fixtures and plumbing that are typically positioned adjacent an outer wall of the room. The room can be extended in conjunction with an exterior slide-out assembly wherein the deployed slide-out assembly creates a larger inner living space so as to accommodate the expanded room.

Abstract: The outer side of a slide-out floor (20) is supported by the outer end of an inner rail member (40). The inner rail member (40), or at least a support wall thereof, is telescopically angled within an outer rail member (32) such that the angle increases as the inner rail member (40) is extended, so as to position the outer end of the slide-out floor (20) at an elevation that is substantially flush with the fixed floor (74) when the slide-out floor (20) is fully extended.

Abstract: A slide-out, intended for being applied to an outer wall of a caravan, mobile home or similar vehicle which is provided with an extensible part (4). The slide-out includes at least a wind-up roller (6) for the tent cloth (5). The wind-up roller (6) is provided in a closed casing (2) which is attached at the wall of the caravan. The free extremity of the tent cloth (5) is fixed at the outermost upper corner (9) of an extensible part (4).

Abstract: A low-cost, compact room slideout assembly is provided for driving a sliding element, such as a floor, and comprises at least one motor having a motor output pinion rotatable about a first axis, a drive screw operatively connected to the motor output and rotatable about the first axis, and a driving member, such an elongate ram adapted to be attached to the sliding element. The ram travels along the first axis between extended and retracted positions in response to rotation of the motor output shaft. Preferably operatively connected between the motor output shaft and the drive screw is a speed reducing gearbox with an output shaft rotatable about the first axis, and a 90 degree gearbox operatively connected to the drive screw and rotatable about the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox preferably also has a second output member which is rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The 90 degree gearbox can comprise a series of bevel gears.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronized rack and pinion system for extendable rooms for recreational vehicles. In particular, the invention provides a drive system for use in extending and retracting an extendable room on a vehicle frame. The drive system includes at least one pair of parallel rack and pinion systems operatively connected between the vehicle frame and the extendable room, with each pair of parallel rack and pinion systems synchronized through respective drive shafts. The system is operable between a closed position where the extendable room is retracted with respect to the vehicle frame and an open position where the extendable room is extended with respect to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: Mobile living quarter incorporates a slide out room which is moveable between an extended position providing auxiliary living quarters when the unit is parked and a retracted position retracted into the main living area when the unit moved. A latching mechanism automatically latches the slide out room to the main living quarters as the slide out room is moved into the fully retracted position, and releases the latch to permit outward movement of the room when the unit is parked and the slide out room is extended.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle including a “slide-out” cabin portion is equipped with a locking mechanism which comprises a lock door pivotally rotatable to interfere with the wall opening periphery through which the slide-out cabin portion transitions. The slide-out further has an extensible portion front end positioned external to the wall opening such that the dimensions of the extensible portion front end exceed the dimensions of the wall opening. The extensible portion front end contacts the main cabin wall opening periphery along the entire perimeter of the wall opening thus completely sealing the wall opening when the slide-out is in a fully retracted position. Further, the slide-out locks are positioned sufficiently close to the extensible portion front end that when the slide-out is in a retracted position and the slide-out locks are in the locked position, the main cabin wall periphery is pinched between the slide-out locks and the extensible portion front end.

Abstract: A flush floor device for use on recreational vehicles having slide out rooms includes a floor of the slide out room that according to one embodiment of the invention pivots relative to the slide out room's outer wall. When the slide out room is extended, the inner edge of the auxiliary floor moves into a flush position with the main floor, and the outer edge of the auxiliary floor deflects downwardly along with the supporting extensible members. An edge unit attached to the main floor includes a nylon camming member which cams against the auxiliary floor in order to smoothly raise or lower the auxiliary floor inner edge as the slide out room is retracted or extended. According to another embodiment of the invention, a system of levers maintains the auxiliary floor generally coplanar with the main floor. According to still another embodiment of the invention, the entire slide out room is raised and lowered while maintaining the floor of the slide out room substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A slide out room for mobile living quarters, such as a recreational vehicle or manufactured housing is supported by primary and secondary support arms extending from the main living quarters to the outer edge of the floor of the slide out room. The support arms are connected to the slide out room by a pivoting connection and are connected to the main living area by a connection which both pivots and slides vertically. Accordingly, the slide out room is maintained level, and is prevented from tilting or cocking, thereby assuring smooth operation of the slide out room.

Abstract: A low profile operating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting a slide-out section of a vehicle body includes a pair of substantially parallel outer rails secured to the vehicle body. Each of the outer rails has an inner end and an outer end. A pair of substantially parallel inner rails are provided for supporting the slide-out section thereon. Each of the inner rails are slidably mounted for longitudinal movement within one of the outer rails. A drive arrangement is secured to the outer ends of each outer rail for selectively moving the inner rails into and out of the outer rails to extend and retract the slide-out section of the vehicle body. The drive arrangement is constructed and arranged to define rearwardly thereof a relatively unobstructed storage space beneath the vehicle body.

Abstract: The outer side of a slide-out floor is supported by the outer end of an inner rail member. The inner rail member is telescopically angled within an outer rail member such that the angle increases as the inner rail member is extended, so as to position the outer end of the slide-out floor at an elevation that is substantially flush with the fixed floor when the slide-out floor is fully extended.

Abstract: A retractable room for mobile living quarters includes a floor which slides along the floor of the main living quarter when the retractable room is retracted therein, but drops into a position flush with the main floor when the retractable room is extended into its extended position. A linkage operates a riser mechanism to raise and lower the floors as the room is extended and retracted. The riser mechanism is operated by a lever which pivots in response to movement of the floor to a predetermined position relative to the main living quarters.

Abstract: A locking device which locks the slide-out room of mobile living quarters in the retracted position when the mobile living quarters is moved includes inner and outer tubular members which extend between parallel bulkheads on the main living area and the slide-out room. A handle is moved over center between latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the inner member is extended from the outer member to force the bulkheads apart, thereby causing a portion of the outer wall to slide-out room to engage the bulkhead on the main living area to affect sealing therebetween. In the unlatched position, the inner member is retracted into the outer member, thereby permitting removal of the locking device from the slide-out room.

Abstract: An extendable room comprises accordion type ceiling and wall panels which fold within panel covers when the room is retracted, thereby taking up much less interior space and leaving the interior of the primary structure just as attractive, albeit smaller, as prior to retraction. The wall and ceiling panels are hinged together with tongue and groove connections and are secured in the flat, extended configuration by steel cables running through the panels. The side walls also include windows which may be made clear and opaque electronically. The secondary floor is retractable below the floor of the primary structure when the room is retracted, permitting the room extension floor to become the primary floor.

Abstract: A fold-out tent camper is provided with a slide-out room providing increased living space. The slide-out room is supported through four-point linkages which extend between the opposite sides of the slide-out room and the corresponding edges of the aperture through which the slide-out room extends and retracts. The four-point linkages both guide the slide-out room as it extends and retracts, and also support the slide-out room when it is fully extended, thus eliminating the need for auxiliary supports.

Abstract: A retractable awning for use on mobile homes, recreational vehicles or the like having slide-out units as a part thereof includes an awning sheet that is secured along an inner edge to the side of the mobile home with the opposite edge being secured to a torsionally biased roll bar rotatably disposed on the outer ends of support arms pivotally mounted to the outer face of the slide-out unit. A flexible tie-down strap secures the awning in an extended position with the support arms projecting substantially horizontally away from the outer wall, and upon release of the tie-down strap, the awning automatically retracts to a position immediately adjacent to the outer wall of the slide-out unit. The awning sheet always overlies the top wall of the slide-out unit when the slide-out unit is extended and regardless of whether or not the awning is extended or retracted.