I've got a good deal on a roller tube from an A&E awning, never used, but it is spring loaded.
I'm looking at a carefree electric arm set here https://www.amazon.com/Carefree-OV25APHW-Matching-Adjustable-Electric/dp/B0050EFR5E/ref=sr_1_1 (https://www.amazon.com/Carefree-OV25APHW-Matching-Adjustable-Electric/dp/B0050EFR5E/ref=sr_1_1)
From what I can gather, it's as simple as removing the spring mechanism on the A&E 8500 and cover and attaching it to the carefree electric rollers Sounds about right to me, but I can't find a straight answer online or at my local dealers.
Did you try calling A&E?
There are some good videos on you tube on awning installation, Be careful with that loaded awning tube, I had one get away once, its not pretty!!!
I think all I need to do is remove the spring mechanism. Then then carefree roller dingus mounts over the old rolltube.
https://youtu.be/YJvBTLRmMZo?t=114 <--- Video clip showing mounting of the roll tube
Re:Chessie - I have not, if only because I'd not expect a company to comment on the compatibility of their product with a competitor. Also I've done a mess of Googling and couldn't find a definitive answer, so I figured if we can sort it out here it will serve as an end point for the next slub looking for this answer.
I think I might just jump in and see where I get. I'm pretty sure my contact for the roll tube will sell it contingent on it fitting.
I dismantled one by clamping the protruding stem with vice grips and removing the screws securing the cap and then releasing spring tension. Loooong spring over long rod.
Yep about 12 turns to release point. Each side releases in the counterclockwise direction. Use the vice grips slowly unwinding the spring one end at a time or it will hurt you unwinding.
I received an awning roll tube and fabric that was new(an free). I then fabricated my own arms. Obviously not as fancy as these but non-the less effective.I would think you could mate the two without too much hassle. The roll tube(with fabric) is a pretty simple thing. Just like the old style window blinds.