Gray rubber like rod protruding from awning

[Drewman]

Anyone know what this is, I have two of them, working their way out on a couple of slides, each time I pull the trailer they come farther out another inch or two. I can push them back in a couple of inches but that’s it. What is the purpose and does it require an urgent trip to the dealership for repair? Thanks for any input.

[jsb5717]

That's the cord that slips into the sleeve that holds the awning/topper in the channel of either the roller or the top end at the trailer. It's not critical unless it comes out a bunch more. You should be able to take the tension off of the roller and slide it back in.

[Foldbak]

Ya what Jeff said. Extend the awnings and have someone pull down on the side rails to relieve pressure. Push the cord through

[Drewman]

Thanks, I forgot to mention these are slide toppers so there are no side rails. To remove the tension I’m guessing I just need to pull the slide in all the way. Does that sound about right? Thanks for the input so much.

[jsb5717]

No, it’s easier with the slide at least part way out. The tension on the toppers isn’t necessarily that tight and can likely be eased by just turning it by hand a little. If not there should be some way to stick a screw driver into one of the end caps to do the same thing.

Probably easier with 2 people on ladders…one to ease the tension, one to push in the cord.

[RMcNeal]

Once you get the cord put back in, you might put a small set screw in the slot to prevent it from backing out again. Something about 1/4" long.

[Daryles]

Mine came out too. One I was able to get back in. The others would not go back in, so I cut them off and pushed them in the other end.
I put stainless steel stop screws in ALL of them.

[LeftOverParts]

Had the same exact thing happen to our bedroom slide topper and it just kept getting worse. I used this video to remove the tension and remove the topper. You have to place a small screw driver or cotter pin into both ends to remove the tension. I had to remove the topper from the trailer but you might by lucky and not have to remove the topper. (If you do this, be careful and get a helper!)

https://support.lci1.com/videos/slid...ic-replacement

I found that there was never a screw on that side to hold the cord from sliding out. I added a #8x3/8 pan head screw to keep it secured Just follow how the other end is retained. The screw goes in the roller grove and compresses the cord. Hasn't been a problem since.