Awning Help

[jackandh2o]

I'm having trouble opening the A&E main awning on our '05 Mountaineer. I loosen the clips and unscrew the knobs, then release the latch on the front arm. I then lift the handle on the front arm and then try the same on the rear one. I then pull the awning out using the hook the the rear one won't release unless I can get up close to the top and pull on it. I can't get it to move if I'm standing on the ground. What am I doing wrong and is there maintenance I should be doing?

Thanks

Ray

[jimc]

Seems like these all have the problem to one extent or another - the electric one we have now fixed that. What I would do before is take the long hooked rod you have for the awning, put the hook over the rear shaft of the awning, and pull it out. Then, no problem lowering the awning.

[PapaBeav]

I have to pull on the front arm all the time to get it to release. For now I just deal with it. But now that you mentioned it, I will try and fix it before I head to Q.

[jackandh2o]

jimc and PapaBeav thank you.
Let me ask this, once the little gear in front is pulled down do I have to lift up the supports or just pull it out at that time.

Thanks again

Ray

[Jim Dickey]

You should pull it out before you extend the arms.

[PapaBeav]

I will pull the left side out a few inches with the strap, and then just reach high on the right arm and pull it out.

[Drifty1]

I think your awning might be racked a bit. This can be caused be wind or traveling down the road can do it also. When I bought the unit I have now I tried to put the awning out and I could not get the front arm to extend at all. Found out the inner part was bent bad,I fixed that. I also noticed my back arm needed to be extended by a couple of inch's when I tried to close it. I don't think it was ever adjusted from the factory. I works good now and I hope it stays that way.

[exav8tr]

Ray, I was taught to extend the awning BEFORE raising the arms on each end. Ocassionally the rear arm will stick and I have to pull on it. We are going in for maintenance this month and I think I will have them realign the entire thing, maybe take some slack out also......

[jackandh2o]

I probably wasn't clear enough. My problem is I am pulling on the strap and the awning unwinds but the supports doesn't come with it.

Ray

[exav8tr]

Mine do that ocassionally also and I pull on the upper portion of the arm to free it then roll out with strap. I think, as Drifty1 says, it may be a little racked due to wind. I think it has to do with the awning cloth not being aligned perfectly not allowing the arms to release. This is what I will have checked on maintenance check. Not sure what else to tell you.

[steves]

Agree with the suggestion that the awning may be "racked" pull the awning in the tube channel toward the arm that's sticking. Basically you want to center the awning in the tube so when you pull you get equal pressure on both arms.

[jackandh2o]

Thanks for all the input. We are heading home today, as I have a Dentist appt. next week. I will give it a good look see on my home turf.

Thanks again

Ray

[indy roadrunner]

My awning fabric got "off center" and caused the arms to hang up when trying to lower and when raising the arms would not align at the top. You can slide the fabric along to roller tube and you just have to do a trial and error method. But eventually you will find the sweet spot then take a magic marker and make a line on your main tube so next time it will be easier to re-align.

[MAMalody]

When you find the proper placement of the fabric, run a screw in the runner at both ends of the fabric and it will not be able to slide.

[jackandh2o]

It appears that the awning isn't centered on the tube. I guessed it at 4" on one end and 1" on the other. But after measuring it have about 3" of tube showing in the front and 3/4" on the rear. Once I get my gray water tank problem fixed i will tackle the awning. Huh, and I thought camping was supposed to be fun.
I guess every so often you have to pay the piper.

Again
Thank you all.

Ray

[simonsrf]

quote:Originally posted by steves

Agree with the suggestion that the awning may be "racked" pull the awning in the tube channel toward the arm that's sticking. Basically you want to center the awning in the tube so when you pull you get equal pressure on both arms.

Yep, that is the solution we use. After moving the awning in the channel, you may have to try it several times to make sure you have aligned it properly. Once it rolls up and down the way you want it, mark the end of the tube with a permanent marker so the next time you roll it up, it lines up.

[Waynem]

I believe those are "pinned" at the bottom so that you can use the support arms for a "carport." Maybe you could extend them to the ground and use a straight edge to see if they are square. (Just thinking outloud)