On some units depending on design ... the strut is on for a reason as in preventing hitting the awning arm or in my case (3150RL) from hitting the baggage door. I had a similar issue with my closer mount that was screwed thru the rain gutter. It kept getting loose and making life difficult. I ended up making a spacer out of aluminum bar that I ground to fit behind the rain gutter. I drilled thru holes to match the closer arms holes and attached the closer arm with the original screws. When I tightened the screws after the mod, it clamped solid instead of trying to collapse the rain gutter.
PS "Big Dave", you should resize your "big" photo as it makes us scroll sideways to read your posts.