Awning tension knobs

[Scootsk]

Good morning

With the height of these units, how are you adjusting the pitch of you awning? I’m 6’3 and no way can I reach the knob. I don’t want to have to get a ladder out every time I want to either adjust the awning or close it. Is there a product out there that anyone knows of?

[RichardD]

At the 2019 MOC Rally I saw someone that had taken a piece of PVC pipe, cut out notches at one end that allowed the pipe to fit over and grab the knob. At the opposite end of the notches he drilled a hole thru the pipe for a "T" handle. He used a cargo strap that he threw over the awning tube to pull the awning down to the desired height and used the pipe to tighten the knob and lock in place. You can cut the pipe to whatever length that works best for you.
May that person will see this and share some pictures.
Hope this helps.
Richard

[Scootsk]

Thank you Richard. I do hope he sees this and posts a picture.

[DQDick]

I just use a folding step stool.

[Scootsk]

Originally Posted by DQDick

I just use a folding step stool.

Yup, no good. Five gallon bucket? Yup, no good. Had to use my ladder. As a reminder, I’m 6’3” and wear 36-37” sleeves with my dress shirts. It’s up there. Of course at certain sites I can reach with the step stool but more often than not, I can’t. Nothing worse than a storm rolling in and you have to scramble for a ladder to release the tension knobs so you can roll up the awning.

[DutchmenSport]

Similar thread, click here

I attached the original awning strap in the groove in my roller, and then I purchased a second awning strap from my local RV parts shop. (Dealer). Although I still have to use a ladder to reach the knob, I can pull the strap at each end of the awning and pull it down, hold the strap tight, then tighten the knob.

I also carry a couple dog leash screw in the ground anchors. I can also just pull the strap down and hook it to the dog screw and just forget the knob. I use a short bungie cord to act as a spring, but it still need to be drawn pretty tight. But the bungie still gives a little spring.

This works for me.

[Scootsk]

Thank you, that’s a good idea. I just want to do it a little simpler so should there be a unexpected storm with strong winds I roll up in a hurry.

[beeje]

Don't know what awnings are used on the newer units, but my 2011 Montana has a 9100 ? awning. The knobs are only to lock down an arm if you want to tilt/pitch the awning towards one side. I rarely have had to do that since the pitch downward lets all the water to run off. I can usually reach my knobs form the ground.

[Scootsk]

The new units pitch is virtually flat. When it rains the awning inevitably does the auto dump feature because the water cannot run off. The awnings are always stalling ridiculously high on these trailers. The way my trailer is set up right now, the knob is about 10’ off the ground. Like I explained in my original post I’m taller than average and have arms like a silverback gorilla and I still can’t reach it.

[Scootsk]

I have remedied this situation using a PVC pipe. I carved out the shape of the knob on the inside of a 2” pipe. I’ll post pictures when I get home

[beeje]

What brand and model number are the awnings on these new units. Awning rail on my unit is mounted as far up as it can possibly go and I have quite a bit of pitch to it. Most of the time I can easily touch the tube. Not even a chance of collecting water

I would also think with an awning way up high like that it wouldn't protect you as well from the rain

[BuilderBob]

I just use a step stool! not a big deal.

[Scootsk]

Originally Posted by BuilderBob

I just use a step stool! not a big deal.

Bob did you read my post? Unless the step stool is over three feet tall it won’t work. On a step stool I can’t reach. But o solved it, thanks for your input.

[Scootsk]

So here is how I solved my issue. 3-1/2 foot pvc pipe. I traced the edges of the knob and carved out the contour. Just tried it out for the first time, worked perfectly.

PROBLEM SOLVED!!

[RMcNeal]

That's brilliant! Do you have a strap or something that attaches to the awning to pull it down before tightening the knob?

[Scootsk]

I use an old strap from a previous fifth wheel that held the recliners during transport. I throw that over the awning arm pivot just forward of the knob and pull down. Works like a charm