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05-02-2020, 06:04 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 945
M.O.C. #20472
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New Awning Struts Grrrr
Ok.. So I bought 2 new struts for out main awing. How on gods green earth do you compress these things, ok idea....place between a floor jack and 5th pin to compress, secure with 1/4” nylon rope through the eyelets. Problem rope is in the way . No what......
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
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05-02-2020, 07:45 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 663
M.O.C. #10985
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DadsHemi
Ok.. So I bought 2 new struts for out main awing. How on gods green earth do you compress these things, ok idea....place between a floor jack and 5th pin to compress, secure with 1/4” nylon rope through the eyelets. Problem rope is in the way . No what......
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I carefully installed Vice grips to the eye and had a strong friend compress it and we guided it into place and installed the pin.
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05-02-2020, 08:57 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,677
M.O.C. #12947
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Just looking at ours, I would unpin the part that the strut attaches to at the long arm, change the strut, then pull that brace down and re-pin it into the long arm. You should have enough leverage to be able to compress that strut doing it that way. You might have to support the long arm so it doesn't fold up.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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05-02-2020, 10:10 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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I've done one and it was a pain. There must be a special tool out there somewhere. Sorry this was no help other than to say you aren't alone with this one.
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2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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05-02-2020, 10:59 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Columbia
Posts: 303
M.O.C. #23739
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Compress the strut then use the huge zip ties and loop them around the assembly like car shocks. Don’t go through the eyes then when they are in cut the zip tie
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05-03-2020, 07:39 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 945
M.O.C. #20472
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rohrmann
Just looking at ours, I would unpin the part that the strut attaches to at the long arm, change the strut, then pull that brace down and re-pin it into the long arm. You should have enough leverage to be able to compress that strut doing it that way. You might have to support the long arm so it doesn't fold up.
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I didn’t think about this, I was looking at disconnecting the bottom arm and still struggle with getting the pin through the whole assembly.Your idea is much better as I can use my weight and the leverage to pull down.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
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05-03-2020, 07:40 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Catoosa
Posts: 772
M.O.C. #18384
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You could possibly use the method you first described, then while compressed use several wraps of QUALITY duct tape around the outside of the eyes. Remove the rope, install the strut and then remove the tape.
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2015 3100RL legacy...2005 Ford F-250 CC SB. Tows like a charm! 4/19 Updated to 2017 Chevy 3500 CC SB SRW -hope it tows as well as my F 250 did!
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05-03-2020, 03:53 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 945
M.O.C. #20472
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Well one down, I can’t tell you what not to do....don’t use the top part as a lever to compress the strut. That did not work. After 3hrs I finally have 1 installed, here’s what works the best.
Adjust the lower adjustment all the way out, remove the bottom pin first and let the awning rest against the back rail that is attached to the 5th, remove the top pin and remove the strut.
In reverse install the bottom pin with the strut and stand the strut in an upward position, this allows you to work on an intact awning and not fighting anything. Pull the strut down to where the pin hole is located, manipulate the Chanel and use small pry bar ( Wonder Bar ) between the channel and top of the strut and manipulate the pin through the hole.
When you adjust the bottom adjustment on the swinging it’s adding length for the strut so your not fighting compression of the strut.
Just take your time and be safe, you need a good ladder. I went to Lowe’s and bought a good 300lb rated multi ladders.
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
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