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Old 05-02-2020, 06:04 PM   #1
DadsHemi
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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......
 
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Old 05-02-2020, 07:45 PM   #2
shovelhead86
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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......
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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Old 05-02-2020, 08:57 PM   #3
rohrmann
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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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Old 05-02-2020, 10:10 PM   #4
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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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Old 05-02-2020, 10:59 PM   #5
bleedmichigan
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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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Old 05-03-2020, 07:39 AM   #6
DadsHemi
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Originally Posted by rohrmann View Post
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.
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.
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Old 05-03-2020, 07:40 AM   #7
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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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Old 05-03-2020, 03:53 PM   #8
DadsHemi
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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.
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