Electric Awning

[adelmoll]

We have the 340RLQ 2009 Big Sky with the Dometic electric awning. Right now the awning is extended and it won't retract. I can hear the motor click on and off but it doesn't roll the awning up or down.
Thanx for any help
Bill Moll

[doofus]

Bill, I hope you like it where you are!

I'm sorry, that was awful...

Isn't there a manual override or unlock for the awning?

[pineranch]

Bill,
Not sure which awning you have but here is the link to what I think you have. Others may be selected.

http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas...ation-Manuals/
Mike

[rames14]

Sorry, Bill, but haven't had ours apart. I'm 1500 miles from my Big Sky, so I can't look, but can you take the cap off and see the end of the motor? If the motor is running, I would guess there is a shear pin or key that may have broken. Good luck with a speedy solution. Keep us posted, you probably won't be the last with this issue.

[camper4]

Yes, please post how you fix it. I know mine will do it too. I thought it would be a good thing when I bought it. Overall, I like the manual one better.

[steves]

Thought there was a screw on the end to remove that lets it roll up...can't remembers but here is Dometic Cust Serv # 1 574.294.2511

[lasater]

The link that Pineranch posted gives the answer to how to retract the recalcitrant bugger. But, before you remove the screw from the right hand end, ensure that there is no foriegn debris inside the channels that may be blocking the retraction. I have forgotten things like de-flappers, etc., in the past so this is a real possibility.

[adelmoll]

Thanx for the input. I contacted a mobile RV repair man in our park to see if he could take a look at the awning. He heard one click of the motor and said the motor was bad. When he said the new motor would cost about $600 I choked and asked about warranties. He thought Dometic had a one year warranty but called them anyway. Good thing. 3year warranty on the motor. Dometic is covering the motor,shipping and labor.
We had to retract the awning manually. The manual says to remove the front screw from the motor end of the tube and the awninig will roll up. Then you have to put the screw back in. I put the awning strap in the tube slot, and the tech removed the screw
and of course with my luck, nothing happened. Removed another screw (mistake)nothing happened. Got the ladders and manually turned the awning tube. About half way up the awning arm fell loose from the awning (because we removed the second screw) and is now just tangling loose. Hope Helen doesn't hang a plant on it. Now the awning is rolled up, so let the wind blow, and kinda bungee chorded and resting on a ladder.
New motor should be here mid next week.
I always had trouble with manuals. They never tell the whole story
Thanx for the input
Bill Moll

[Countryfolks]

A friend had trouble with his on a MH. When he took it apart he found the motor has a square(ish) shaft that fits into a square hole in a rather soft metal casting. The hole in the casting was either worn or broken and he had to replace the motor and casting as the casting was not available separately.

[Champ_49]

This is the very reason I wanted to swap out the electric for manual. Just another problem waiting to happen. But, I went with it anyway on the new unit. Will have to wait and see how it goes.

Dave

[mail2us]

Bill and Ann, glad warranty will replace the motor and I just learned how to handle the awning if we ever have a problem with it.

[Hooker]

Another reason NOT to have an electric awning...I have one, but would just as soon do it manually.

[bob n pam]

Bill, thanks for posting the problem and solution. Now we know what to do when it happens to us!