Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Awning problem (Read 462 times) previous topic - next topic

Awning problem

We had two velcro strips wrapped around the arms of the big awning to keep it stowed. We haven't used the awning in a while, so I didn't notice yesterday morning that they were missing. We were headed more or less north, with winds 20-30 mph from the NE. A gust caught the awning just right and it started to come out. I immediately pulled over. Jo Ann took one arm and I took the other as we pulled the awning out some, then let it snap back into place. Unfortunately the strap is stuck in there somewhere so I can't pull it down that way. Now I can't seem to get the front arms to move, while the back arms seem to work just fine.

Any ideas?

Re: Awning problem

Reply #1 –
Are those Zip-Dee awnings? Our curbside big fellow has lockers up above, plus the velcro strips. No offense, but most of us have had, or will have an "awning story" like yours.  You can get the strap out, but it's a bearcat and takes a couple to pull the awning out far enough to get at the strap. A chance fix is to use the awning pull rod,and a stepladder to "fish" the strap out. How do I know? Been there, done that. Good luck, things could have been MUCH WORSE!  A cheeze-ball addition I did was to add an extra loop cord on the strap, just in case I did not roll it up right, which I did, many times.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Awning problem

Reply #2 –
Yes, they are the Zip-Dee awnings. I wonder if that front lock has somehow locked itself? Guess I need to get out the ladder and see what I can see. Thanks.

Re: Awning problem

Reply #3 –
I just got the ladder out and climbed up to see what I could see, since the front latch didn't seem to want to move. It looks like part of the covering has gotten into a slot on the rain gutter, or whatever that is. At any rate it doesn't want to come free, so it can just stay that way until we're set up at Heit's Point in 10 days or so. I'll tie everything up as best I can anyway.
 

Re: Awning problem

Reply #4 –
We got to Waubonsie State Park earlier than planned (decided to outrun the weather, which promptly went away), so Jo Ann and I dragged the picnic table next to the front tire and I put a small step ladder on it and climbed up. Didn't see anything that was really caught, so I got down from the step stool, and tugged at it. The awning acted like it was willing to come out with sufficient persuasion, so Jo Ann pushed and pulled on the rear arms while I tugged at the front one. It didn't take long for it to come out. No major damage, so I rolled it back up and it acted normally. Winds are going to be strong for the next few days, though, so I won't be putting it out.