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lone_ranger's avatar
lone_ranger
Explorer
May 01, 2017

carefree awning retraction

I have a carefree awning on a 2004 HR Alumascapeand would like to increase the retract tension so I don't have to push on it to close completely. When I took it to the dealer in 2004 the mechanic increased ti while it was extended by detaching the right support at the foot and rotated it one turn. But what direction I don't remember. The local RV repair shop said I need a complete new assembly because the spring is broken. ??? It works okay but needs a little help at the end of the retraction. Any advice will be appreciated.

9 Replies

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  • lone_ranger's avatar
    lone_ranger
    Explorer
    May 03, 2017
    I emailed cust serv at carefree and they emailed me the pdf for service manual for my model. I sent the year it was purchased and the 5er info and I downloaded the manual. It has detailed inst on how to service and change all the parts, But, I'm still going to have the shop do the work. It will take them 2 hrs and it will be done right with a warranty. It will take me about 2 hrs just to get set up.
  • avvidclif1's avatar
    avvidclif1
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    When mine won't close all the way it's because the awning has shifted slightly on the roll up portion and the arm won't seat all the way. Shifting it back over lets the arm center and it closes nicely.
  • lone_ranger's avatar
    lone_ranger
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    Yes. I read your post after I posted. Thanks for the info from everyone. I just got off the phone with RV repair shop and have an appt in a week to get necessary repairs made. I might just have both springs done and be good for awhile. It will be about $350 for both if necessary and the springs are in stock. Thanks.
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    May 02, 2017
    lone ranger wrote:
    Awning additional info. It is 20 ft long and probably has two springs. If it is a broken spring and if I use it and the other spring breaks is it possible to manually roll it back up and lock it in place until I can get it fixed?

    Yes, see my post above.
    Barney
  • lone_ranger's avatar
    lone_ranger
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    Awning additional info. It is 20 ft long and probably has two springs. If it is a broken spring and if I use it and the other spring breaks is it possible to manually roll it back up and lock it in place until I can get it fixed?
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    May 02, 2017
    lone ranger wrote:
    RV mechanic did say that one spring is probably broken but I very seldom open or close it in 13 yrs. He said if the remaining spring breaks while I extend it it won't retract at all. Is that true?

    Yes that is true. You would have to push it closed while someone rolled the tube by hand. Not easy!

    I agree with the original mechanic. Sounds to me like one broken spring which I would replace or get replaced before using it anymore.
    Barney
  • lone_ranger's avatar
    lone_ranger
    Explorer
    May 02, 2017
    RV mechanic did say that one spring is probably broken but I very seldom open or close it in 13 yrs. He said if the remaining spring breaks while I extend it it won't retract at all. Is that true?
  • Dave_and_Sue's avatar
    Dave_and_Sue
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    You could also have a awning that has two springs.One on each end.Sounds like one is broken.Buddy of mine just went through this on a 2001 5er.Both side broken and would retract.Fixed the one side and retracted,but needed help.Pulled other side and replaced it.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    May 01, 2017
    Take it apart and look at the spring
    youtube videos will guide you
    https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=carefree+awning+spring+replacement

    I did not know which awning you had but this is a decent generic video on the process
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHmRu5j4u6Y

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