20 foot awning

liveneasy wrote:
If you look up your awning model on the internet you should be able to locate both a users and service manual that should have the information you need... complete with pictures and detailed instructions.

Thanks I found it. Apparently there's a "pull rod" to work the lever. I'll have to look around the rig - the previous owner saved EVERYTHING so it has to be in there somewhere.

The 20' version of the Carefree of Colorado awning also has two springs, one on each end. When mine broke the first time I took it into a shop to have it replaced. The last time it happened I bought the Pioneer end cap upgrade kit. The upgrade kit eliminates the spring and turns the awning into a manual crank up awning. The upgrade kit was around $67 from Amazon, worked out to be cheaper then a replacement spring, and it's a whole lot easier to use.

If you look up your awning model on the internet you should be able to locate both a users and service manual that should have the information you need... complete with pictures and detailed instructions.

sch911 wrote:
There are several You Tube videos on how to do this....

X-2, Congrats on your new coach!

wildmanbaker wrote:
The end with the extend/retract lever

Pardon the threadjack, but I have an A&E with this lever. It doesn't seem to do anything no matter which way I flip it. Plus, if you put it on retract and then retract the awning, do you then need to climb up there next time and flip it to "extend"? Seems odd.

Mine retracts a bit slowly and unevenly so I appreciate your tips.

There are several You Tube videos on how to do this....

I would start from scratch instead of willy nilly tightening the springs. Use the vise grip plyers to remove the tension and then follow the instructions for your awning as to proper tension. On mine it was 13 turns on the spring I believe. :B

Be careful as these things can and will hurt you.

If it is an A&E there are springs on both ends of the awning tube. The end with the extend/retract lever can be tightened by removing the nut/bolt holding it to the arm. Once you have the bolt removed, a second person is recommended to hold the tube while you use a pair of vice grips to wind the spring tighter. You must attach the vice grips, then move the lever to retract, while holding on to the grips. If it skips, the spring is probably broken. the left side is a little different, as it will want to unwind as soon as you remove it from the arm. There should be a hole in the shaft or through the end cap to insert a large cotter pin or nail, or welding rod, to hold the spring from unwinding when you remove it from the arm. You can wind it the same as the right end with vice grips. Just don't overdo it. This can be dangerous, so use caution. At least 2 people should be there is you have not done this before. If you are not sure, call a pro that does mobile work to help.

Lubrication likely will not hurt

Springs on manual awnings are usually "To the rear" of the RV (the end with the license plate) And yes it is possible to tighten them, it is also possible it's broken. Job is tricky. but basically you unbolt a piece on the end and while facing forward (toward the end with the hitch or the headlights) you rotate the arm clockwise.. Then re-bolt it.. On mine the "Arm" is like 3 or 4 inches long (Mine is a power awning) and very hard, I use multiple tools

There is a pin hole I line up and pin the thing before I start, and before I re-bolt... I do not recommend you try this at home as there is a SERIOUS chance of injury if you do not know exactly what you are doing.