Retracting power awning

wa8yxm wrote:
There is a torsion spring on the A&EW/Dometics You just do not see it. but it's there it is inside the tube on the end opposite the motor I've had mine apart a few times.

Well, I don't want to argue, but the tube on my Dometic(A&E) awning is free to turn when the motor is out. If there is a torsion spring there, it doesn't seem to do anything.

There is a torsion spring on the A&EW/Dometics You just do not see it. but it's there it is inside the tube on the end opposite the motor I've had mine apart a few times.

wa8yxm wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
FWIW, the motor is working against the springs when retracting, so if it's a bit weak, that is when it will show up. The springs help extend it and basically the motor just keeps the arms from going out too abruptly.

You have that half backwards the Motor is AIDED by the springs when retracting (Well some of them opposed by others)

IF its an A&E weather pro then there are two gas struts that the Motor is workign against but there is a coil spring in the non-motor end of the roller that aids the motor

Now sure about Carefree

To the OP.. You might need to add a turn or two of Pre-tension to the coil spring.. I'm not going to tell you how as it is a "Dangerous" job.. Get a service tech to do it.

Yes, it does depend on the brand of awning. My Dometic (A&E) uses the struts to open the awning, and the motor works against the struts(springs) when it retracts. There is no torsion spring on my Dometic(A&E) awning. The struts are all the spring there is. I had it apart last year to replace the motor.

fj12ryder wrote:
FWIW, the motor is working against the springs when retracting, so if it's a bit weak, that is when it will show up. The springs help extend it and basically the motor just keeps the arms from going out too abruptly.

You have that half backwards the Motor is AIDED by the springs when retracting (Well some of them opposed by others)

IF its an A&E weather pro then there are two gas struts that the Motor is workign against but there is a coil spring in the non-motor end of the roller that aids the motor

Now sure about Carefree

To the OP.. You might need to add a turn or two of Pre-tension to the coil spring.. I'm not going to tell you how as it is a "Dangerous" job.. Get a service tech to do it.

On mine There is a Torginol Spring on the opposite end of the motor and it may need adjustment so that it will go in and out properly.

FWIW, the motor is working against the springs when retracting, so if it's a bit weak, that is when it will show up. The springs help extend it and basically the motor just keeps the arms from going out too abruptly.

I agree with Kent. Start with lubrication.

I would lube all the tracks that the awning arms slide on.

Best thing to do is check that the motor is working at full power. Jump from the battery to the motor itself to check that it works correctly, or check the amps when the motor is trying to work.

It's very possible the motor is shot. The awning motors are not very well protected from the weather and will often fail after a few years. I replaced ours when it started doing what you've described. It's not impossible to do yourself, but it's a hassle.