Then watch youTube, read instructions, ask questions BEFORE you tear into it. Chances are one of the windup springs has broken or come disconnected. There's one at each and of the awning. I helped a neighbor replace the REAR spring on his Carefree and it was actually very easy. He'd figured out the right number of turns to pre-load it. That's based on awning size. Then we separated the upper end of the awning arm from the lower and connected it to the spring end cap. We used the awning arm as the lever to wind it up. Slipped the arm back together and done.
The REAR is easier because the ratchet that holds the awning open is only in the front spring. Would still be a good idea to immobilize it with an additional restraint. A&E has holes to pin it. I think Carefree has to be clamped. We didn't but probably should have. I'm thinking use a big stainless hose clamp to tie a bar, even a big screwdriver, to the roller then bungee the other end/handle to the arm.
YOU BE SUREFIRE CERTAIN you can control that wound-up spring! It'll eat you up given a chance!!! That's why the study and questions.
