Dometic Awning issue (shoulder or set screw)

Z-Peller wrote:
Your problem all stems from awning not being locked in at top. Bottom bracket should not be taking that much weight. Top awning rail has 2 big bolts into trailer at top of arms that take weight when awning is properly locked in at top. When my awning is retracted and locked in at top I can unclip arm from bottom bracket easily and it just hangs there. (Note..awning instructions say do not swing bottom of arm out from trailer when locked in at top or damage can occur to top locking slot )

This is not correct- while the top bracket *can* hold the weight, the bottom bracket is meant to, and the top is not supposed to rest on that bracket. The bottom bracket holds the weight- from the service manual:

Dometic wrote:
2.6 Bottom Mounting Bracket
The bottom mounting brackets are screwed to the floor
line of the unit and they support the weight of the awning.
They also provide a quick release to setup the awning in
the patio position. If a bottom mounting bracket settles,
sags, or becomes loose it can reduce the clearance be-
tween the top casting of the torsion and the extension
of the top mounting bracket, making operation difficult.
Check the bottom mounting bracket for looseness or set-
tling, and tighten or reposition accordingly for proper op-
eration. A stand off is available and goes over molding
and extends the Bottom Mounting Bracket away from the
side of the coach approximately 3/4 inch if needed.

Cannot tell if the bottom bracket is installed at the floor line- it looks like it is above it, and the standoff over the molding should have been used. Of course, it could be in the floor line and just leaked and rotted. For cases like that, I use an aluminum plate.