Dometic Awning Part Numbers and Changing out Arms

DFord wrote:
belairbrian,
From the picture, it's clear you've got plenty of slope to keep rain from ponding on the awning, it's just the door dragging that's the issue - is that right?

Correct. it's hard to see from that picture but at 90 degrees open the door pushed the awning up about 6 inches

belairbrian,
From the picture, it's clear you've got plenty of slope to keep rain from ponding on the awning, it's just the door dragging that's the issue - is that right?

From your pic, the simplest solution is to purchase the Dometic Center Rafter support. That is an adjustable arm that inserts into the middle of the extended awning tube. RAISE the awning up to clear the door and then retract to keep it taut. Doug


https://www.campingworld.com/tension-rafter-center-support---satin-28015.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5-26g9qg4wIVh7rACh23AwyTEAQYASABEgLgf_D_BwE

here is what the issue is. I took another run at Dometic support (sent them this pick)and they said that awning should not have been used. They recommended the standard hardware. The basement hardware requires 12" above door.

Can you go to a dealer and see the different types of hardware, like on different trailer? Might give you an idea what would parts you'd need to change, and what would be entailed in doing so.

I really need to change the signature picture that's our previous 5er. But both are Chaparrals and have almost identical mounting.

But it actually did not have a problem. It came out and went almost straight out instead of sloping down. So it didn't have the issue I have now. Both had 9100 series power awnings.

As to calling Coachmen or Dometic the answers were.
1) Yes that's what was installed. Would not offer advise on a fix because they think they made the right choice.
2) Dometic - We recommend discussing your choices with one of our dealers.

What I've found so far is that There are 3 types of hardware.
1) Basement - most extreme downward slope, when extended the roller will be 31 inches lower than the top rail
2) Standard - less extreme down slope, when extended the roller will be 13 inches lower than the top rail.
3) Reduced pitch - haven't found out many details on this one other than it exists.

From what I've gleaned from part numbers it breaks down like this

895X00Y.400Z

I know
X will be 1 or 2 but can't determine what the number means
Y will be 1,2 or 3 where 1 =basement 2=standard and 3=reduced pitch
Z is a color code

1. If you look at the roof slope, you will see why the awning rail was mounted that close to the door
2. Depending on the style RV entry doors rubbing the Awning fabric has always been possible. That is why older RV's that had square door frames instead of the current Radius Door frames the Awning install kits came with a roller that you installed on top the entry door to roll on the fabric and not tear it. Some Radius Doors need that roller also to prevent the rubbing and possible damage over time.
3. Is this an electric awning? I cannot tell from your pic. If electric, I doubt getting standard hardware will fix your problem. Doug

From the picture of your 5th wheel, it doen't look like there's much room above your back window to raise the awning much. I don't know what they were thinking by installing the roller tube right above the door like that. I'd be upset too. I don't care for the Dometic hardware at all compared to my Carefree. The first thing I did was adjust the arms for a permanent slope that will never allow water to pond. It's an electric awning and I don't need to change anything before I retract it. From what I've seen, the Dometic arms have to reset to straight out before retracting them - correct me if I'm wrong.

Only difference in the arms really is one set is longer than the other.
They do make different styles one set is cheaper without the auto dump persay say feature. But I don't think changing arms will change what you have going on

They more than likely mounted the awning lower than needed I been seeing that a lot on newer trailers

What did Dometic or Coachman say when you asked them?