Installing new Dometic awning arm
Has anyone installed new awning arm on an old style Dometic manual awning? A mis placed highway road barrel took ours out, it looks like all the three arms are damaged somewhat as are the sided mou...
Forum Discussion
Dr Quick wrote:
I have worked a few awnings. First question is which arm did you damage, the front of the rear? If it is the front arm, the "catch mechanism" will hold spring while you replace arm. If it is the rear arm you will need a "vice Grips" to hold shaft when you work on it.
Fist off I used a small 'C' clamp and fastened it to the gutter, then a coat hanger wire to support the end of the shaft so awning will not fall. Pull awning out a few inches for some Wiggle room. If it is the rear arm I think that you will have to set the vice grips so that handle is facing the top of the trailer and resting against trailer, but PLEASE very this first.
There should be a bolt on the end of the attachment that holds awning to the arm. When you take bolt out, hold vice grips to see which way shaft wants to turn. If up that we have it right, if down, insert bolt. Then position vise grips in the down position. Remove bolt then unhook form lower end to take arm out.
To install new arm you may have to "twist" shaft a bit to get top bolt to line up with arm. If shaft needs to be twisted up, you may need a second vice grips so you can take first one off to position to get bolt in.
Dr.Quick, excellent explanation on the repair procedure. I thought about the vise grip as a tool to keep the shaft from free spinning BUT I forgot the part about supporting the awning! Sure, you remove that bolt and there is no support. It is the rear arm by the way.
I just picked up a used awning (better than my old) for $42 dollars at a local Topeka RV repair/sales shop. So on my next stop I'll slide a picnic table over and place my small ladder on that, should give me the height I need.
Thanks again
Ron W.
