Forum Discussion

misterpowertool's avatar
May 18, 2018

Awning carpet foot pad damage

Pulling out of our RV parking today, I snagged the awning "hinge" and broke the casting at the bottom of the rear awning arm. It has a pin that is held by the bracket attached to the trailer. We were about to join a friend tomorrow on his first time out with his trailer, but not sure about travelling 15 miles with the bottom of that leg bungee corded to the frame. Question... does it need to support the awning while closed? Thanks.
  • I'd suggest to visit a big box store and look for a piece of aluminum box channel that matches up with the remains of the awning arm. If you size it right, you can go over the arm or, maybe, inside it. You will need to drill a though hole to accomodate the pin/bolt that fastens the two pieces together.

    If time isn't a constraint, contact the dealer for a replacement.

    BTW, I wouldn't have a problem securing the awning arm to the trailer. Wire it, rope it, chain it, bungee it until it's sturdy. There are electrical, single fastener, conduit clamps that could serve as a temp fix. Fasten the clamp with one screw into a known good spot (into wall stud).
  • It should be OK since the awning arms lock in place and will not slide open without un-doing the lock and pins. The top of the awning is held in place due to the rolled up awning fabric and spring lock.

    For added securing I would use some Gorilla or Duct tape and tape the bottom of the arm to the side of the trailer in addition to the bungee cord.
  • Can you get to a welding shop for a repair? I assume it's aluminum, so if you can pull it away from the trailer so heat wont damage anything a welder may be able to straighten and weld back your damaged part.
  • I would think it would depend on the brand. People trash awnings often, most rv repair shops have parts from old broken awnings that they use for replacements as needed. I would try a dealer or repair shop and pick up the needed part. Take some pics of what's broken to the dealer and replace it yourself.