A&E Dometic arm change help

[varvnewbie]

I am new to rving and I have already made a rookie mistake. I left my rig with my awning out on a windy day. I have ordered new awning main arms and the adjusting arms. I called a local rv store and they said that changing the arms could be dangerous. Is this true of just changing the arms? I saw a video of how to change awning arms on another brand awning but I don't remember the name, all they did was pull the awning out a little and put a coter pin through a hole on the part that rolls to keep the awning from retracting while they changed the arms. Would this be the same type change on the A&E awning? I have a 2004 keystone cougar 314EFS 5th wheel. Thanks for any and all help.

[varvnewbie]

How do I pin the springs?

[Chris_Bryant]

Pin the springs and you I'll be fine. Also, you may not need the outer, main arm. They don't bend too often.

[varvnewbie]

It is a manual.

[newman_fulltime]

Is it a manual or electric awning ?

[BarneyS]

A&E Awning spring, fabric, and tube replacement instructions.

A&E awning hardware service and replacement intructions.

The above documents are courtesy of Bryant RV services.

Yes, changing the arms could possibly be dangerous due to all the energy stored in the wound up spring - just like in an overhead garage door.
I have not looked over the documents in a long time but I suspect that the procedure would be about the same as the video you already looked at.
Hope they help you out and good luck.:)
Barney