Awning stuck closed...I hope!

[Copperlisa]

We bought our 1998 Jayco Designer 29RKS from a dealer who picked it up at an auction. The awning will not open, and we haven't a clue as to how to do it without breaking something. We don't want to force it, have it end up out, and not be able to bring it back in. We're open to any and all advice. We've done all the logical things that we did when we had our little motorhome with an awning, but it's not working on this one!

Thanks!

[Vulcaneer]

Copperlisa wrote:
You mean the handles on the side? Yes, we've tried that. But it's always worth another try!

Nope...Not those. Those are for extending the awning after it is already out. So you can lower one corner or the other, for water runoff. Those are shot pin handles that go into a series of holes to locate them.

The pinch locks are about 1/3 of the way up the arm from the bottom. Hard to see from the front. But if looking from the front or rear, you can see them. Usually black plastic things. You need to wrap your hand around the front of the arm, and pinch both sides of the plastic lock. Until you hear/feel it release with a little "snap". Then do the same on the other arm. You might need a step stool to reach it on the front arm. Because on a 5'r it is higher up on the front.

After releasing the pinch locks, then pull the unlock lever on the front of the awning roller. Then pull the strap handle to extend the awning out.

Some different awnings might have a slightly different system. But look for those arm locks. Most all have them. They are there to help the arms stay locked to the coach while traveling.

[workhardplayha1]

If all else fails get a bigger hammer. :B

[FlatBroke]

Vulcaneer wrote:
First release the release lever as mentioned before. Then...
There are pinch locks about 1/3 of the way up on the uprights. You need to pinch those to release the arms. Then pull the strap to extend the awning.

We had electric on the last two RV's and this one is manual. First time I could not get it to open. Those pinch locks were the culprit.

P.S. The manual Dometic is ten times sturdier than the electric. We were constantly bringing the electric in and out with just mild breeze. The manual can stay out.

[Copperlisa]

You are fabulous! Hubby will be home today. We'll try it out! Thanks!!!

[dogwood36322]

Lisa here is a link to owners manuals and installation manuals with pictures to give you a better idea of how your awning works. It looks to be an A&E 8500.
http://bryantrv.com/owners.html

[Copperlisa]

If I could find a name on the awning, I'd do just that!

[GMT830]

Don't feel bad. I had to download the instruction manual for our Dometic first trip out this season.

[jaycocamprs]

First check to see if you have a A&E awning or a Carefree awning. Most Jayco's I've seen have the Carefree. On a Carefree the release is on the side of the front arm. And just above that is a latch that swings up to let the arms come apart, there will be 1 on the arm at each end. Most of the advice and pictures above is good for the A&E, but the Carefrees are just a little different. I have had Carefrees that I have to push up on to lock, but never open. Carefree Owners Manual

[Copperlisa]

Ah. The thingi-ma-bob-doo-hickie! That causes so many issues! 🙂 Actually, I get it. Good idea!

[GMT830]

Just remembered that we had an older rig that needed to lift the awning arms vertically to disengage them from a retainer clip deal thingi ma-bob doo hickie....

[Copperlisa]

You mean the handles on the side? Yes, we've tried that. But it's always worth another try!

[Vulcaneer]

First release the release lever as mentioned before. Then...
There are pinch locks about 1/3 of the way up on the uprights. You need to pinch those to release the arms. Then pull the strap to extend the awning.

[Copperlisa]

You all give me hope that we will get it open.

[GMT830]

It took two of us to open the awning the first time this season - first time for us. She kept tugging on the strap while I fiddled with the latch. It finally released and worked fine. Second trip out last weekend it worked fine just one person. I did give the latch mechanism a good dousing of Fluid Film through the little holes on the housing.