Forum Discussion

jstaffon's avatar
jstaffon
Explorer
Jan 04, 2017

Dometic Awning Sprung

I have a 2016 Forest River Rockwood 5th wheel. I have two awings on the passenger side of the unit. The awning in question is a Dometic model 8952203.400UL. It's a motorized unit that is sprung on one side. I don't recall anything that would cause it to get damaged. I came out today and it appears to be bent but can't find any brace or piece that looks bent. I have a link to a photo included. I'm wondering if the motor can be adjusted to cause one side to roll up faster than the other. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!


  • jstaffon's avatar
    jstaffon
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    Dayle1 wrote:
    If you see nothing bent, then it might be the gas strut. Normally, they fail by leaking and becoming too weak to keep the awning open. But if it fails to compress fully, then it will keep the arm from closing completely.


    I closed the awning and stopped...just before closing the support arm system. I could see the strut on both sides and measured the extension. Both sides were the same.

    One of my pictures shows the top of the awning. There appears to be a couple screws. I was hoping they were adjusting screws. It sounds like most of you aren't having the problems I am having.

    I may have to call Dometic or Forest River direct....as recommended in one of the replies to my post.
  • joegray's avatar
    joegray
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2017
    Contact Forest River dealer. A 2016 should be covered by warranty, I would think.
  • Dayle1's avatar
    Dayle1
    Explorer II
    Jan 05, 2017
    If you see nothing bent, then it might be the gas strut. Normally, they fail by leaking and becoming too weak to keep the awning open. But if it fails to compress fully, then it will keep the arm from closing completely.
  • jstaffon's avatar
    jstaffon
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2017
    All,
    Sorry for such a hacked up post. I've edited the original post to include three pictures. Thanks for all your help!
  • BarneyS's avatar
    BarneyS
    Explorer III
    Jan 04, 2017
    Here is your photo.
    I used this site to post it.
    Here is how.
    1. Go to above site

    2. Upload your photo

    3. Copy resulting URL.

    4. Paste URL directly into your post with NO modifications.

  • jstaffon's avatar
    jstaffon
    Explorer
    Jan 04, 2017
    Bipeflier wrote:
    I can't get the link to work.

    I'm not sure of which awning you have but my electric one has a knob to tighten the spring loaded arms so one end of the awning can be lower for rain to run off. If yours has those make sure they are loose when you open or close the awning.


    Sorry...try that link.

    I have shocks that can be individually compressed with a resistance knob to adjust the angle for rain, low sun, etc. That doesn't seem to be the problem here. I don't like these awnings much. I had much better utility from the manual one on my old 5th wheel.
  • Bipeflier's avatar
    Bipeflier
    Explorer
    Jan 04, 2017
    I can't get the link to work.

    I'm not sure of which awning you have but my electric one has a knob to tighten the spring loaded arms so one end of the awning can be lower for rain to run off. If yours has those make sure they are loose when you open or close the awning.

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