Forum Discussion

FloridaRosebud's avatar
FloridaRosebud
Explorer
Apr 08, 2022

Lubricant - Need Quick Answer

We are leaving tomorrow around 8am for a 2600 mile SE US trip. I have a silly problem, but wanted to see people's thoughts. We have an electric awning, which was installed at the Perry FMCA show in 2019. When rolling it out it has begun sticking, resulting in me having to go out and tug on each side, releasing the arms from the mounts. My guess is there is a slight misalignment, as this just started. But I don't have time to dig into very deeply. My current thought is to use vaseline and lube the arms where they go into the mount. A temporary fix for sure, but again, not a lot of time to deal with this before tomorrow morning. Thoughts???

Al
Class A
  • way2roll's avatar
    way2roll
    Navigator II
    Apr 08, 2022
    Vaseline is petroleum based and could affect the surface it's put on and it may collect dust. I would opt for a dry silicone spray lube. Funny, as a cyclist I always have dry chain lube. I use it for a lot of things other than bike chains.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Why not stop using it until you can get it fixed?
  • FloridaRosebud's avatar
    FloridaRosebud
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    bgum wrote:
    Why not stop using it until you can get it fixed?


    Because we're leaving in the morning for a 7 week trip, and need to use the awning. I can continue to pull the arms free, but I just want to do something simple to get us by until we return.

    Al
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 08, 2022
    I vote trying silicone spray but the “real” answer is to have the problem fixed correctly.
  • sundancer268's avatar
    sundancer268
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Use a dry silicone spray, Vaseline will attract road dirt and could make the problem even worse.
  • Sjm9911's avatar
    Sjm9911
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Is the awning rolled up evenly? If not it will bind. On your trip you can see this and ajust the tenting as needed.
  • FloridaRosebud's avatar
    FloridaRosebud
    Explorer
    Apr 08, 2022
    Lwiddis wrote:
    I vote trying silicone spray but the “real” answer is to have the problem fixed correctly.


    I know the "real" answer but there is just not time before I leave. It does not appear to be misaligned based on the eyeball test when it's rolled up.

    Silicone it is....thanks!!

    Al
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 08, 2022
    1. Need to know brand and model of Awning
    2. The USUAL cause of your type problem is the Awning roll itself has shifted Forward or rearward about 1 inch in the upper wall mount Awning rail. They neglected to install the thru the awning rail stop screws to keep the upper roll in place.
    3. 2nd cause is the Fabric itself has shifted in the awning metal tube either forward or rearward
    4. Regardless, NOTHING will be further damaged and you can just keep manually releasing the arms on your trip until you can get it fixed. Doug

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