Cheap replacement for awning catch springs?

[SlowBro]

I just lost one of the springs pictured in the link below. I really don't want to spend $20 (w/ shipping) to replace just one tiny spring. Anyone have any thoughts on a cheap replacement?

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/a-e-awning-slider-catch-with-springs-set-of-2/15502

[Gjac]

shadows4 wrote:
Any RV store that handles A&E awnings should have that kit. I have replaced mine before as those plastic pieces get brittle with age and break. Doesn't have to come from CW.
Or like stated above, any hardware store should have a collection of springs. I would think they would have something close enough to work. Good luck, John

Funny how the older MH's were made from metal. Mine is made from metal with a leaf spring made of SS attached, it is 20 years old and still works. Don't know if this design is available for replacement any more.

[SlowBro]

Louseman wrote:
Could you use the tapered spring from a battery holder or old flashlight?

Maybe? I don't have any old devices though, everything I have is AA or AAA-powered. Still, if I can find one for a dollar...

[Louseman]

Could you use the tapered spring from a battery holder or old flashlight?

[shadows4]

Any RV store that handles A&E awnings should have that kit. I have replaced mine before as those plastic pieces get brittle with age and break. Doesn't have to come from CW.
Or like stated above, any hardware store should have a collection of springs. I would think they would have something close enough to work. Good luck, John

[MrWizard]

That looks like a tapered spring
Which means it can compress completely flat
Its the same type as the those that come with aux 12v transmission cooling fans, more mounting them, check the auto parts store, may have to nip off the end
I'm sure the awning spring is very weak, get some piano wire and wind your own, lots of tips and tutorials on YouTube
The silicone idea is worth a try

[opnspaces]

SlowBro wrote:

RV daytrader wrote:
Ace hardware has all kinds of springs...would be surprised if they did not have one that will work.

Someone else said hardware stores have them, I guess I've just never looked because I've not seen any but will look next time. Thanks.

Yes at the hardware stores try looking in the specialty drawers that they usually have in the nuts and bolts aisle.

[jrobert01]

I had the same thing happen to me last spring.Had a spring to long cut it off the right length put it in works great.You will need to stretch most springs to get the right tension. Easy fix and cheep.

[SlowBro]

RV daytrader wrote:
Ace hardware has all kinds of springs...would be surprised if they did not have one that will work.

Someone else said hardware stores have them, I guess I've just never looked because I've not seen any but will look next time. Thanks.

[RV_daytrader]

Ace hardware has all kinds of springs...would be surprised if they did not have one that will work.

[SlowBro]

Gjac wrote:
I think what I would do is put a bead of silicone the ht that you need and let it cure and use it as a spring. My awning catch is metal with a spring steel leaf.

Now there's a good idea. Kinda like a bumper.

[Gjac]

Double Post.

[Gjac]

I think what I would do is put a bead of silicone the ht that you need and let it cure and use it as a spring. My awning catch is metal with a spring steel leaf.

[Triker33]

SlowBro wrote:
Thing is I'm not tall enough to lock it in place, the catch helps me

You lock the brace arms in while the awning is down low. Easy to reach before extending the awning up.

I have had one arm with a broken spring for over a year now with no problem. And even have a spare spring that I haven't bothered to put in yet.

Or for less then $10 get a step stool.
Step Stool

[SlowBro]

Those springs are bigger I THINK. No I don't want to spend a dollar to save a dime, but twenty dollars for a spring seems outrageous to me, and I figured someone here would have experience with a better replacement.

Good idea on just hitting up the parts stores, I'll make some calls.