awning unfurling

[Metta]

27N Sunstar 2014. The awning will unfurl while in storage. Recall on this for earlier made models so Dometic will not address the problem on this coach because it's not within their date time.
Has Anyone else had a similar problem?

[wingnuts]

Sorry to hear that. ..but to me a recall is a recall if it's the same brand and model

That could be a old new stock awning on the newer coach. ...

I would at least put up a fight, ya never no

[youracman]

Originally Posted by wingnuts

Sorry to hear that. ..but to me a recall is a recall if it's the same brand and model

That could be a old new stock awning on the newer coach. ...

I would at least put up a fight, ya never no

^^^^^^ Agree ^^^^^^

Or: You could just install one of these Save Your RV Awning with an RV Awning Travel Lock! as many forum members have done (including me.) That way you are protected from dangerous unfurling (AKA "billowing") in strong side winds.....in addition to solving your storage unfurling problem. 'Tis a good safety device...well made and easy to install.

Safe travels.................. ed s

[Papa Foxtrot]

Probably a different issue, but I just finished rebuilding my A&E 8500 awning. We had it billow on us coming out of Yellowstone last summer. Fabric was nearly 20 years old, so I wasn't too torn up about it.

During the rebuild process, I learned a lot about my awning. First, it wasn't tensioned nearly enough. With the awning down, it should have had 14 turns on the spring - was closer to 7. Also, mine has a lock on the forward spring. Apparently, around 2003 Dometic changed the lock design. I could see why - the original design was pretty crappy; a steel knurled pawl riding on an aluminum wheel with humps on it. The wheel had been worn slick and was useless. The new design is more like a ratchet with the pawl engaging a toothed gear.

I wound up replacing both torsion spring assemblies in addition to the fabric. After the rebuild, the awning functions much better and locks solidly against the coach. I did pick up a couple of Camco velcro straps for good measure.

You didn't mention which model awning you have, but it it's anything like the 8500, then I'd definitely check the spring tension. Google the model number and you'll find instructions on the web.

Good luck!

[Jim_HiTek]

Originally Posted by Papa Foxtrot

Probably a different issue, but I just finished rebuilding my A&E 8500 awning. We had it billow on us coming out of Yellowstone last summer. Fabric was nearly 20 years old, so I wasn't too torn up about it.

During the rebuild process, I learned a lot about my awning. First, it wasn't tensioned nearly enough. With the awning down, it should have had 14 turns on the spring - was closer to 7. Also, mine has a lock on the forward spring. Apparently, around 2003 Dometic changed the lock design. I could see why - the original design was pretty crappy; a steel knurled pawl riding on an aluminum wheel with humps on it. The wheel had been worn slick and was useless. The new design is more like a ratchet with the pawl engaging a toothed gear.

I wound up replacing both torsion spring assemblies in addition to the fabric. After the rebuild, the awning functions much better and locks solidly against the coach. I did pick up a couple of Camco velcro straps for good measure.

You didn't mention which model awning you have, but it it's anything like the 8500, then I'd definitely check the spring tension. Google the model number and you'll find instructions on the web.

Good luck!

Dude! I hate my 8500 because of the horrible design. After owning a Colorado Fiesta and seeing how they should be made, this A&E is a disappointment.

In the case of this one, it's probably over tightened as it wants to roll up far too aggressively. Thanks for the heads up though. I'll keep glancing at mine as I travel the roads. Sure would like to dump it though.