Carefree slide awning replacement

[mport68]

I've searched the forum and found many discussions pertaining to Carefree slide awning replacement, but none of the mechanisms appear to be the same as what I have.

The slide awnings on my coach (2002 Diplomat) each have a toothed cap at both ends (anti-billowing device). These caps are riveted on, and there doesn't appear to be a hole to pin the spring through or a slot to pull the awning material out.

Has anyone changed their awning on a similar system? I'm not sure how to get the fabric out of the slot without drilling out the rivets and removing the toothed cap. My concern is if I half to unload the spring tension, how do I do it? I'd prefer to just grind a slot and pull the material out, but that doesn't appear to be an option.

Thanks for any advise!

[Radarman]

There is information on the web about these old Omega I and Omega II type slide-out covers as far as still getting some parts. I had 2 of the Omega type slide-out covers on my coach when I bought it until replacing with new Carefree Cover 2 models. This design not only covered the slideout, but you could further extend the cover to serve as window shades. To re-tension this type, extend the slideout, and carefully remove the right-hand (As you look at the slide-out) mounting for the ? shaped arm. (The right sides have the spring attached). I believe there are 2 bolts that can be removed from the bottom of the arm without removing the mounting bracket. Do this carefully, because the tension is on the arm. Raise the arm above the slideout slightly enough to turn it completely around, and wind spring a few turns to return proper spring tension to the cover. Re-attach the arm. For removing the cover completely, remove all tension using the procedure above, then remove the other arm from its mounting bracket, and then slide out the entire cover from the coach awning channel mounted on the side of the coach. Then you can repair/replace the awning material in a garage, etc. and remount the assembly.

[mport68]

Thanks for the info Radarman... so as I understand it, I need to remove the right side ? bracket and unwind the spring tension completely. Then unbolt the left side ? bracket (no spring at this end), then slide the awning material out of the channel mounted at the RV roof line. Once I have the entire assembly removed, I then drill out the rivets holding the toothed cap at the end of the tube and remove the cap. I should then be able to slide the awning fabric out of the tube.... that sound about right?

Doesn't sound too bad, but way more work then the A&E or newer carefree designs!

[Rex]

Mport68 contact me direct rbdtanasi@yahoo.com and I will send you my writeup on replacing the slide toppers. Easy job but the instructions should help.

[Radarman]

From what I remember, that sounds correct mport68. Contact Rex for more information.

[mport68]

I replaced both slide awnings today, easy job made quite simple by Rex's instructions! Took about 45 min's for the 1st one and maybe 20 min's for the next.

One note, I bought my replacement awnings from Tough Top Awning. Although it took two full weeks to get the awnings, they appear well made. One problem I did have stems from my lack of familiarity with what I was doing….

I’ve only owned this coach a short time and did not realize that my Omega I style awnings incorporated a window awning. I noticed all the extra fabric on the roll but Tough Top Awnings commented on this as being unnecessary and they make theirs several inches shorter, i.e. they do NOT incorporate enough width to be used as window awnings.

Anyway, thanks again Rex & Radarman for the advice... this forum is truly a valuable source of information!

[Rex]

The primary function of the window awning part of the slide topper is to keep the topper as tight as possible to keep water from pooling on it from rain. Deploying the window awning part does work fairly well in stopping pooling but not completely. Problem is I never remember to put the window part down until it has already started raining.

[drnitrous]

Rex's directions are very helpful, thanks for making them available to everyone. I remember when I did mine I could find the holes on the outside of the reels to put the pin in to lock the spring but nothing on the inside matched up. I finally figured out that if you pull out on the arm and rotate the reel attached to the spring they were there, figure that out after I had pulled it all apart and had to use Rex's directions to reassemble it.

[Mainehawk]

I had the issue a couple of weeks ago of doing the rookie mistake of leaving the awning open. Over night a storm blew up and snapped both of my main arm supports. After much cussing (and a ton of tugging, I managed to dismantle the supports and slide the majority of the main awning out of it's track. All worked well until the last foot or so when it became jammed. ended up losing the last 8 inches of so. An after inspection leads me to beleive that the top lag bolts created spurs that snagged the ends of the rubber channel.

Best advise I can give.....have PLENTY of help.