Bent A&E Slide Topper Arm

[Redapple]

On the last night of my vacation I went to put my living room slide out and it just stopped mid way. I pushed it through and discovered that the topper arm from the brackets bent and the topper jumped over the flange of the slide. I got it back over and retracted the slide, but now to repair...

I am going to check the play, but how do I determine the correct replacement part numbers, and how do I remove the preload on the springs...

I have included a couple of pictures...

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill

[DAJO]

There is a hole that you can pin with a long cotter pin to hold spring preload. Pins can be inserted on both ends, you may have to exert some turn on the assembly to line up the holes. Look for the holes to pin in the end cap that has the pop rivets in it.
Part numbers can be can be found on line.
I also had a problem with cover over the edge of slide. There was a lot of slop where the hex rod goes into the mounting bracket that allows the entire assembly to move up or down. To fix the problem I drilled and taped for machine screws where the self tapping screws were (1/4"). When installing and tapping I made sure the bracket was at the highest position that gives the maximum clearance from the slide side. My cover bracket assembly now has no movement (slop) from the hex rod.

[koda59]

If you open your awning you will see a tab on the front in side of the metal roller that has the model and part number on it. You can then call A&E to see if they can sell you the part. As mentioned you can also go on line to find the part. Make sure you have the cotter pins about 2 inches long installed. You can get seriously hurt if they start to unwind.

[Redapple]

Thanks gents...

I took it apart today and it looks like the screws in the hex rod broke. This caused excessive movement and bent both rods.

I have included a picture.

Roller tube seems fine as is the two nylon bushings.

I sourced two replacement rods for about 13 bucks each plus UPS shipping (maybe 15 bucks).

The slide flange is damaged, but I think I can repair it easy enough. Bend it back and add some wonderful silicone cauking.

When I reassemble I will take your advice and use 1/4 inch machine screws with blue loctite.

I will also replace the rivets in the arm with machine screws.

Thanks,
Bill

[Lt Dan]

Bill;

If I were you, I would try rolling out the topper fabric all the way with some assistance after you replace the rods. Something had to bind up to cause the rods to bend and I wouldn't think them just allowing the roller to rub against the slide would cause that serious of a bind. The internal spring could be in a bind causing the roller to lock. Just my $0.02, others will vary.

[Redapple]

Thanks Dan...When I disassembled I noticed the screws on the front rod were gone. My assumption that they broke and caused excessive movement, was comfirmed when I had to drill out the broken screws, however, I agree I should check it out, and will. I will report back with my findings.

Thanks,
Bill

[RayJr]

I would just straighten them out, and re install them. I do have a press though, and make sure they, the springs, don't have too much tension on the springs.

[Redapple]

DAJO,

You nailed the problem. Once I got the replacement rods and reassembled, I saw the same thing, too much movement.

I did two things...
1. Followed your advice and maximized the clearance and drilled the two holes in the rods with 1/4-20.

Replaced the pop rivet in the arm with a 1/4-20.

It works much better now, no binding at all.

Will post a picture in the am.

The rods are like 3 inches shorter, but they work.



Thanks All

[Redapple]

Here are the arms and rods after drilling and tapping for a 1/4-20 machine screw. Did the same thing through the bracket to the rod.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by Redapple

Here are the arms and rods after drilling and tapping for a 1/4-20 machine screw. Did the same thing through the bracket to the rod.

My slide topper was rubbing on the slide. I found a lot of slop in the hex rod bracket and the rivet in the arm on the end.

I did the exact same thing you did only I used stainless metric M6 x 1.00 16 screws and blue loctite. Works great now and I gained almost an inch space between slide and topper roller.



Having been up there, now I'm thinking I need to replace the topper fabric itself.

[Redapple]

Originally Posted by F4Gary

My slide topper was rubbing on the slide. I found a lot of slop in the hex rod bracket and the rivet in the arm on the end.

I did the exact same thing you did only I used stainless metric M6 x 1.00 16 screws and blue loctite. Works great now and I gained almost an inch space between slide and topper roller.



Having been up there, now I'm thinking I need to replace the topper fabric itself.

Me too...aside from its ten year age, the rubbing has worn it badly, however, that will be a job for another day...lol

[2004Horizon]

What would cause these pot metal "Hex" extension bars to bend and/or break?

Where can you find a replacement part.

I combed my Winnebago Parts Manual and came up with this information:

MODEL COLOR HARDWARE SLIDEROOM SLIDEROOM SLIDEROOM

CODE COLOR LTFRONT LT REAR RT FRONT
S40AD CHAMPAGNE 122977-09-04A 22977-04-04A 122977-21-04A

In my A&E Manual I found these part numbers:

Drivers Side Topper (A&E OEM # 3106792.017)

And when I did a search on "3106792.017" I found this "YoungFarts RV" website with a good parts diagram but I have yet to call them to find out if they have stock:

https://youngfartsrvparts.com/pages/...092-parts-list

Hex Extension Rod (3/4"x15.4") (Pewter) Part #3106792.017B

What a process! Does anyone have a better source to replace these 2 Hex Extension Rods? I would very much appreciate your assistance on this one!

[F4Gary]

Looks like the roller stopped/jammed while slide was going out.
Did you search those part numbers? (#7 in that diagram).

[F4Gary]

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-33110.../dp/B003BNEHRA