Help with Dometic WeatherPro Awing, please

[sfrantz]

I am replacing a strut on our Dometic WeatherPro awning. I need to open the awning and see if it extends enough to get the strut in. If the strut is not under compression when the awning is extended, we'll be fine.

You could help me by telling me the length of the strut when the awning is extended. I know that uninstalled the length of the strut is 29.5 inches from the extreme end to the extreme end (outside tip to outside tip). The piston part is 11.5 inches (only the inside piston showing, not the connections).

If someone could measure theirs when open, I'd know how much I'll have to compress it once mine is extended. I'm cautious about trying to extend mine without the strut until I know what I will be dealing with.

Please see the attached photo of the part I am talking about.

Thanks in advance.

[historyljc]

It's dark outside and I can't reach it without the ladder. Will let you know tomorrow if no one else has answered before then.

[TAZ]

Mine is 25inches when extended. If you pull the pin on the arm you may be able to install it and then pull the arm back down to compress it and reinstall the connection pin.

[sfrantz]

Thank you. Was that 25 inches from hole to hole or from end to end?

[wa8yxm]

I can not tell you the length but I can tell you this.

With the awning fully extended put a step ladder of the proper height (note if you have to fold it slightly to increase height, you are not going to stand on this one, or build it up with wooden blocks or lynx levelers) so that the roller rests upon it.

now you remove a bolt or two in the end-cap to awning bracket and let the awning rest on the ladder ( You may wish to tie it down of have a friend hold it)

This will allow the arm to "Hyper extend" so you can put the new strut on with out compression. Then simply bring the arm back up, slip the end bracket into the arm and re-bolt.

How do I know this: Been there. Done that.

As I recall however.. I did not have to go to all that trouble when I made some "Adjustments' in the strut (Long story, but I think fully extended (Awning) is also fully extended (Strut) )

[TAZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfrantz Thank you. Was that 25 inches from hole to hole or from end to end?

It was 25 hole to hole. Let us know how it works out.

[sfrantz]

Thanks for the help, VA-redneck and wa8yxm. You're part of the reason that iRV2 is so great!

Stephen

[sfrantz]

Well, we finally got it done. A friend at a campground helped me. We were able to force it into place when the awning was hyperextended. It took a lot of pushing, pulling, and bending. Thanks for everyone's help.

[TAZ]

Glad it worked out. I may call you if mine ever needs replacing.