How To Remove Awning To Access Slide Out Gasket

[Ceratto's Grotto]

The slide out gasket has come loose along the top side on a full side slide out. It appears that it could be put back on and is not damaged, but the slide out cover awning is in the way to do that. It appears the awning may be removed by sliding out a plastic dowel from the loop (on RV side vs the slide out / roller side). Is there any hints, 'don't try this at home' warnings, and such from anyone?

2008 Monaco Monarch 30SFS

Thanks.

[MonacoMama]

We have done this project. It is do-able as long as you have at least two sets of hands. We have some photos in this album.

I will also say that you probably have to replace the rubber gasket. (We got our gasket from Uni-Grip. )
Here is a photo of when Monaco did the first replacement under warranty..

[deadeye916]

Yep, been there done that. Gasket rusts out and comes loose. I had the dealer seal the metal standoff that Monaco added to make room for the bracket supports. Theory is that it allows water to "leak" onto the gasket and then the gasket rusts out. Took 2 years for mine to come loose so hope the sealant helps slow down the rust.

[Wayneey]

The gasket on my living room slide was just replaced at the Tiffin service center. The replacement was done from the inside of the coach, after all the fascia & trim was removed.

Wayne

[Ceratto's Grotto]

Thanks for the feedback MM and others... We had a temp repair done in transit (in Lodi, as in 'stuck in Lodi'). Same issue, rusted out teeth on the gasket, plus ours was too short (it either shrinked and/or was installed a bit short creating tension). In any case, a two year life cycle seems a bit short so I'll look at other solutions too when we get back to our home base (like stainless steel teeth?... ah, maybe not until I win the lottery). We are in Redding, CA for the evening, and it looks like we will miss any heavy rains geeting back to the Puget Sound area (and snow going over the Mt. Shasta area)...

Again, thanks for the feedback...

[MonacoMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceratto's Grotto Thanks for the feedback MM and others... We had a temp repair done in transit (in Lodi, as in 'stuck in Lodi'). Same issue, rusted out teeth on the gasket, plus ours was too short (it either shrinked and/or was installed a bit short creating tension). In any case, a two year life cycle seems a bit short so I'll look at other solutions too when we get back to our home base (like stainless steel teeth?... ah, maybe not until I win the lottery). We are in Redding, CA for the evening, and it looks like we will miss any heavy rains getting back to the Puget Sound area (and snow going over the Mt. Shasta area)... Again, thanks for the feedback...

Good luck on finding the stainless steel teeth..and I don't think I told you that our coach was manufactured in May 2006. The gasket install that SacsTC did was the fourth gasket-including the original that was on the coach. Monaco replaced it the first time under factory warranty in July 2007. (We bought the coach Sept. 2006) It was again replaced in Sept 2008...and then in January 2010 is when we replaced it ourselves.
The gasket teeth is supposed to be made differently now - BUT it looked identical to what we removed...except the rust that was on the old gasket teeth.
We did use a sealant - which Monaco did not do-so we are hoping this one lasts longer.

Question..Do you have the same topper that is shown in the photos? This is probably the main culprit to the water getting to the teeth and causing the rust to form...

[Ceratto's Grotto]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonacoMama Question..Do you have the same topper that is shown in the photos? This is probably the main culprit to the water getting to the teeth and causing the rust to form...

Yes, pretty much the same system. I'll look at it and see if I can come up with an EC, retro improvement or some such thing to apply when I replace the gasket back at the ranch (should there actually be a few days of no rain).... I see that you posted a link to other pics so I'll look at those too for more info... Wanna start a consulting company to the RV mfgrs? Of course it would be a CBD (Cash Before Delivery) type of thing...

[RV Wizard]

I do not understand why the proper sealant is not used in the first place. I guess it cost a couple dollars and 10 minutes to apply and of coarse it will last a few years; maybe. I tell all my customers that this is one of the things that will need to be done asap. If some people knew how much maintenance was involved in an RV, they may not buy one!

[MonacoMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Ceratto's Grotto Yes, pretty much the same system. I'll look at it and see if I can come up with an EC, retro improvement or some such thing to apply when I replace the gasket back at the ranch (should there actually be a few days of no rain).... I see that you posted a link to other pics so I'll look at those too for more info...

Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions after you look closer at the photos

[bldrbob]

I just changed the awnings on my slides. I ran the slide out. Then using a strap wrench and a small screwdriver I finished unrolling the material by turning with wrench and inserting screwdriver into holes in tube to hold while getting another grip.There was a small screw in track to lock material in place.I slid the fabric out and installed new fabric. To help pull fabric in I clamped a line to the fabric and fastened it to a bucket of water to pull while I fed material into the track.
BOB