Window awning tension

[wagonmaster2]

Is it possible to tighten the tension on the windup spring on the A&E window awnings used by Winnebago? One of mine keeps pulling out some in a side wind while driving and then the pull strap gets all tangled up when the awning comes back in. It must not come out very far but far enough that the strap ends up over a foot long and flapping in the wind against the side of the coach. Or is this one of those "must call the factory" questions? Any help appreciated.
Wagonmaster2

[wagonmaster2]

Is it possible to tighten the tension on the windup spring on the A&E window awnings used by Winnebago? One of mine keeps pulling out some in a side wind while driving and then the pull strap gets all tangled up when the awning comes back in. It must not come out very far but far enough that the strap ends up over a foot long and flapping in the wind against the side of the coach. Or is this one of those "must call the factory" questions? Any help appreciated.
Wagonmaster2

[garybtt]

I had the same problem and found out the spring on that side was broken. A new spring fixed the problem.

[Retired and Happy]

The springs can be adjusted if they are not broken as mentioned above. However it can be a dangerous thing to try unless you are very careful. The spring tension can cause your adjusting tool to flip back and strike whatever is in the way, including your face. When I had the problem a few years back, A&E refused to give me instructions due to the liability and hazard involved. I found the instructions elsewhere by Googling RV Awning Tension, or something like that. I don't recall all of the details, but do recall there were a certain number of turns for the spring depending on the length of the awning. You might find something on this forum using the FIND search. Good Luck, be careful, and post your results.

[tomsm]

Here's a link to the manual. The tensioning procedure is on page 4. As Ken said, be very careful...

[tomsm]

Forgot to mention - I had identical symptoms to yours on my little bedroom window awning. I found the rear roller spring had almost no tension on it. I wasn't able to get the 9 turns they call for on it and still keep it under control with the (lack of) tools I had. I settled for 6 or 7 turns and have had no more problems.

[DSouthw524]

If your awning is coming out in high winds, you need an awning restraining/lock such as the one sold by RVUpgrades, one of the sponsors.

We had the problem with wind high winds hitting our MH at the right angle and unfurling the awning (even though the arms were locked in position). The awning lock solved our problem!

[DSouthw524]

Re-read your post and my solution is for the big awning and is accurate but not applicable.

One way to tighten a window awning is to extend the awning. Then have a friend help you unfasten the end or ends from the coach and twist the arm/arms one or more times in the direction of the tension for winding up.

It is easier to do than explain.

[Tincup]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> One way to tighten a window awning is to extend the awning. Then have a friend help you unfasten the end or ends from the coach and twist the arm/arms one or more times in the direction of the tension for winding up.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

DO NOT extend the awning prior to making this adjustment. At this point the spring is at it's maximum tension point and any slip or mistake could have major complications, like blood . Folow the manufacturers installation manual and retract the awning ONLY 2" from its stored position and make your adjustment.

[wagonmaster2]

Traveling and just got to another hot spot. Thanks for all the suggestions and links. I knew messing with any awnings could be dangerous was why I asked first. This is the small window awning at the right side bedroom window. Its not very long but reaches down quite a ways since its a tall window. Only had the one incident coming from Oklahoma to Colorado but will keep an eye on it till I can do something. Thanks again.
Wagonmaster2
2004 Meridian 36G