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pddgm · 02-02-2023, 05:27 PM

After doing some research I ordered a replacement awning for my 5'er from tough tops and they made it and shipped it right out. It arrived yesterday and this morning the local mobile RV guys came out to install it, they showed up on time and got started. Then the fun started, they didn't exactly exude confidence they knew what they were doing. But after a false start or two, they got the old fabric off and the new one on, then back off and back on the roller correctly. To make this short, once it was installed back on the rig, we rolled it out and the arm that hold tension down on the roller arm, came apart. It was like all of a sudden it was to short. So I measured the old fabric from the bead where it mounted to the rig and the bead where the valance bead is and then the new one and the new was was 9 almost 10 inches to long. So I called tough top and talked to Tyler, told him what the measurements were and he said must be the way mine is mounted, the front arm is actually on the part of the rig that sits over the hitch. So they are making me a new one, and shipping it out Monday.. I get to keep the first new one, too I have decided after watching the pros do it this morning, I am pretty sure I can do it faster and with less problems that they had...

jacknife · 02-02-2023, 08:43 PM

Easy to do . Watch a u tube usually easier with 2 people

tuffr2 · 02-02-2023, 09:34 PM

I use YouTube a lot. Everything they do on YouTube is easier than you actually doing it. Just a friendly warning.

**hamm2018** · 02-03-2023, 08:45 AM

When you do this, make sure you do not allow the spring tension to come off. Since you have watched somebody else do this, you can eliminate some of the issues they experienced.

pddgm · 02-03-2023, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamm2018

When you do this, make sure you do not allow the spring tension to come off. Since you have watched somebody else do this, you can eliminate some of the issues they experienced.

Actually they let one of the springs off, so they could get the cap off to get the awning on the roller. There is no other way to do it on the one on my rig. All the videos i have watched on A&E awnings,, show taking the cap off. I would really like to take the springs out and clean them and spray them with rust inhibitor. I saw the guys in Arizona do that and it's not hard, just count the number of rotations on the spring with you release it and put than many back on when installing. A&E shows mine should have 8 turns and that's exactly what was on it when they did the install yesterday...

pddgm · 02-03-2023, 08:54 AM

i guess the lesson I learned yesterday, was: Never assume anything on a camper is standard. Tough tops assumed my awning was the standard 91 inch long and it wasn't. Measure everything and note it. I am getting ready to order slide toppers and am hoping they are standard length.

**hamm2018** · 02-03-2023, 08:57 AM

I had the same issue when I installed the sun blocker screen. For an adjustment, I used a Dremel and cut a slot in the end cap plastic piece to slide the sun blocker on the tube. Then installed a small screw to keep it from backing out.

pddgm · 02-07-2023, 06:51 PM

I have been looking at the end caps on my awning tube. I can't understand why they don't just cut a slot in the cap aligned with the groves for the awning to slide into and as mine had install a small screw to keep the awning from moving. I can't see where is would weaken the cap and darn sure make life easier on RV owners...