Electric Awnings, Arm Adjustment Knob

[1010]

I opened the electric awning on our trailer and found one of the arm adjustment knobs (and the 1/2"x3/4") aluminum piece that it screws into was missing. Since it was at the dealers for repairs, not sure if was dealer or me who caused the parts to disappear but it cost me $19.00 to replace them. I would advise all to "bugger" the threads after it is screwed into place to prevent the knob from working loose.

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by 1010

I opened the electric awning on our trailer and found one of the arm adjustment knobs (and the 1/2"x3/4") aluminum piece that it screws into was missing. Since it was at the dealers for repairs, not sure if was dealer or me who caused the parts to disappear but it cost me $19.00 to replace them. I would advise all to "bugger" the threads after it is screwed into place to prevent the knob from working loose.

Well, if it's like mine, most of the time I like the knobs to be loose. That way, in heavy rain, the awning will tilt and spill on one side. Also if a big wind comes along, the arm slides down against the shocks, protecting the fabric some. (Of course if that happens, I usually end up closing the awning)

But other times I like to tilt the awning on one side for more shade. And you can only do that by pulling it down and tightening one of the knobs.

It seems that what happened to you was a total fluke, and $19 isn't that much for a fix. So I'll probably not "bugger" the threads on mine. But thanks for the heads-up; I'll be checking mine when we close it up.

[peterson]

Originally Posted by 1010

I opened the electric awning on our trailer and found one of the arm adjustment knobs (and the 1/2"x3/4") aluminum piece that it screws into was missing. Since it was at the dealers for repairs, not sure if was dealer or me who caused the parts to disappear but it cost me $19.00 to replace them. I would advise all to "bugger" the threads after it is screwed into place to prevent the knob from working loose.

Instead of "buggering" the threads you might consider Loctite thread locker.

[1010]

Originally Posted by brulaz

Well, if it's like mine, most of the time I like the knobs to be loose. That way, in heavy rain, the awning will tilt and spill on one side. Also if a big wind comes along, the arm slides down against the shocks, protecting the fabric some. (Of course if that happens, I usually end up closing the awning)

But other times I like to tilt the awning on one side for more shade. And you can only do that by pulling it down and tightening one of the knobs.

It seems that what happened to you was a total fluke, and $19 isn't that much for a fix. So I'll probably not "bugger" the threads on mine. But thanks for the heads-up; I'll be checking mine when we close it up.

The awning is a Dometic 9100E, I have always tightened the adjustment knobs to keep the awning in place in case a wind comes up. I always tilt the awning as a matter of practice, if I suspect rain, I tilt it to the max. I have never had a problem with heavy rain, only the wind, when it is windy, the awning is closed. I think our manual awning was more superior in inclement weather, rain or wind.
You might be right about the "total fluke" but I don't have $19.00 to throw away for a $5.00 part plus shipping costs. After the local RV store(s) did not have the part on hand, I called Dometic direct. The scemetic diagram they emailed me showed the knob, but not the part it threaded into, less then $6.00, and $20.00 for shipping, no refund if it was the wrong part. I went through an RV dealer, they had problems locating the correct part (guess Dometic has the problem identifying the parts of their products) and the Dometic rep requested pictures of the parts.

Any way, my reason for the post is to let others know there is a chance the knob will vibrate loose during transport, the one I lost was most likely too loose to begin with.

[1010]

Originally Posted by peterson

Instead of "buggering" the threads you might consider Loctite thread locker.

After I "buggered" the threads and started this thread I thought of a couple of ways that might be better, Loctite or a lock nut maybe, I am sure there are more ideas out there.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by 1010

After I "buggered" the threads and started this thread I thought of a couple of ways that might be better, Loctite or a lock nut maybe, I am sure there are more ideas out there.

1010,

Thanks for this heads-up!

I've not looked closely at ours but will do so when the rain stops.

Bob

[1010]

Originally Posted by IdahoBob

1010,

Thanks for this heads-up!

I've not looked closely at ours but will do so when the rain stops.

Bob

What is "rain"?

[Lac]

Originally Posted by 1010

What is "rain"?

Frozen rain. Rest area on the Coquihalla at 1100 meters elevation. 13 April 2014.
Snow tires to be removed tommorow no there not studded.

Coops

[DJCouturier]

Originally Posted by 1010

I opened the electric awning on our trailer and found one of the arm adjustment knobs (and the 1/2"x3/4") aluminum piece that it screws into was missing.

The aluminum piece on our awning has gotten stuck and out of alignment in the arm and is stopping the arm from sliding to pitch the arm. Is there a way to get them out to realign it?

[brulaz]

Originally Posted by DJCouturier

The aluminum piece on our awning has gotten stuck and out of alignment in the arm and is stopping the arm from sliding to pitch the arm. Is there a way to get them out to realign it?

Mine has a large rivet holding it in place. That could be drilled out and replaced with a bolt I suppose. Just so the bolt doesn't interfere when folding in.

I regularly spray this sliding piece with silicone lubricant.