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Old 07-07-2013, 02:26 PM   #1
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Awning Arm failure

Just came back from our first trip to the Lake in the Solaire and we had a good time. We found that they did not seal the bottom of the shower and we had to go to Wally world to get a couple tubes of silicone to seal the bottom...One major issue that we encountered was a Awning arm failure, the wife and I were sitting outside enjoying a steady (not overly heavy ) rain shower and heard a something give and then a very large splash.

Has anyone here ever encountered / seen this type of failure?
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Old 07-07-2013, 02:50 PM   #2
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Any photos? What type of awning and did you have it set to dump the rain off?
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:17 PM   #3
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No one ever stated we had to "set" the awning to dispose of the water.
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:23 PM   #4
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It should dump the water automatically, did you have the thumb screws tightened? I know they need to be loose.
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:25 PM   #5
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No one ever stated we had to "set" the awning to dispose of the water.
Sorry you experienced this. As you found out, the self-dumping does not work as advertised. Now you will have to remember to always set the awning with tilt in it.
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:30 PM   #6
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It should dump the water automatically, did you have the thumb screws tightened? I know they need to be loose.
They are suppose to dump regardless of the arms being tight or loose from what I understand. I never tighten mine, but I use poles/tie downs and always tilt the awning.
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:33 PM   #7
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Should this be covered under the warranty?
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Old 07-07-2013, 03:43 PM   #8
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here is the "indention" that the water left after the break....

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Old 07-07-2013, 03:56 PM   #9
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I'd be trying for warranty coverage, you have nothing to lose.
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Old 07-08-2013, 06:49 AM   #10
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There are two ways to avoid this in the future (I doubt it will be a warranty item unless the dealer offers to repair it as a good will gesture):

1) Do not "over extend" the awning. Unrolling it "all the way" will leave a "ditch" along the roller where water can pool until the weight becomes too much for the support arms. (the photo shows an over extended awning). Always leave a 1/4 wrap "over the top of the roller as that adds strength to the roller so it won't bow and allows water to run off the sides AND the front.

2) Lower one side (if possible on your awning) to allow water to run off on the side of your choosing. The roller will be lower on that side than on the side you want to keep dry-"er".
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Old 07-08-2013, 07:15 AM   #11
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Auto dump feature works as follows.

Tighten one knob and leave the other loose on the end you want to dump.

Someone has a video on here of it working.
I'm still in the old school mindset and tilt the awning.

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Old 07-08-2013, 07:23 AM   #12
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No one ever stated we had to "set" the awning to dispose of the water.
Sadly, there are a lot of things the dealers forget to tell their customers.
Yes, these fancy new awnings are "supposed" to dump automatically, but they are built so cheaply, I wouldn't trust it.
Looking at your pictures, I don't see the height adjustment knobs? Maybe this is one of the earlier models that hasn't been upgraded? They added that feature for exactly this reason.
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Old 07-08-2013, 07:24 AM   #13
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Also where did you seal on your shower?

If you sealed where the surround meets the base that actually doesn't need caulk as the base has a lip that goes up behind sower surround.
Caulking that would only trap water if you don't get it sealed 100%



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Old 07-08-2013, 07:27 AM   #14
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Sadly, there are a lot of things the dealers forget to tell their customers.
Yes, these fancy new awnings are "supposed" to dump automatically, but they are built so cheaply, I wouldn't trust it.
Looking at your pictures, I don't see the height adjustment knobs? Maybe this is one of the earlier models that hasn't been upgraded? They added that feature for exactly this reason.
I'd hate to think a new trailer has the old system !
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Old 07-08-2013, 07:35 AM   #15
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I'd hate to think a new trailer has the old system !
Indeed. I was looking for the adjustment knobs, but I see that there is the spring-loaded stainless button there with a series of adjustment holes.
One issue with these newer awnings is the very cheap fabric they are using, and the fact that it stretches so easily. That means that the awning, if left level, begins to trap water immediately, and will continue to stretch and hold more water until something gives.
The awning material on our old fifth was easily twice as heavy, as were the arms and other fixtures.
They just keep making things cheaper and cheaper.
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Old 07-08-2013, 07:47 AM   #16
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Indeed. I was looking for the adjustment knobs, but I see that there is the spring-loaded stainless button there with a series of adjustment holes.
One issue with these newer awnings is the very cheap fabric they are using, and the fact that it stretches so easily. That means that the awning, if left level, begins to trap water immediately, and will continue to stretch and hold more water until something gives.
The awning material on our old fifth was easily twice as heavy, as were the arms and other fixtures.
They just keep making things cheaper and cheaper.
I agree wholeheartedly!
Btw on a side note I went by bakken road yesterday in Wisconsin. ....
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Old 07-08-2013, 08:02 AM   #17
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I agree wholeheartedly!
Btw on a side note I went by bakken road yesterday in Wisconsin. ....
The Bakken oil fields paid for my camper, among other things.
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Old 07-08-2013, 08:07 AM   #18
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The Bakken oil fields paid for my camper, among other things.
Pm sent.
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Old 07-08-2013, 08:10 AM   #19
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Indeed. I was looking for the adjustment knobs, but I see that there is the spring-loaded stainless button there with a series of adjustment holes.
One issue with these newer awnings is the very cheap fabric they are using, and the fact that it stretches so easily. That means that the awning, if left level, begins to trap water immediately, and will continue to stretch and hold more water until something gives.
The awning material on our old fifth was easily twice as heavy, as were the arms and other fixtures.
They just keep making things cheaper and cheaper.
Right. Mine is new and has the buttons on both ends. I'm wondering if the fabric eventually had to be replaced, would a heavier fabric over-tax the electric motor? Mine also seems very flimsy in the slightest breeze, and I end up rolling it in and (if it rains along with the wind) having to store my chairs in a dry place.
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Old 07-08-2013, 08:24 AM   #20
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Right. Mine is new and has the buttons on both ends. I'm wondering if the fabric eventually had to be replaced, would a heavier fabric over-tax the electric motor? Mine also seems very flimsy in the slightest breeze, and I end up rolling it in and (if it rains along with the wind) having to store my chairs in a dry place.
Ours is a different make, but just as flimsy.
Interesting thought about heavier fabric over-loading the motor, and you're probably right, as the motor will be the bare minimum to get the job done as it is.
I think we just have to live with what we've got, and simply be very careful to do everything to avoid damaging anything.
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