Awning slams against trailer when rolling up

[Stryker]

Hi,

When I roll up my dometic awning on my 06' Salem 26BH, I have to hang on to the support bar or have someone hold the awning strap after flipping the roll up switch on the end of the tube. Then we have to slowly roll up the awning carefully. Otherwise, the awning rolls up at full speed and slams into the side of the trailer. Seems that whatever brake mechanism that prevents it from rolling up fast has failed.

Has anyone ever had this problem? If so, what's the fix?

Thanks for any suggestions!

[dimurrrw]

Originally Posted by Stryker

Hi,

When I roll up my dometic awning on my 06' Salem 26BH, I have to hang on to the support bar or have someone hold the awning strap after flipping the roll up switch on the end of the tube. Then we have to slowly roll up the awning carefully. Otherwise, the awning rolls up at full speed and slams into the side of the trailer. Seems that whatever brake mechanism that prevents it from rolling up fast has failed.

Has anyone ever had this problem? If so, what's the fix?

Thanks for any suggestions!

I hate to be the one to tell you this but the awning strap is the brake mechanism. Your awning is operating normally.

[OldCoot]

I had this problem and discovered the awning material was not centered on the roller and was putting the arms in a bind. I centered the awning and put a 3/16" large dia pop rivet in the side hem on both ends. Problem disappeared. You might look and see if this might be your problem.

This picture was taken with the awning overextended to get the rivet centered on the two seams on the roller. Awning should not be extended this far as it places undue stress on the seams and creates a valley that will collect water.

[Terier]

The first time I rolled up my awning I got a nasty rope burn from holding the strap as it flew through my hand in record speed. With a pair of good gloves and a tight hold on the strap I have learned to control the speed it rolls up. Being a short gal I don't have a big arm spread so the strap is closer to the switch when flipping it close. By keeping a snug hold on the strap close to the tube I am able to slide and position the strap back to the center position before rolling it up slowly.

If you have someone helping one person could hold the strap snug (hand and rod) while the other person flips the switch. Since I do this by myself I had to adapt it a bit. I still have the awning rod in position with the strap because I'm too short to hold onto the strap all the way up.

[Rod Johnson]

Originally Posted by Terier

The first time I rolled up my awning I got a nasty rope burn from holding the strap as it flew through my hand in record speed. With a pair of good gloves and a tight hold on the strap I have learned to control the speed it rolls up. Being a short gal I don't have a big arm spread so the strap is closer to the switch when flipping it close. By keeping a snug hold on the strap close to the tube I am able to slide and position the strap back to the center position before rolling it up slowly.

If you have someone helping one person could hold the strap snug (hand and rod) while the other person flips the switch. Since I do this by myself I had to adapt it a bit. I still have the awning rod in position with the strap because I'm too short to hold onto the strap all the way up.

I'm a pretty tall guy, and I still say this is a two person job.

I've done it by myself. I stand on the strap, flip the switch with the awning rod, and sort of work the strap back over to the middle of the tube without letting it roll up.

Go nice and slow so the awning stays tight and slip the rod into the loop when its halfway and ease it up the rest of the way.

[Oakman]

Originally Posted by dimurrrw

I hate to be the one to tell you this but the awning strap is the brake mechanism. Your awning is operating normally.

Ditto! Your awning is operating normally. To store ours for travel, my wife would hold the strap while I flipped the switch. Then I would take the strap from my wife and control the speed of the awning going back to the trailer. Course now that I have an electric awning it's no longer an issue.

[OldCoot]

Sorry, I misread your original post, I thought you had a power awning. Yes, the manuals are just about a 2 person operation unless you move the strap down close to the release latch.

[donn]

You should have gotten a tool for pulling out and closing your awning. It is an easy one person job. Release the lock hold onto the tube walk to the center and slowly let the strap out closing the awning. Use the tool for as much as you need to control the closing. Remember there is a big spring inside the tube you are holding against

[crocus]

I just move the awning strap as close to the latch end of the awning as necessary to reach the unlocking latch with my right hand, holding onto the strap with my left. I then walk the strap back toward the center of the awning as I slowly let is roll up. You don't want to let the strap roll up in one spot anyway, as that would create a big bulge in the awning.
Definitely an easy one-person job.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by donn

You should have gotten a tool for pulling out and closing your awning. It is an easy one person job. Release the lock hold onto the tube walk to the center and slowly let the strap out closing the awning. Use the tool for as much as you need to control the closing. Remember there is a big spring inside the tube you are holding against

Exactly, you should have a long metal rod with a bend at the end.
This goes in the loop and let's you slowly let the awning roll uo.
Didn't they Show you this in the PDI?

[campnqueen]

WWWHHHHHHHAAAAAAA! My hubby and I are laughing so hard now... thanks for the laugh!