Awning won't pull down.

[Boyd]

Class C Dreamer Coachman. The rig sat out all summer in the Michigan rain and sun. We are now heading down to Key West and stopped to say hi to an old buddy. I went to show him the neat awning and surprise, it wouldn't pull down. It worked fine last winter. I'm able to unlatch the travel lock and the awning canvas will roll out a little but the rafter arms won't slide. The knobs losen but the rafter arms are stuck. Are these rafter arms prone to sticking/rusting after non-use?

I'm hoping someone else has solved this and will extend the fix before I begin the wrestling match on my own.

The picture is blurry but it's only to give you the type of awning we're dealing with. I can provide better pictures if needed, once the sun comes up.

Thanks a bunch for any help.

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[KyDan]

My awning also has a clip on each arm that must be released.
I'd take a photo but it's dark and snowing here!
In order to pull open my awning I have to
A- flip the latch from close mode to open mode.
B- loosen both hand wheels
C- pop out the latch on each arm

You say you've done A and B but did not mention C.
This is an anti rattle latch and it's barely visible when closed.
Look for it and if you can't find it we'll take a photo and also
talk about which brand you have.

You probably have a Dometic (A&E).
Here is the operators manual but the sketch of the clips I mean
is really bad. You'll find them when the sun comes up!!
http://www.dometic.com/44633d47-5e39...16c4106a.fodoc

Good luck!

[MtnGuy]

On my awning, there are 3 things that need to be done before it will unroll.

Release the pinch locks.
Loosen rafter knobs.
Pull down locking lever.

I think this is the manual for the awning that I have: http://www.dometic.com/b58f868e-d3d8...6bf6ace6.fodoc

You can find all of the Dometic awning styles here: Awnings - Dometic

If those steps don't work, then I don't have a clue.


Shucks Dan, you beat me to it while I composing and researching !!!

[Boyd]

MTN Man and KY Dan...Thanks. but I'm still not sure what the problem *was.* I went out at first light and was rattling the poles, trying to make only a quiet racket, when the guy next door to me here in the park slides open his window and says, "I got the same problem with mine, give the rafters a few good licks with a stick." I did and the awning arms slipped out of the strut pockets like greased eels. So it goes. Nothing like brute force and main awkwardness. Thanks again guys...Now on to Key West where I hope I'll need that awning.