2017 Rockwood Roo Dometic Awning

[Bobrmirch]

I need to replace the fabric on my Dometic 9100 power awning. It was recently ripped and the front arm bent. I've watched some videos but have a couple of questions. Do I need to pin the spring on the front, motor side of the awning, before taking the roller arm off? I can pin the back, but the pin hole on the front cap is not aligned for pinning. 2nd, When sliding the new fabric on, is it best to slide it on front to back, or back to front? My question is because Someone told me to slide the new fabric in from front to back. He said there was some string inside the back cap, that would be an issue. But, the rain gutter is in my way to slide it on front to back. My question is, can i pin the spring on the back, i can drill the pop rivets, pull the cap and slide the new fabric in, from the back to the front? and no, i can't take the rain gutter off. It's really glued in there. Thank you in advance

Bob and Gail
2017 Roo
Poconos in PA