Awning out of alignment when retracted

kenandterry · 05-06-2017, 04:17 PM

Recently noticed that our factory Dometic power awning on our Georgetown is not parking itself properly when fully retracted. It rolls up the awning, but at the final resting position, the moving arms do not straddle the brackets attached to the side of the actual motorhome like it should. I need to push/tap the outside moving arms slightly forward in order to straddle correctly. The moving arms obviously need to be re-aligned to their original position.

Any ideas how to re-align them and in what position should the awning be to make this easiest?

Thanks

OldCoot · 05-06-2017, 04:44 PM

Deploy the awning and then center the material on the roller and pop rivet it thru the hems on both ends. Make sure it is centered and retracting before riveting.

kenandterry · 05-06-2017, 07:43 PM

So........when deployed, the awning will allow you to slide it in one direction or the other freely?

OldCoot · 05-06-2017, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

So........when deployed, the awning will allow you to slide it in one direction or the other freely?

It's not easily slid, but with a little effort, it can be done. Don't deploy it to the point the material is tight, just deploy it to the point there is a little slack at the roller.

5picker · 05-06-2017, 08:02 PM

Also a helper makes it easier.
One on a ladder at one end pushing and the other on a ladder pulling.

Also, although it should have a screw through the awning rail at the trailer side, make sure it is centered and anchored there as well. I've seen a few that were missed.

kenandterry · 05-07-2017, 08:53 AM

Local weather temps have cooled significantly......it was much warmer in Florida a few weeks ago.

I'm thinking the warmer temps will make the adjustment easier, so I'll report back when I can address the issue of adjusting the awning material.

Thanks

HESN22 · 05-07-2017, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Local weather temps have cooled significantly......it was much warmer in Florida a few weeks ago.

I'm thinking the warmer temps will make the adjustment easier, so I'll report back when I can address the issue of adjusting the awning material.

Thanks

We have the same problem ... will see if we can fix when we open up trailer next weekend ... if so, will try the suggestions received.

Good luck with yours

DouglasReid · 05-07-2017, 12:33 PM

There is another very similar method to use.

The awning is held in its track on the camper with two screws usually, one on each end. Remove the screws on the camper end of the awning. run it in and out a couple of times til it lines up correctly when rolled in. Then replace the screws on the camper end.

Black · 05-07-2017, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldCoot

It's not easily slid, but with a little effort, it can be done. Don't deploy it to the point the material is tight, just deploy it to the point there is a little slack at the roller.

I did this with mine...spray a little silicone in the track on the side you need to pull it helps a little.
Also measure where it attach to the side wall...to make sure it is centered well.
Mine was off 3/4" and the holding screws where not holding the kind of rubber cord in the channel.

RussPastuch · 05-07-2017, 01:24 PM

Yah, I had the screws fall out of my awning, and when I wanted to retract it, I had to get up on the roof and give the awning a pull forward. New screws fixed that.

Maggiewaggie · 05-07-2017, 10:08 PM

I have the same problem to the point that the awning frame caught the outer top corner of the open door when I retracted it. It doesn't seat against the RV bracket but doesn't bang against the side when underway. Are you saying the awning itself is causing this? I assumed the framework somehow got out of alignment and that I'd have to try to straighten it.

Maggiewaggie · 05-07-2017, 10:10 PM

So the frame is not misaligned, the awning has slipped? Mine is at least 1/2 inch off from seating.

5picker · 05-08-2017, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggiewaggie

So the frame is not misaligned, the awning has slipped? Mine is at least 1/2 inch off from seating.

Quite likely. The frames on the power awnings are nowhere near as rigid as the old manual awnings. It doesn't take much to get them out of alignment and that's usually the fabric.

OldCoot · 05-08-2017, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

There is another very similar method to use.

The awning is held in its track on the camper with two screws usually, one on each end. Remove the screws on the camper end of the awning. run it in and out a couple of times til it lines up correctly when rolled in. Then replace the screws on the camper end.

That will work, but it doesn't keep the material from shifting on the roller which is the real problem.

Wolverine 1945 · 05-08-2017, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Local weather temps have cooled significantly......it was much warmer in Florida a few weeks ago.

I'm thinking the warmer temps will make the adjustment easier, so I'll report back when I can address the issue of adjusting the awning material.

Thanks

I hear that !!!
28 here this morning,,, very heave frost !!!
Damm I thought it was MaY ???

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