Missing piece on power Solera Awning

[mikeyk101]

I was on a trip for several days and got back about a week ago. For some reason, I happened to glance up yesterday and saw something odd on my idler arm side of awning. Obviously I need to fix this and it appears there is a back cover along with front cover that is now missing. I think I found the right replacement part here:

https://store.lci1.com/solera-regal-...nt-idler-cover

In the description, it mentions to remove screw to take off damaged cover piece, put new cover on and then screw it to secure it. I do not have the old cover so there is no screw.

So anyone that has replaced this before, if screw us needed, did it come with new front cover? Or does new front cover just snap on in place? If screw is needed and doesn't come with new front cover, does anyone know the type and size so I might find a suitable replacement at the hardware store?

Although not the end if the world, I'm a bit bummed out at the missing cover...

[Bob K4TAX]

It does not appear to me the cover you have selected is correct.

As I recall, I'm not close to our trailer at present, there are 2 screws that hold each cover on. And the covers are different, being a left and right, or front and rear.

Bob

[mikeyk101]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

It does not appear to me the cover you have selected is correct.

As I recall, I'm not close to our trailer at present, there are 2 screws that hold each cover on. And the covers are different, being a left and right, or front and rear.

Bob

I have to agree with you that it doesn't look right. I did send off an email request to Lippert for help on this but I'm guessing because of the Independence Day holiday, I won't hear back for a couple days. Looking closer at #2 pic, I do see where I think the screws are meant to be. Does this look like it to you?

Edited: not sure why screenshot doesn't show up in post but if you click on it, you can see the arrows on pic.

[Homer Vista]

Mine is a speaker. I had the same thing happen to me, but I hit a tree branch. The back screws into the front with 3 screws IIRC. I had to extend the awning to lower the arms for access.

[mikeyk101]

Ok, I think this one is much closer to the missing one but I also don't see any screw holes in it. However, 2 of the reviews definitely mention it getting screwed on but that they (replacement screws) did not come with this cover.

https://store.lci1.com/solera-awning...r-black-289566

[mikeyk101]

Originally Posted by Homer Vista

Mine is a speaker. I had the same thing happen to me, but I hit a tree branch. The back screws into the front with 3 screws IIRC. I had to extend the awning to lower the arms for access.

Well that explains why I don't see any screw holes in the front cover, LOL!

[Reverse_snowbird]

We had a similar problem, but a different awning when our rig was new. Forest River helped us get a new cover piece.

Once we had the complete cover on, we took a piece of black electrical tape and wound it completely around both pieces. It's almost invisible- black on black- and has kept the cover securely in place.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

Once we had the complete cover on, we took a piece of black electrical tape and wound it completely around both pieces. It's almost invisible- black on black- and has kept the cover securely in place.

First thing I thought of as I saw this. Another good spot to apply black electrical tape tightly is the screws on the end caps of your awning and slide topper tubes. Just in case they want to work loose.

I had a slide topper come apart due to that. I will declare a factory defect(bent shaft) started them working loose. Figure a little extra holding power won't hurt.

[mikeyk101]

Posting an update. I finally got a email reply from Lippert. They confirmed that the cover I posted a link above for is the one I need surprisingly. They also provided a list that gives part numbers not only for the idler arm front cover but drive arm cover, rear cover, and screws. The screws from them are a bit pricey at $5.95 each!!!

https://store.lci1.com/screw-6-x-5-ph-pnh-trs-zn-266156

I also discovered that Lippert has a "store" on Amazon that has that cover for about $10 cheaper as well as free shipping through Prime so I ordered it.

Lippert Components 643923 Regal Head Cover Idler Front Black, 9.16 x 4.61 x 3.48 inches https://a.co/d/duYSW5w

As far as the screws, I went to the local True Value and bought several at $0.15 each. I think they are the correct ones but will check once I receive the replacement cover.

[mikeyk101]

Another update. The front cover arrived last week while I was out of town but got a chance on Saturday to mess with it. Most of the clips on rear cover were still intact and the front cover popped on just fine. But it appears that when front cover came off, it pulled through the screw hole openings of rear cover and enlarged the holes so I wasn't able to fully secure it. I ended up ordering a replacement rear cover now and am just waiting for it to be delivered. Once I have that, it will be fixed.

I debated about ordering rear cover at same time but decided to hold off. I should have just done it as the rear cover can also be used for either side. It's the front cover that can only fit the idler side or the drive side. But something tells me that had I ordered the rear cover, I would not have needed it and it would have ended up as an extra spare part on the shelf in my garage...