Had a gust of wind blow in just as I was taking my awning in (of course), It flipped the rear part of the awning over the roof, which ripped the rafter arm from the pop rivet securing it at the top mounting bracket of the the awning (the one next the roller). So I get everything rolled back up and all the arm and rafter pieces aligned and locked back in place. The only thing that bothers me is now the top of the rear arm of the awning is not secured to the trailer. The the awning being rolled in seems to be holding everything tightly and the rear arm will only travel about 1-2 inches out from the side of the trailer when you pull firmly on it (versus the front arm). I have to tow it home 4 hours tomorrow....Should I try to some how tie the top of the arm to the top mounting bracket, or will the tension of the roller be enough?? Thanks for any help.
We had the same happen a few months ago. Both of the rafters broke at the top pivot point. After I got the awning back on the side of the camper I took off the rafters and rolled the the awning up that way being careful. Then I tied it to the main arms. We traveled 45 miles home this way. Dometic (A&E) had a fire and all of their manufactoriing is behind. I found replacement parts on Ebay. My local dealer is four weeks behind getting awning parts.
We've busted our awning twice in the last year. Slow learners, I guess. The second time both rafter arms broke. I got repair parts here: http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-awnings/a-e-awning-parts.htm
"The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Patrick Henry
Made it back ok, I think I am going to try to drill a new hole just below the old hole and reattach, the rafter didn't bend, just ripped the rivet holes out of the rafter...
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