A&E Awning Is Smarter than I am; Plz. HELP

[Gael79]

Because of how I have to park the Trailer in the yard, today is the first day since we brought the trailer home, that the wind has not been blowing, so I decided to try and unroll the awning for the first time.

30 minutes later and I have basically got nowhere. I have a copy of the Operation Instructions. Because of markings, I believe it is an A$E 8500. I have the Travel Lock Latches on each side loose, the Safety Lock Lever is in the down position. Both of the Black star shaped locks are loose, and I even had the Arm assemblies sitting on the ground at one point, disconnected from the Bottom mounting bracket.

I don't have a pull strap visible, and this is most likely the problem. The P.O. told me it was "missing", but assured me the awning was serviceable, and he recently had it down. The roller tube does move if I twist on it hard enough, then it springs back, so I assume all is well.

It seems like the top end of each support arm is locked to the top of the rafter arm.

Is there a trick to getting this to unlatch on each end? I feel supid asking, but do not want to tear anything up by prying if this is normal.

The fabric feels soft and plyable, so I don't think it is stuck. Like I said, I can turn the roller tube by hand, but the Support arms are solid at the top, and will not budge.

Any help will be grately appreciated. I feel stupid here, this should be a no-brainer.

Regards,

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Gael79

Because of how I have to park the Trailer in the yard, today is the first day since we brought the trailer home, that the wind has not been blowing, so I decided to try and unroll the awning for the first time.

30 minutes later and I have basically got nowhere. I have a copy of the Operation Instructions. Because of markings, I believe it is an A$E 8500. I have the Travel Lock Latches on each side loose, the Safety Lock Lever is in the down position. Both of the Black star shaped locks are loose, and I even had the Arm assemblies sitting on the ground at one point, disconnected from the Bottom mounting bracket.

I don't have a pull strap visible, and this is most likely the problem. The P.O. told me it was "missing", but assured me the awning was serviceable, and he recently had it down. The roller tube does move if I twist on it hard enough, then it springs back, so I assume all is well.

It seems like the top end of each support arm is locked to the top of the rafter arm.

Is there a trick to getting this to unlatch on each end? I feel supid asking, but do not want to tear anything up by prying if this is normal.

The fabric feels soft and plyable, so I don't think it is stuck. Like I said, I can turn the roller tube by hand, but the Support arms are solid at the top, and will not budge.

Any help will be grately appreciated. I feel stupid here, this should be a no-brainer.

Regards,

Scott,

Depending on the year of the awning, there may be travel locks on the arms that you have not un-done. They could be a rotary type that screw from the back or a flip over type. If all of your locks are free, you should be able to roll out the awning by hand and lock it open once it is fully extended,

It is easy to slide a new pull strap right into the awning from either end.
Hope you find the arm travel locks!

[ticki2]

It sounds like you have done what is needed and ready to pull down . It needs to be pulled from the center or it will bind . Without the pull tab you will need a ladder to get it started , till you can reach it from the ground . The arms don't get extended till it is fully unrolled . I would put the bottom of the arms back in their mounts before openning , it will give more control . Try the lock lever several time to make sure it is fully in the down position . Good luck , you can do this.

[Gael79]

O.K guys, thanks for the encouragement. We got it open. Seems that the support arms just need to be lifted up a bit to get the process started. The awning looks good, but I have some staining (mildew). Can I use bleach water to clean this, or is bleach a no-no around aluminum. What are your suggestions?

Thanks again,

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Gael79

O.K guys, thanks for the encouragement. We got it open. Seems that the support arms just need to be lifted up a bit to get the process started. The awning looks good, but I have some staining (mildew). Can I use bleach water to clean this, or is bleach a no-no around aluminum. What are your suggestions?

Thanks again,

What type of fabric do you have? If it's vinyl, a mild bleach solution like Chlorox Clean-up will be fine. Do not use bleach on acrylics like Sunbrella!!!
. Just a mild soap and water solution will clean up Sunbrella fabrics.

[juel]

You are my hero. I'm still trying to get the courage to open my awning on the 76 Sovereign. My fear is that I won't be smart enough to get the thing back up and with the Oklahoma winds, my trailer could be in Kansas by morning.