awning troubles

[poncho/cisco]

The rear awning on my '71 safari just experienced a sprung spring while opening it. I need to leave this campground tomorrow and will have to just tie it closed if no-one can tell me the quick fix.

[Kevin245]

If the spring is broken you'll have to replace it. I'm not sure about your awning...Just be aware that awning springs are loaded with stored energy just waiting to be released. If you're not familiar with them take heed. If I was in your situation I would secure it until I got home then take the time to repair it correctly and safely.

My experience trying to field fix has lead me to believe in in tag line below.

Good Luck,

Kevin

[Dan@LED4RV]

Originally Posted by Kevin245

Just be aware that awning springs are loaded with stored energy just waiting to be released.

Kevin is right about the spring. You can get hurt if your not careful.
Even when you release the arm from the awning tube, if the spring rod is broken ( which is what it sounds like ) the spring is all bound up inside the tube.

Dan

[HowieE]

The spring may have broken or the rivets that hold the spring to the tube may have sheared. In either case if you do not feel resistance of the spring while opening the awning there is no safety issue now.

With the spring gone tie BOTH ends up until you get home.

If it is an A&E they use only one spring and most likely at the right hand end. You will see 4 rivets that hold the end cap to the awing tube and a shear bolt that holds the awing axle shaft to the arm. If the shear bolt is not sheared off and there is no tension on the awing the spring has most likely broken. Extend the awing, support it with a ladder, remove the shear bolt, remove the arm from the shaft. Now drill out the 4 rivets that hold the cap to the tube. You can now slide the spring out of the tube.

When replacing the spring. remove the end of the arm that attaches to the trailer. Rerivet the cap, replace the bolt that holds the arm to the shaft. Follow A&E instructions for the number of turns to preload the spring and secure the arm to the trailer. Once you start to prelaod the spring do not let go of the arm as it will come back and hit you.