PLEASE HELP - lower arm broke last night and checking out this am

[newbiewander]

Good morning,

So our 2013 airstream FC suffered its first major issue - last night in light rain the LOWER arm broke. We have to check out today and no clue what to do.

Can someone give me some advice what to do so I can safely go home.

Thanks in advance for the Help.

Dan

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by newbiewander

Good morning,

So our 2013 airstream FC suffered its first major issue - last night in light rain the LOWER arm broke. We have to check out today and no clue what to do.

Can someone give me some advice what to do so I can safely go home.

Thanks in advance for the Help.

Dan

Remove the broken piece from the roller, roll the awning up, and unbolt the bottom part of the awning arm from the trailer. You'll need a Phillips screwdriver and 7/16" wrench.

[newbiewander]

Ok thanks. I assume this can be fixed as a diy project or should I use the dealer?

[newbiewander]

Also thanks so much for the very prompt reply. Really appreciate it.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by newbiewander

Ok thanks. I assume this can be fixed as a diy project or should I use the dealer?

My comment was so you could get home. I would be careful if you decide to DIY, you'll need to retension the rear arm. It really really hurts when you lose your grip on the end cap when it's almost fully tensioned. Don't ask me how I know this...

[Hans627]

GM. Sorry to see and hear about the awning breaking. Not a fun way to start the morning!

This is what I think I would do. Take the pressure off the upper arms (as usual) with someone holding the broken end. Then let it roll up while still supporting the broken end (they may need to stand on a short step ladder). Then use a velcro strap, bungee cord, or whatever you have available to tie the broken arm to the upper support when it is in it's stowed position.

Hopefully I've provided helpful advice.

[newbiewander]

Thanks again. Very good point. Will schedule with dealer.

[dznf0g]

Not difficult to repair yourself. The arm can be ordered directly from zipdee. We can walk you through retensioning.
BTW. Always tilt your awning in rain. Stow away in thunderstorms and any substantial wind.

(I did the same thing many years ago)

[newbiewander]

Ok so no problem number 2. I Did as you suggested ( and found out some more). I had to remove the piece in the first picture since the aluminum bar broke and was sharp so it would have scratched the side of the trailer. Then I found out about the tension you mentioned - the hard way. I managed to put a bunch of zip ties to hold it (fingers crossed). Should I secure it “wound right” or should I let the tension release? Currently it’s wound tight. Thanks again!

[newbiewander]

Also as an FYI - I’ve had the trailer for almost 6 years and went on a bunch of trips. Sloped the way I always do. Not sure what happened.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by newbiewander

Ok so no problem number 2. I Did as you suggested ( and found out some more). I had to remove the piece in the first picture since the aluminum bar broke and was sharp so it would have scratched the side of the trailer. Then I found out about the tension you mentioned - the hard way. I managed to put a bunch of zip ties to hold it (fingers crossed). Should I secure it “wound right” or should I let the tension release? Currently it’s wound tight. Thanks again!

Carefully release the tension in the rear arm, which is where the spring is located.

[newbiewander]

Ok so basically control the recoil as the awning is being moved back into position? Sorry just don’t want to make a bad situation worse.

[newbiewander]

Sorry I removed the rear arm itself bc it was cracked and would scratch trailer. The zip Dee tension part is still attached

[dznf0g]

Did you count the wind rotations it took to completely relax the tension. If not, no worries, as there are instructions online.
I have found, on long awnings, it takes 2 notches of slope difference to keep the material from holding a lot of water....ie. three holes showing on door end and only one on other end.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Lesson learned?...🤔
Never leave the awning out unattended.👍
Kinda like dogs, kids and water pumps.
Dogs bark, kids get into trouble and water pumps spring a leak at 3am.


Bob
🇺🇸

[newbiewander]

Ok update. So releasing the tension was a disaster. Smash by right wrist cut open and damaged side of trailer. Heading to clinic now as I’m sure something is broke but wanted to check to see if you guys would think this anwing is ok to drive home with

Not night as usual but best I could manually wind up.

[dznf0g]

OH CRAP!!! So sorry to hear that. Good luck, and let us know how you are.

[newbiewander]

Sorry here are the pics. Think this will be ok driving for 6 hrs?

[dznf0g]

Should be ok. Tighten the wheels down extra tight and maybe double up on the zip ties.

[ROBERT CROSS]

1/4" parachute cord attached here and secured down the other side, or around the vent curb. BSTS.

Bob
🇺🇸