How to fix an RV awning that will not retract properly?

An RVer asks Gary Bunzer, the RV Doctor, why the awning on his recreational vehicle will not retract evenly and what he can do to fix the problem. In order to fully secure it when not in use, he must go onto the RV’s roof to manually adjust the awning to fully secure it. http://www.RVdoctor.com Loading…

What happens if your awning is stuck in the middle?

Having an awning that is stuck in the middle can ruin your camping experience. Its time to pack and leave, and suddenly you are not able to retract it fully. You can’t just drive with an awning half way flapping in air. You need to get it rolled back to the rail.

When does an awning need to be extended?

Having an awning extended is essential during rain or when the sun is shinning bright. It helps in keeping the RV cool. Not able to extend it when you reach at the campsite can make you go nuts.

Why does my caravan awning not roll up?

While most of you might be thinking, the entire structure of the caravan rollout awning is the cause, your RV awning won’t roll-up, the issue might only be with the alignment and the position of the RV awning arms. Another reason could be due to the stretching of the fabric or missing a component.

What should I do if my awning is tight on my RV?

Reattach the rear awning leg, and lower both leg sections completely. You can leave the support arms hanging freely, but it might help to simply slide the stops back into the leg channel. You do not need to put the screws back in. Roll the awning back up to observe how tight it is. If you are satisfied, move on.

Having an awning extended is essential during rain or when the sun is shinning bright. It helps in keeping the RV cool. Not able to extend it when you reach at the campsite can make you go nuts.

What kind of material is a retractable awning made of?

Most retractable awnings are made of a canvas material that is treated with some kind of weatherproofing agent. Canvas is certainly going to hold up better than other materials, but it’s not infallible.

When to use the Manual retraction lever on an awning?

If you have an awning with an electric sensor you can expect to have to use the manual retraction lever on it anytime the sensor is acting finicky, or whenever the power goes out. Anytime you look at installing a fixture with electrical components you can expect to spend more money on the actual awning, the installation, and repair costs.

Why does my acrylic awning keep getting stretched?

The acrylic fabric on awning can get stretched due to multiple reason, when you extend or retract it. There is not much you can do in this case other than replacing the fabric. Also, the arms need to be parallel to each other. They should be perpendicular to the walls or rails. Final thing to check is to measure the awning fabric.

How to fix an awning that wont extend or retract?

There will be screw that goes into the roller from the motor. You have to rotate it using a drill to make the awning extend or retract. In some cases the manual override will be near the motorhome end. There will be cap in front end which you have to remove to access the rotating hole. Make use of screw driver to remove the cap.

Why is my RV awning not rolling back?

Final thing to check is to measure the awning fabric. It may not be same on either sides and may be uneven which will cause it not rolling back fully. Most quality ones from reputed manufacturers like dometic, lippert, carefree, camco will roll back evenly in most cases.

How is the best way to install an awning in a RV?

Extend your awning about 2 feet. This will give you room to work. Use the manual override if the motor is completely dead. Tie the awning arms off to the bracket where it attaches to the side of your RV. Do this on both ends. This prevents the awning from unrolling completely when the motor is removed.

Can you drive with awning half way flapping in air?

You can’t just drive with an awning half way flapping in air. You need to get it rolled back to the rail. In such a scenario one can use emergency manual override and get it rolled back. Many people are unaware of this until they are in that situation.

What causes the top of an awning to stick?

Rub down the rails, pulley, rollers, and retracting arm to make sure they are not sticking due to friction, rust, or dirt. Another common problem, which is caused by either poor installation, or high winds, is a warping of the rails that the awning moves on. Check to see if the top of the awning is loose at all.

Why does my Elctric awning motor roll backwards?

Some elctric awning motors do not have a stop and if you hold extend to long they will fully rotate and roll up backwards amd cause the motor to run very slowly because it is under tension from trying to roll it backwards? I have done 18 awning repairs like this so far this year, decided it is time for a video.