Q&A for How to Open an RV Awning

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Question

I didn't find an awning rod. Where are they located?

Community Answer

They are usually located in the long compartment, grey in color, available at any RV supplier. you can also use a hockey stick with a bent nail in a pinch.

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Question

I have a 1985 Terry by Fleetwood. The left arm on awning won’t unlock. Can’t find any info anywhere on it.

Emmett evans

Community Answer

Try to apply pressure inward on the rail and hope if the spring is loaded, it will find a neutral position and unlock. If this doesn't work, you may need to seek a professional, probably at your local RV dealership.

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Question

Why won't my camper awning roll up even though the latch seems to be in the "roll up" position?

Grant LeBarre

Community Answer

If it's automatic, make sure the motor is receiving power. If it's not motorized, try rolling it up manually.

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Question

Does my awning have its own battery to open and close, or does it run off the solar panel and the two batteries up front?

Grant LeBarre

Community Answer

It depends on the year, make, and model of your motorhome. Check the user manual, or search online for more information.

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Question

I can't get my motorized awning to extend. What should I do?

Grant LeBarre

Community Answer

Make sure the motor is receiving power. If it still doesn't work, take it to a shop.

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Question

How can I roll out my Coleman awning with a third arm in the middle?

Belockay

Community Answer

Spray the hinge with a lubricant, like penetrating oil, as rust can cause moving parts to lock up. Regularly lubricating all moving parts is important for maintenance. Lightly tapping the body can also help break up rust through vibrations.

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Question

What if you have a middle support bar? When do you put it up?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

The support bar should be used anytime the RV is being moved or used in anyway, assuming it is for safety or extra support of weight. My theory is the manufacturer installed it to be used.

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Question

My awning is fine put the mechanism (metal bar) has broken at the top... old metal. Where can I find a new one?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

Search in your area for a tent and awning manufacturer and if you cannot find one, then search for your local RV dealer.

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Question

I have no strap or rod and my awning is stuck open during the super winter in the u.p. What can I do?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

Depending on the age and condition of your awning, it may be time to replace it. But if you are determined to fix it, then you must find the manufacturer or aftermarket company who sells parts and possibly have a repair man available to assist.

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Question

What if the ratchet mechanism is all the way straight up and down?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

There is a way to slightly reverse the ratchet mechanism to release the handle and then it can be placed in the desired position. If this is not possible, then an extra jack may be used to jack up the vehicle high enough to fix the the original ratchet jack.

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Question

How do I change the black pull strap on an RV awning?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

You must look in your owner's manual and it will instruct you what to do. If you do not have a owner's manual. then you can get in touch with the manufacturer for help. Also, you may find an RV mechanic at a local garage to help with that.

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Question

Cannot see the little black thing that you are supposed to pull the awning out?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

The little black thing you are talking about is a release to undo. However, the awning is locked to the vehicle or structure. I would suggest if you do not have your owner's manual to look up how to fix you problem, that you get in contact with the manufacturer of the awning for help. You may also search your surrounding area for someone who works on RVs.

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Question

Can I jack up tires to put pressure boards under them? I’ve already unhooked from the truck and got the blocks level.

Emmett evans

Community Answer

It's not recommended after it is detached from vehicle but on a rare occasion it can be done if all points of contact on the ground are secure and blocked properly. Also, I recommend that all persons be evacuated from inside the trailer and a safe distance from the trailer on the outside.

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Question

How do the levers come out onto the release rails?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

Most are spring loaded and need to be slightly reversed to release at each cog or some have a position on the lever control that will let it unwind all the way to the end.

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Question

I have a Coleman quick draw awning on my rv and can't get it open. Any suggestions?

Emmett evans

Community Answer

Consider having a professional look at it because it is probably under spring pressure and an injury could occur if the spring is released improperly. Or, have another adult hold the awning up with slight pressure and hopefully the spring will find a neutral position and release itself.

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Question

How to undo an awning?

Javisn

Community Answer

There will be a lock on the top of the awning that needs to be pulled toward you. Then there are two screws and latches on each side of the awning that need to be loosened. After that, pull on the black strap and the awning will fold out. Then tighten the latches that you loosened.

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Question

How would I know if an awning is motorized?

Community Answer

There should be a button on the inside of your RV. Use your RV's manual to research whether or not they're motorized. The manual should be available online if you cannot find the hard copy.

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Question

What if you can't see the black awning strap? Maybe it was rolled up wrong previously?

Budhi Suhradi

Community Answer

Unroll the tent and look for straps. Then redo the rolling step correctly. Change the straps if they're worn or torn.

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