Awning on my Reflection 303 will not retract

[Paynedogs]

While we are at home I noticed that my awning looked be extended out about a foot, while trying to retract the awning it suddenly extended fully (looks like it just falls out). Has anyone else had this issue?

The awning will not retract, the motor is running but nothing will move.

 

[Dave and Monica]

On the Solera awnings, the motor is in the head of the RHS awning arm. The motor driven shaft (and idler shaft end too) is attached to the awning drum with a screw on the drum end cap. I'd suspect that the screw is loose or missing. If it's missing I have no idea what size it is but I could remove mine and check. You could hand wind the awning up...it'll be a 2 man job as you're working against the gas struts. I'm not sure how it could be secured once wound in, but it'll need to be.

Dave

 

[Paynedogs]

Thanks Dave, that was the issue. It appears that the screw in the end cap broke and the hole in the end cap is now damaged. It looks like the end cap is made out of cast metal and will need to be replaced. I have a trip planned in the near future so I plan to get some zip ties and strap it down incase my temporary fix fails. To me the design is not very good, all that is rolling the awning out and in is a small screw that is not all the way through the shaft.

Thanks again for the information.

Mike

 

[Dave and Monica]

Sorry for your trouble...hope you're able to get it fixed soon.

As we're heading out on a 8 week trip, I'll be checking the tightness of those 2 screws before going and using some thread locker on them.

Dave