awning problem

[oljoiner]

I need a bit of help. The last couple times I have put out my awning on my fifth wheel, the left side has stuck while the right side comes out without problem. This is a pretty large awning, about 20' I think. I end up climbing the ladder on the back and pushing it out with my hand. I am worried about it getting worse to the point it damages something. I have about a month on warranty. Wondering if maybe I need to put it in the shop and be without it for three or four weeks? I also wondered if there was something I could do, like lubricating it or something. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks.

[geothom]

Ichecked with my tech, he said it may be your awning arm hanging up on the top bracket. Try lifting up & pulling it away from the coach. I've had a similar problem.
Also, the fix should only be a minor adjustment, since you are still under warranty I'd go in.

[oljoiner]

Thanks Geo. I should have time to get it in the shop after my next trip next week and hopefully they will have it out before the end of may. I will climb up and watch what is going on with the thing next time we put it up. Hopefully i wont fall off while the wife opens it. Probably be a whole campground laughing at me if I did.

[rvinmantim]

Mine does the same thing, I do what geothom says. I pull the strap until the awning is out about 3 inches then go and pick up on the left arm while pulling out, it comes right out then. I never did worry about fixing it, just got used to doing it this way! :o

[frank]

Before you go crazy and think that it is the arm check to make sure that the fabric is properly centered on the roller bar. If it moves because of wind it can cause an arm or both to be off and they get hung up.

We camp at the beach a lot and I have marked my roller bar with a line to make sure the awning has not shifted. As long as the fabric is right on the mark I do not have a problem.

I use awning clamps to keep the fabric from flapping and if I tighten one side more than the other it will cause the material to slide on the roller bar.

The awning is generally free on the roller bar and screwed in place on each end at the roof line which is the cause of the probeln. It can only move on the roller bar changing the angle of the bars.

[oljoiner]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Kinda like a car with a squeak, when you go to the shop it quits. I havent had the problem the last three times i used the awning. I did move more toward the bar i was having problems with when i am opening the awning and it has seemed to help. Also, I have been trying to make sure it closes evenly. Again, thanks for the suggestions and hopefully I havent messed up my luck with it.