Re-winding awning?

[CoastyAV8R]

I have to re-install my A&E awning on my camp trailer after an over zealous gust removed it from my trailer. I have all the parts but I need to know if there are any tricks to rewinding it? The guy at Camp World said to go 8 revolutions and it should be fine. Any other tips?



Thanks,

Pat

 

[BV]

A&E Awning

It's easier to wind it up on the ground and put cotter pins through the end caps and center shaft then it is to stand on a ladder and do it.



I might still have the instructions (at home) that came with my replacement fabric that I could fax to you. PM or email me if you need more information.

 

[John Berger]

I have some advice....

Keep your jaw away from the path the vice grips may travel if you lose your grip. When those things are under tension and unwind, they aren't very subtle. On the end with the lever that allows you to raise or lower the awning, you don't have to worry about the thing breaking back on you as it keeps the awning locked one way, if you get my meaning. Please be careful on the other end. I've done this numerous times on awnings and it is not hard to do at all. Just be careful.

 

[Paul Somers]

The way I wind up spring needs a helper but is safer. Roll awning out. Have helper hold up one end of awning tube while you remove awning leg from side of camper. Then wind up spring by rotating leg. I think about 4 rotations with awning out. With awning out spring has already wound about 4 times. Of course after doing that leg the other leg needs to be done the same amount. There is a left and right side to the spring very similar to garage door spring.

 

[Dean Upson]

Second the "be careful". I did it with a friend a couple of years ago and I believe it was 8 revolutions. After we finished he went to throw the packing box away and the instructions were in there . If you do not have them, I suggest that you go to their website. I do not remember the details of the instructions, but it was easier and safer than the way we did it.



Dean

 

[Jack in Alaska]

I just had my NEW awning rewound by an RV repairman.

He suggested to use a channel lock pliers instead of a vice grip so that if it gets away form you the pliers fall off instead of knocking your d--k in the dirt and your teeth out.

 

[CoastyAV8R]

Thanks for all of the advice. The awning got ripped off last year when we took our trailer out for the very first time. Couldn't believe it. I was originally told I needed to buy a whole new awning but found the parts I needed. The last piece of the puzzle was installing the darn thing. I had heard the horror stories about rewinding awnings. "My brother in law's dog was killed when he lost control of it and got whacked with the pliers" was my favorite. I'm gonna see if I can find the directions on line anywhere but if not, I feel confident enough that I won't kill the dog. Thanks again, you guys always have the answers...



Pat

 

[Blu-meanie]

Pat, sounds like it could be fun. Need any help?



Gary

 

[CoastyAV8R]

Hey Gary,

Heck ya, I'm always looking for help. I was gonna do it this weekend but the weather is suppose to be in the toilet. Maybe next weekend. I'll give ya a holler. You gotta bring your own crash helmet and body armor though...



Pat

 

[Slough]

A&E makes a cheap tool for that. can be anywhere for 8 to 12 turns. depends on size.

 

[CoastyAV8R]

Do I have to re-wind each side seperately? I was horsing around with it the other day and noticed that the side with the awning release switch on it still feels like it is under tension while the other side doesn't. Is the shaft going through the awning one piece or two? I was under the impression I would just have to wind one side but now I'm scratchin' my head. It's too nasty to put it on this weekend, but eventually I'm gonna run out of excuses and have to hang this darn thing.



Thanks again,

Pat

 

[Slough]

Yes. there may be tension on the end with the lock. but take the tension off of it so you can load the springs the same. use a pin or something when you turn it to the proper tension to lock it on the end without the lock. be sure to have someone hold the awing up so you can turn it without it slipping out of your hand. KEEP EVERONE AWAY!!!!!!

 

[CoastyAV8R]

After reading all the posts, I'm the one who feels like staying away...



Actually, it seems pretty straightforward. Thanks again to all who pitched in on this topic. I'll let the dead dog lie now



Pat