Learned the Hard Way Again

[ccsest]

Regarding the electric awnings on my 2016 377RLBH, check the screws that attach the roller to the arms. After going over rough roads and leaving the awning out in some light breezes, The roller became detached from the arm, fell and put a scratch in the trailer. Upon inspection, there were only two screws attaching the drum to the motorized arm. One screw had fallen out, causing the other screw to break the metal it was attached to. This happened during a light breeze. I reattached it with one original screw hole and one new screw hole. Does anyone think I should add a third screw?

[PaulB12]

Ok, I'll bite.....sure wouldn't hurt, I'd try some blue lock tight.
PaulB12

[ccsest]

Thanks paulb12. I also instituted a policy or regular inspections of all screws and fasteners periodically during trips, particularly after going over rough roads.

[robkelly]

We've had the same issue with the screws backing out, though thankfully we caught it before the tube actually fell. After tightening the screws I put a couple of wraps of black electrical tape around the ends of the tubes and that seems to have helped

[ccsest]

Thanks Robkelly - I have to think about tape versus lock tight. Being in the electrical construction fiels, I often see were electrical tape fails under heat and stress, sliding off and making a sticky mess.

I would like to also mention I discovered pop rivets on this last trip. The part of the main door holder attached to the door broke. I purchased a new one, but when I went to install it, it was riveted, not screwed. That made sense because the door is Styrofoam with a very thin sheet metal skin. The first manual riveter I purchased was very hard to use and failed on the second rivet. I the went to Harbor Freight Tools and got a pneumatic riveter, as I always carry a small compressor with a one gallon tank for various inflation jobs. I was able to install the four rivets an about 20 seconds. There are other screws on the trailer that are always falling out, particularly on the skirting. I will be replacing those soon if they are not restricting access to important areas.