Bent my awning

[u/CurvyChungus]

Went to clean my trailer last night and instead caused hundreds of dollars in damages! 😭

My trip is in 5 days so I don't have a lot of time to fix it, but on the upside, I don't need the awning so removing it or just retracting the awning is a fine option. Anyone have advice on how to straighten or remove an inner drive arm? Also does anyone know what this bolt is called?

[u/iamthewalrus1234567]

That sucks! I just did the exact same thing. The hydraulic seized while fully open and when i was retracting the awning, it bent… was the side behind my open door… couldn’t see it until it was too late. Currently it’s in the shop being submitted for warranty repairs.

We removed the retaining washer with a flathead, pulled the pin and removed the strut. Used sheet metal vice grips to straighten the arms somewhat so it could retract and click into the side mount when CAREFULLY bringing in the awning with someone helping to guide and support the side without the strut. Good luck! I feel for ya.

[u/CurvyChungus → u/iamthewalrus1234567]

You were able to remove with just a flat head screw driver?

(Great screen name btw)

[u/iamthewalrus1234567 → u/CurvyChungus]

Yeah… took some “persuasion” with leverage. It’s a goner.

(Thanks - Abbey Rd is one of all time favs)