Awning Manual

[Oregon_Camper]

I know opening and closing the awnings is easy..push button.

But...there are a few knobs on the awning arms that I have no clue of their function. Tighten for rain senors??

Anyone have a manual for these?

 

[danemayer]

We've got several awning manuals here. Over time, a bunch of different awning models have been used by Heartland, so maybe yours is in there. If not, take a look for a label on the awning showing the model number. The manufacturers all have their manuals online.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Thanks....

Now I just have to go to the storage facility and figure out which one I have.

 

[olcoon]

The knobs are probably to lower & lock the awning in place after it's extended.

 

[pday1213]

Our 2015 Bighorn has the Dometic 9100E model power awning.

 

[Gaffer]

It is likely so that you can pull down one end and lock it in place to assist with rain runoff.

 

[Oregon_Camper]

It is likely so that you can pull down one end and lock it in place to assist with rain runoff.

Thanks.... Not sure why I didn't just think of that.

Better to ask here than be sorry in some remote location.

 

[RVFun4Us]

A follow-up on this question from Oregon Camper. I have looked at the manual for the Dometic model power awning and can't seem to find the answer to this question. There are two knobs, one on each arm. I do loosen the knob by the door and bring in the arm for water drain off. Then tighten until time to bring it back in. The knob on the other arm is harder to reach without a ladder. So was wondering if other owners tightened that knob after extension also, then loosened before retracting? On my manual model, I loosened before extending and tightened when extended. Do we do the same with the power awning or does it matter? I would imagine that if you have a breeze but not strong enough to bring the awning in, that tightening the knob would solidify the entire awning and keep it from moving. I do keep the knobs loose when retracting but don't now tighten them when fully retracted because they are unreachable. Would like your opinions.

 

[donr827]

I think it would be a good idea to buy a short ladder that will store easily to reach things just out of reach.
Don

 

[danemayer]

A follow-up on this question from Oregon Camper. I have looked at the manual for the Dometic model power awning and can't seem to find the answer to this question. There are two knobs, one on each arm. I do loosen the knob by the door and bring in the arm for water drain off. Then tighten until time to bring it back in. The knob on the other arm is harder to reach without a ladder. So was wondering if other owners tightened that knob after extension also, then loosened before retracting?

Our awning when extended is almost horizontal. So sometimes I'll pull the arms down and tighten the knobs to lock it in position at a downward angle. I need a short ladder or step stool to reach the front knob.

I have never tried to retract the awning with the arms locked down because I don't want to find out the hard way if that's going to cause damage.

When the wind picks up, and the knobs are loose, the fabric gets lifted and dropped, with the motion absorbed by the shock absorbers. When it starts bouncing around, I pull the awning in to prevent damage.

If I had the knobs locked, would it stop the bouncing? Maybe. But I suspect the lift forces would then be applied to the hardware and mounting, without any of the force being absorbed by the shock absorbers.

 

[RVFun4Us]

Our awning when extended is almost horizontal. So sometimes I'll pull the arms down and tighten the knobs to lock it in position at a downward angle. I need a short ladder or step stool to reach the front knob.

I have never tried to retract the awning with the arms locked down because I don't want to find out the hard way if that's going to cause damage.

When the wind picks up, and the knobs are loose, the fabric gets lifted and dropped, with the motion absorbed by the shock absorbers. When it starts bouncing around, I pull the awning in to prevent damage.

If I had the knobs locked, would it stop the bouncing? Maybe. But I suspect the lift forces would then be applied to the hardware and mounting, without any of the force being absorbed by the shock absorbers.

Thanks Dan. Those are some good points. My awning also is fairly horizontal when extended and does not block much of the sun, especially in mid to late afternoon. I will try to lock both knobs after pulling awning down a bit to see if that helps. But as you say, would not want to leave it that way if I was to go somewhere. So under normal situations, I will just do as I am doing now, pull the arm closest to the door down a bit for runoff and lock it. Then leave the other knob loose. That helps in quick retraction also if it does get windy. Thanks again.

 

[SNOKING]

I just finished making a stick to reach the knob. I cut out a round plug larger than the knobs with a hole saw. Then I drilled the center for a 3/8" wood dowel. Then I drill out 5 holes and inserted short dowels that saddle around the knob. So when in a hurry to bring it in I can reach up and loose the knob with my special stick!!! May drill out a 1-1.25" larger dowel to glue on the handle/ground end.

Chris

 

[jmgratz]

You can tip the awning if out during the rain (no wind) to allow the rain to drain off. Also it allows you to tip the awning to block the sun if it is at an angle. Keep in mind the door might hit the awning if tipped too low.

 

[JohnD]

You can tip the awning if out during the rain (no wind) to allow the rain to drain off. Also it allows you to tip the awning to block the sun if it is at an angle. Keep in mind the door might hit the awning if tipped too low.

It will also tip on it's own if it fills up with water . . .