In today's popular RV life and camping culture, RV awnings are no longer just an optional accessory. However, with the increase in frequency of use or the diversity of the use environment (wind, sand, rain, sunlight, high temperature), even the strongest RV awnings may have some minor problems. At this time, mastering the basic knowledge of troubleshooting can not only allow you to calmly deal with emergencies, but also effectively extend the life of the equipment and reduce the cost of subsequent maintenance.
一,Why is Troubleshooting important?
Many people pay attention to the function and price when buying the caravan manual roll-out awnings. Only after using them do they realize that whether the RV roll-out manual awnings are durable is closely related to daily use and troubleshooting. Trouble shooting is not just a "repair", but also a "prevention".
1. Ensure that your outdoor experience is not interrupted
Imagine that when you are preparing to enjoy an outdoor barbecue in a forest camp, the trailer roll-out manual awning cannot be unfolded; or it suddenly gets stuck and cannot be retracted on a rainy day. It is not only embarrassing, but may also affect the subsequent plans. Mastering the ability to troubleshoot can minimize the risk of interruptions to your plans.
2. Prevent small issues from becoming big problems
Most RV awning problems start out as minor problems, such as a slight jam, loose arms, or a handle crank that's a bit hard to turn. But if ignored, over time, it can lead to more serious consequences, such as fabric tearing, tube breakage, and bracket breakage, resulting in expensive repair costs or even replacement of the entire set.
3. Reduce after-sales and maintenance costs
Mastering basic troubleshooting and repair skills, many problems can be solved by users themselves, such as lubrication, tightening, adjustment, cleaning, etc. , which not only saves time but also reduces unnecessary after-sales service expenses.
二,Common problems and solutions for Awnlux RV roll-out manual awnings
Although each brand or model of RV roll-out manual awning may be slightly different, their basic structure and working principle are roughly the same, and common problems are also universal. The following uses Awnlux as an example to list the most common types of faults that users encounter when using RV roll-out manual awnings and the corresponding troubleshooting and handling suggestions:
Troubleshooting when installing Awnlux camper roll-out manual awnings:
- Measurement and installation method
Usually, the size of the RV roll-out manual awning is calculated from the center of the left arm to the center of the right arm. However, during actual installation, we calculate the installation length from the edge of the left arm to the edge of the right arm, as shown in the figure awning total width (upper).
When measuring the installation size of the RV awning, please note that the arm should avoid obstacles such as windows, doors, lights and storage room hatches when installing, and ensure that the awning roller is at a certain distance from the door, and ensure that the RV awning has a certain inclination angle with the door when the RV roll-out manual awning is opened, and the fabric will not rub against the door.
Refer to the product manual diagrams, awning size calculation chart, as well as the installation video to mark all installation locations.
Installation video:
- How to put torsion to the spring
For most brands of the RV roll-out manual awning, the torsion springs are pre-tensioned before shipment. After you receive it, you can simply install the arms and connect them to the roller tube to start using it.
However, if the awning spring loses tension or fails and needs to be replaced, you must remove the old spring and pre-load the new spring with torsion before installation. Here is a step-by-step guide for pre-loading and installing the spring:
- First, remove the old spring and insert the new spring into the roller tube in the same position
- Pre-load the torsion on both the left and right springs based on your favorite method
Situation 1. If you like to apply torsion by opening the fabric, please apply 15 full turns of torsion to both the left and right springs. After achieving the tension, lock the spring using a retaining pin, then connect the RV awning arms to the roller tube.
Situation 2. If you like to roll up the fabric and apply torsion from the roof, please apply 7 full turns of torsion to both springs. Lock the spring with the pin and connect the arms to the roller tube.
Note: Different brands of RV roll-out manual awnings have different requirements for different numbers of torsion turns. For the specific and exact number of turns, please refer to the user manual.
If there is no user manual, you can apply torque according to our recommendations for the above number of turns. For specific replacement methods, please refer to Awnlux YouTube Video:
RV manual roll-out awning cannot retract automatically or fully after extension.
Analysis reason: insufficient spring elasticity
Solution: Reapply torsion to the spring
Operation steps
Step 1:Fully extend the awning to its maximum position. Insert the locking pin, then detach the support arms.
Step 2:Remove the pin to completely release the spring tension.
Step 3:Reapply 15 full turns of torsion to both the left and right springs, then reinsert the locking pin.
Step 4:Reconnect the roller tube to the arms, then remove the pin and retest whether the elastic force is restored. If the tension is still weak, the spring may be worn out and needs to be replaced. Please refer to the video:
Caravan roll-out manual awning arms cannot fold in properly
Analysis reason: the fabric is misaligned, or the roller tube and arms are not installed perpendicular to each other, resulting in a non-rectangular structure.
Solution:
Step 1: Use a level or a ruler to measure the horizontal and vertical angles between the roller tube and the arms. Ensure the roller tube is installed in the center of two arm brackets, and that the fabric is also centered on the roller tube.
Step 2: If it is found that it is not level and centered enough, please readjust the installation position.
三,Tips for using RV roll-out manual awnings (prevention is better than repair)
Although it is important to master troubleshooting, good usage habits and daily maintenance are the fundamental way to reduce the occurrence of problems. Here are a few simple but very practical operating tips we have summarized:
1. Observe the weather before use
Although the RV roll-out manual awning can block wind and rain, it is not a strong wind device. If the wind force is above level 4 or the weather is unstable, it is recommended not to use the off-road awning for the time being, or ensure that it is reinforced with wind straps to avoid accidents.
2. Keep it dry before retracting
The fabric is mostly coated material. If it is rolled up while damp, it is easy to prone to mold, stickiness and even discoloration. Be sure to dry it in the sun and clean the dirt before retracting it, or at least dry the main moisture when conditions permit.
3. Follow the proper operating sequence
It is recommended to read the instructions or watch the installation video before the first installation or use, and follow the steps to unfold and retract to avoid incorrect operation causing parts to get stuck or the fabric to be damaged.
4. Regular inspection and cleaning
It is recommended to conduct a comprehensive inspection every 1-3 months to check whether the screws are loose, whether the fabric is damaged, and whether the arm has signs of shaking. If necessary, perform simple maintenance, such as scrubbing the surface of the fabric, spraying lubricating oil, etc.
Conclusion: When you encounter a problem, don't panic. Follow the methods we provide to check one by one. In most cases, you can quickly find the cause and solve it yourself. If you have more complex technical problems, you are also welcome to contact our Awnlux after-sales service team. We are always willing to provide intimate support to every customer.