
If you're looking to lower your awning on a Fleetwood camper without a rod, you're in the right place. Awnings are a great addition to any campervan, providing shade and protection from light rain. However, they can be tricky to operate and often require specific procedures depending on the type of awning you have. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of lowering your awning safely and effectively, so you can enjoy your camping trip without any hassles.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Steps to lower a manual awning | 1. Release the travel arm locks |
2. Switch the awning to "extend" mode | |
3. Extend the awning | |
4. Extend the support arms | |
5. Raise the awning | |
6. Detach the awning arms and stake into the ground (optional) | |
Steps to lower an electric awning | 1. Release travel locks if necessary |
2. Push the button to extend the awning |
What You'll Learn
Loosen the rafter knobs
To loosen the rafter knobs on your Fleetwood camper awning, follow these steps:
First, locate the black knobs on the back of each awning support arm. These knobs are essential for securing the awning in place, but they need to be loosened to allow the awning to move. Be careful not to unscrew them all the way—just loosen them enough so that the awning arms can move freely. It's also important to tighten these knobs when you're travelling to prevent them from becoming loose and falling off.
Once the rafter knobs are loosened, you can proceed to the next steps of lowering your awning. Remember to always refer to your awning's owner's manual for specific instructions, as different models may have unique requirements.
After loosening the knobs, the next step is to release the travel locks on both support arms. These locks hold the two arms together, and they can be released by squeezing the support tabs until you hear a click. On some models, you might need to swing the release tabs up instead of squeezing them.
Now that the travel locks are released, you can use your awning rod to switch the ratchet mechanism to the "roll-down" position. The ratchet mechanism is a directional lever located at the front end of the awning. Remember that applying the right amount of pressure is crucial to prevent snapping or jamming the lever.
With the ratchet mechanism in the correct position, you're almost ready to lower your awning. Just a few more steps to go!
The next step is to roll out the awning. Use your awning rod to hook the black pull strap and pull it straight out, opening the awning as you move backward slowly. Depending on your awning model, you might need to turn the awning rod counter-clockwise to extend it fully. Be cautious of wind shear, which can interfere with this process and cause the awning to jam.
If you encounter any issues while rolling out the awning, don't panic. Get a partner to help by having them loosen the awning opening while you continue to unroll it. Working together should get things back on track.
Now that the awning is fully extended, it's time to secure it in place. For spring-loaded awnings, slide the rafter arms up and lock them into position. You can then press down on the arms to add tension and tighten the bolts on each arm, ensuring the fabric stays taut and doesn't buckle in the wind.
And there you have it! You've successfully loosened the rafter knobs and lowered your Fleetwood camper awning. Remember to always refer to your awning's manual for specific instructions, and if you encounter any issues, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a professional or a knowledgeable friend.
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Release the travel locks
To release the travel locks on your Fleetwood camper awning, start by locating the support tabs on the awning. These tabs are what hold the two support arms together. Next, squeeze the support tabs. You should hear a click, indicating that the travel locks have been released. On some models, you may need to swing the release tabs up to undo them instead of squeezing. Once you've released the travel locks, you can proceed to switch the ratchet mechanism to the roll-down position and roll out the awning using the awning rod.
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Switch the ratchet mechanism to roll-down
To lower the awning on your Fleetwood camper without a rod, you'll need to switch the ratchet mechanism to the roll-down position. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
Locate the Ratchet Mechanism: The ratchet mechanism is typically located at the end of the awning, closest to the front of your Fleetwood camper. It's a directional lever that controls the movement of the awning.
Use a Tool to Switch the Mechanism: Since you don't have an awning rod, you'll need to use an alternative tool. A common solution is to use a hockey stick with a bent nail at the end. You can also look for a long, thin object that can reach the ratchet mechanism and has a hook or similar feature to catch the lever.
Be Gentle and Cautious: Remember to be gentle when switching the ratchet mechanism to avoid damaging the lever or your tool. It's also important to be cautious when dealing with the awning, as sudden releases or incorrect operations can cause the awning to roll up forcefully and potentially cause injury or damage.
Secure the Awning: Once the ratchet mechanism is in the roll-down position, you can proceed with lowering the awning. Follow the standard procedure for your Fleetwood camper model to secure the awning in the lowered position. This may involve using straps or locks to keep the awning in place.
By following these steps, you should be able to switch the ratchet mechanism to the roll-down position and successfully lower the awning on your Fleetwood camper without a rod. Always prioritize your safety and refer to your camper's manual for specific instructions related to your model.
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Roll out the awning
To roll out the awning of your Fleetwood camper, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, make sure you have an awning rod or pole, which should have been included with your RV purchase. This is a crucial tool for opening and closing your awning.
Before you begin, ensure that your RV is parked, levelled, and stabilised, and check that the awning has enough clearance to extend fully without any obstructions.
Now, let's get started:
Step 1: Loosen the Rafter Knobs
Locate the black knobs on the back of each awning support arm and loosen them. Be careful not to unscrew them all the way, just loosen them enough so that the awning arms can move.
Step 2: Release the Travel Locks
These tabs hold the two awning arms together. Squeeze the support tabs to release them, and you should hear a click indicating they've been unlocked. On some models, you may need to swing the release tabs up instead.
Step 3: Switch to "Roll Down" Position
Using your awning rod, switch the ratchet mechanism to the "roll down" or "open" position. The ratchet mechanism is a directional lever located at the front end of the awning, closest to the RV.
Step 4: Roll Out the Awning
Use your awning rod to hook the black pull strap on the awning and pull it straight out, rolling out the awning. You can then use your hands to pull the strap and fully extend the awning.
Step 5: Slide and Lock the Rafters
Slide the rafters, or inner arms, up the awning arms to the top. You should hear a click when they lock into place. Ensure the rafter knobs are loose enough for the arms to slide easily. You can use WD-40 to keep the rafters lubricated.
Step 6: Tighten the Rafter Knobs
Press down on the awning arms to make the fabric taut, then tighten the black rafter knobs on each arm to keep the rafters locked in position. Make sure to tighten both sides of the awning.
Step 7: Raise the Awning
Using the handles on each awning arm, lift and raise the awning to your desired height. If you're doing this alone, raise one side a little at a time. If you have a helper, you can raise both sides simultaneously.
And that's it! You've successfully rolled out the awning on your Fleetwood camper. Now you can enjoy the shade and protection from light rain that your awning provides. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model and take the necessary precautions when setting up and using your awning.
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Raise the awning
To raise the awning on your Fleetwood camper, you must first ensure that your camper is levelled and stabilised. Once this is done, follow these steps:
For a manual awning:
- Loosen the rafter knobs on both awning support arms. These knobs are located at the back of each awning arm and should be loosened so that the awning arms can move.
- Release the travel locks on both support arms. To do this, squeeze the support tabs on the awning. You may also need to swing the release tabs up to undo them.
- Switch the ratchet mechanism to the "roll-down" position. The ratchet mechanism is a directional lever located on the end of the awning closest to the front of the RV. Use your awning rod to switch the lever.
- Roll out the awning using the awning rod. Hook the black pull strap on the awning with your rod and pull it straight out. You can use your hands to pull the strap the rest of the way until the awning is fully extended.
- Slide the rafters (inner arms) up the awning arms and lock them into place. You should hear a click when they are locked.
- Tighten the rafter knobs on each rafter to keep the rafters locked in place.
- Raise the awning to the desired height using the handles on each arm. If you are alone, it is best to raise the awning a little at a time on each side.
For an electric awning:
- Ensure that there are no travel locks engaged.
- Push the "Extend" button to roll out the awning to your desired length.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to purchase an awning rod to open your manual awning. This is a necessary tool to switch the awning to "extend" mode.
You will need an awning rod to close your manual awning. Use the rod to switch the lever back to "retract" mode.
If your Fleetwood has an electric awning, you can open it by pushing the "extend" button.