Lippert Solera Awning Arm Repair Advice

[Baldy]

We are at the end of our 2nd season with the Bullet. At the end of August we experienced a sudden microburst wind that seems to have "tweaked" our Lippert Solera awning. The lower part of the arm won't retract (see photo).

None of the awning arm parts look damaged. When I push the un-retracted arm it goes "home" but pops back out. The awning deploys out and retracts back fine. That arm just won't retract all the way.

I could purchase a new gas strut or a new pitch arm. Anybody have a simaliar problem or have a recommended fix? Hate to replace the entire arm assembly at $400+.

Thanks

And we did learn a lesson from this. We will retract our awning anytime we are away from our camper (even if visiting the other people in our party across the road).

[Baldy]

Bump.

Lots of looks, no suggestions. All comments welcome.

Steve

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Baldy

Bump.

Lots of looks, no suggestions. All comments welcome.

Steve

Bumping a thread is not allowed. Please read the community rules, a link can be found at the bottom of every page.

[NH_Bulldog]

Is it both arms or just the one? If only one, I would look at the one that is working okay and see if you can find any difference.

Also, roll the awning all the way out and check that your roller tube is straight and true. This awning has no internal spring and the only thing that moves it in and out is the motor in the forward arm head. If the roller tube is bent, it could be part of the problem.

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Please read the community rules.

My apologies. Appreciate the reminder.

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

Also, roll the awning all the way out and check that your roller tube is straight and true. This awning has no internal spring and the only thing that moves it in and out is the motor in the forward arm head. If the roller tube is bent, it could be part of the problem.

I never considered the possibility that the issue could be related to the roller tube! Thanks for pointing it out and I'll check next time I go to my storage facility.

[jxnbbl]

I can't think of what the problem really is if everything looks fine. Personally I would not replace it. I would unbolt the bottom of the arm, slip a velcro strap in there, rebolt/seal and velcro it tight for travel. (if you can't figure it out). Eventually something else will go wrong and then the $$ can be invested

[jim1]

Hi Baldy check the flat lock washers on all the arms (their the 2 round ones in your picture) If you lost one or it's loose the pin may have wiggled out or twisted. It might be your problem. I've had 2 go missing so now I check them every time it's moved. Not one of there best ideas. $4.00 from Lippert + S&H or $26.50 each from our local RV steeler. Good Luck!

[Baldy]

Originally Posted by jim1

check the flat lock washers on all the arms.

Following up on this post to report the results in case they might help someone else)

Jim1 - thanks for the suggestion. It took me awhile to get out to the storage yard, but I did find some lock nuts "loose". I tightened them up using a C-clamp and a socket that fit over the cap but engaged the flat collar. (You really need 3 hands to get this done). The tweaked gap closed up nicely when everything was tight.

Baldy